Fire suits. Where to purchase?

[seanm]

Need a fire suit for the Ohio mile for 2012. Who and where is a good place to order from? Looking for a SFI 20 suit. What options should be added? Is one better than the other? More comfortable etc? Is there a preferred combo of underwear, gloves and suit?

Thanks

Sean

[miketblsr]

Do yourself a favor and call Joe Timney at Delaware Chassis Works. 302-378-3013

[Bob Holmes]

I prefer the CarbonX underwear, I have purchased the low cost G-force and also the far more expensive Sparco suits. You definitely get what you pay for. You can find some nice package deals with some of the sanctioning body vendors. I know that 24 hours of LeMons site has a nice package through one of their vendors.

Shop around, but don't skimp.

[Dynoroom]

A 3-2 20 suit is the same basic suit used in top fuel racing so you have an idea of what it'll be. Not every supplier of driving suits make a 20 so that will narrow the field some. A couple of things you need to ask yourself is do you want a 1 or 2 piece. A 2 piece is one of the easiest to get around in but if you are in a lay back type chassis it can leave your lower back exposed. I would have the maker add a "flap" on the lower back of the top. This can be tucked in as you are beltd into the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is where you race at. Mile tracks can have help to you very quickly so nomex underware is okay and what I consider a minimum. At Bonneville you might be a minute or more if you're in big trouble so Carbon X is that much more protection. Run the best stuff you can afford because when you need it you really need it.

[seanm]

Joe is on my list of people to call. Any other good sources?

Going to buy the best I can afford and still make the races next year.

Have borrowed a 3-2 20 2 piece before and it worked fine, running a regular door car. Going to run the Ohio mile. Would also like to try the salt and Loring, but no definite plans to do so at this time.

Thanks

[Stich496]

what size and inseem

[seanm]

Tall by superfat, LOL. Probably a 3-4XL by 32-34". Extra tall on the jacket. Figure it will need to be made to fit.

[YELLA BRICK]

Just like building a roll cage, you build 'em to work only once. That one time when your world turns upside down. Same with personal safety gear, it needs to work VERY well only once. The best you can buy head to toe is still cheaper than a single day in a burn center......

[seanm]

Preaching to the choir. Spent some unpleasant days in a burn unit with a vent. Looking to prevent that from ever happening again.

[DanStokes]

Something to consider - if the suit needs to be altered - BUY NOMEX THREAD! Sounds dumb but people don't think of that and the seamstress (sower?) isn't going to have it. Can't remember the source but I Googled for it and found it in many colors w/no problem. A dear friend gave me his old suit as their team went up in cert and, having no legs, I need to get the pants shortened (27" inseam!). As you only wear it for a short time it doesn't have to fit like a tux but it CAN'T get in your way, either. I'm making it fit me and as I'm sort of an odd size it won't fit very many others who might want to take the car down but that's just how it has to be.

It's a little pricey to have it done (shortened, anyhow) as the cuffs have to be moved up and you can't just hack off the legs like with a regular pair of pants. Worth it in any case. I'm still looking for someone I trust to do it here in Wilmington as few of the seamstresses speak English well and I'm worried that they'll screw it up.

Dan

[Joe Timney.]

Firesuits need to be modified by the manufacturer. It is just your life!!!

[DanStokes]

Thanks for the input, Joe. I called G-Force (maker of my suit) and the person I spoke with was OK with it being modified locally as long as it's done correctly - right thread, cuffs moved, etc. So I ordered the thread but I'm sure you're right - having them do it has got to be the maximum likelihood of being done correctly. The only reason I thought of having it done here is so the seamstress could mark everything with me in it, therefore assuring a better chance of a good fit.

Dan

[greenjunk]

Thanks for the input, Joe. I called G-Force (maker of my suit) and the person I spoke with was OK with it being modified locally as long as it's done correctly - right thread, cuffs moved, etc. So I ordered the thread but I'm sure you're right - having them do it has got to be the maximum likelihood of being done correctly. The only reason I thought of having it done here is so the seamstress could mark everything with me in it, therefore assuring a better chance of a good fit.

Dan

That would most certainly void the SFI TAG. Thanks for posting it though, that way when i tech your car I can deny your modified gear

[rightpedal]

Aw come on.... the Camaro is only besting the Celebrity by a couple mph. That thing is up to what 112? I can stop, drop, and roll faster.

Sorry Dan I couldn't help my self.

Steve

[Joe Timney.]

Pants that fit= $175 new.