How to Repurpose an Electric Car Seat for Your Sim Racing Setup
If you’ve ever dreamed of a sim racing rig that’s both budget-friendly and high-quality, repurposing an electric car seat might just be the ultimate hack. Not only do these seats provide comfort and adjustability, but they’re also readily available and can add a touch of authenticity to your setup.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through how I turned a $50 electric car seat into the perfect addition to my sim rig using an old PC power supply.
Why Use an Electric Car Seat?
Car seats, especially electric ones, offer:
- Adjustable Positioning: Perfect for dialing in your driving position.
- Durability: Designed to withstand years of use.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many great options are available for under $100.
I picked up a 2007 Subaru Legacy seat from Facebook Marketplace for just $50. It was in great condition and had all the features I needed for my sim rig.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what I used to repurpose my seat:
- Electric Car Seat – Find one that suits your comfort and style.
- PC Power Supply – A repurposed desktop power supply can deliver the 12V needed for the seat’s motors.
- Breakout Board – Simplifies the wiring and allows for easy connections.
- Basic Tools: Screwdrivers, wire strippers, and a multimeter.
- Safety Supplies: Heat shrink tubing and electrical tape for safe wiring.
Step 1: Test the Seat
Before diving into the wiring, test the seat’s motors. Using a 12V battery or similar power source, identify which wires control the seat’s movements. This step helps you isolate unnecessary systems like airbags or seatbelt sensors.
Step 2: Set Up the Power Supply
A PC power supply is ideal for this project because it delivers the necessary voltage and amperage. Follow these steps:
- Modify the Power Supply: Remove it from the computer and identify the 12V lines (yellow wires) and ground (black wires).
- Use a Breakout Board: While optional, a breakout board makes connections cleaner and safer.
- Test the Output: Use a multimeter to ensure the correct voltage is delivered before connecting the seat.
Step 3: Wire the Seat
- Connect the seat’s power input to the 12V output of the power supply.
- Ground the seat to the power supply’s black wire.
- Test each motor function to confirm the connections are correct.
Step 4: Mount the Seat
Once the seat is functional, mount it securely to your sim rig base. Use sturdy brackets or a custom-made frame to ensure stability during use.
Safety Tips
- Avoid Overloading the Power Supply: Ensure your seat doesn’t exceed the supply’s amperage.
- Insulate Exposed Wires: Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to cover all connections.
- Skip Airbag Wiring: Leave out unnecessary systems to avoid complications.
Final Thoughts
Repurposing an electric car seat is a fantastic way to elevate your sim racing experience without breaking the bank. With a bit of patience and some basic DIY skills, you’ll have a comfortable, adjustable seat that rivals high-end rigs.
Have you tried this project, or do you have questions? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experiences or help you troubleshoot!
