Bead Seat Suction Pump

[Jbird57]

Question to the group -
If I buy a Bead Seat kit and DIY - what is the suggested suction pump? I'm told a vacuum cleaner will burn up. Harbor Freight sells a pump used for auto A/C suction. Will that work?

All comments welcome.

[DanW]

Yes, the AC vac pump will work. The other alternative is a working refrigerator or freezer compressor free from an appliance repair shop scrap pile. Connect the compressor suction to the bag. I did two bead seats with one.

[SteveG]

If you buy a seat kit from Baldspot, They will lend you a vacuum pump and a hot knife to DIY your seat. A little effort and cost in shipping stuff around made a perfect set for me.

Steve

[pooch776]

I have made a couple bead seats. I like this better. http://www.rollbarpadding.com/product/id-23

I will never go back to a bead seat.

Cheers, Joe

[triumph76]

Agree on the BSCI seat. They are less hassle and you can get out of the car in about 15 minutes.
Just wear an old T-shirt over your suit. If you have a drip or two the stuff does not come out.

Andy

[EYERACE]

A comment and a thank-you/question

1. A BaldSpot bead seat (which is single impact) can be, by BaldSpot, turned into an EPP seat (which is multi-impact)....and depending on one's physical/orthopedic condition and/or car, the EPP is the only way to go.

2. Thank you for mentioning/teaching us the liquid option. Is it considered single or multi ?

[pooch776]

A comment and a thank-you/question

1. A BaldSpot bead seat (which is single impact) can be, by BaldSpot, turned into an EPP seat (which is multi-impact)....and depending on one's physical/orthopedic condition and/or car, the EPP is the only way to go.

2. Thank you for mentioning/teaching us the liquid option. Is it considered single or multi ?

The BSCI seat does NOT require replacement after an impact. So I think the answer to your question is multi.

[Joefisherff]

What size Bald Spots seat kit do you order for a FF seat? Thanks

[isagoodday]

What size Bald Spots seat kit do you order for a FF seat? Thanks

Ordered a Med in a Spectrum for son who is smaller framed 5'9"
(125lbs).

It was the perfect amount, but before we did the seat, I estimated the size to make the bag and rolled it up and taped to to the approx length and width needed.

If we had not done this, could have been easy to picture not having enough as rolling the bag kept it contained in main area. A few times in and out of car to get proper seat level. Went very nice.

We used a shop vac and it ran all night (and kept my daughter up with her room above garage ). Was still running the morning.


Did a lot of trimming after to allow seat to come in and out. Around shift rod...etc. Was nervous, but fairly painless and nice this is you dont feel rushed at all.

[Joefisherff]

Thank you!

[Jbird57]

Thank you!

Thanks to all for the input. I'm thinking BSCI seat now instead of Bead Seat. I'll speak to them on the sizing for Formula Ford - 200lbs driver with gear on.

[BLS]

Thanks to all for the input. I'm thinking BSCI seat now instead of Bead Seat. I'll speak to them on the sizing for Formula Ford - 200lbs driver with gear on.

I refrained from mentioning that figuring you must have looked at it, but IMO it is the best choice - no vac pump, liquid fill, and doesn't take long to set up. Then it also doesn't have to be replaced after an impact.

I have not done it myself, but am planning to do so in the next month or so.

[Jbird57]

I refrained from mentioning that figuring you must have looked at it, but IMO it is the best choice - no vac pump, liquid fill, and doesn't take long to set up. Then it also doesn't have to be replaced after an impact.

I have not done it myself, but am planning to do so in the next month or so.

Thanks for the input - more confirmation of the right choice for me too.