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Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: Dreamscometrue2020 on June 23, 2021, 11:49:31 AM

Title: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: Dreamscometrue2020 on June 23, 2021, 11:49:31 AM
Has anyone ran under 10 seconds and been able to use a vintage yet up-to-date open face helmet with vintage respirators and goggles we were thinking about running bracket mostly test and tune and just completing the old look and keep in the car if need be under 12 seconds I know every track may have a different opinion but just wondering if it can be done
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: Calkins on June 23, 2021, 12:01:08 PM
That is a track by track and case by case basis.  You need to talk to your tech guy at the track, and get his blessing.  By the rules, no open face helmet is allowed in an open car, period.  I have gotten the ok from local tracks to use a breather mask.
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: janjon on July 10, 2021, 02:00:25 AM
Got this for the same reasons and effect as you, haven't been to the track with it yet.
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: Dreamscometrue2020 on March 22, 2022, 06:36:46 PM
Awesome, thanks
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on March 24, 2022, 05:16:26 PM
As long as we're on the subject of safety let me state that my track allows me to run without a floor pan between my legs and an auto trans.

At Indy - Nuttna!
I had to install a floor pan before I raced. Even with the requisite trans shield and flywheel guards installed. Fortunately I had one already made.
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: hotrodpete on March 26, 2022, 04:45:19 AM
Frenchtown, do you mean floor pan under the car or trans or a pan separating you from the trans?
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on March 26, 2022, 10:13:31 AM
Frenchtown, do you mean floor pan under the car or trans or a pan separating you from the trans?

There has to be a metal tunnel cover completely isolating the transmission from the driver's compartment. The only other option was to wear a complete Top Fuel driving suit instead. I knew of the rule when I built the car, but the foot clearance between the frame rails and the trans was so tight that I elected to race without the tunnel in place. More room to move my size 13 driving shoe. Mine is held in place with Dzus buttons, with a piece of PigMat sandwiched under it since I cannot see the transmission with the tunnel in place.

Sorry for the hijack of the thread, but safety regs can be a stumbling block, be it helmet design or other stuff.
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: wideopen231 on March 26, 2022, 03:02:59 PM
I would love to find one of these set ups , even if just for shows. I have found them but the cost is far from in budget for show item. They do look cool as xxxx.
Title: Re: Vintage helmet and respirators
Post by: Calkins on April 11, 2022, 06:35:38 AM
Brendan Murry is the only place you will find one that has any protection value at all.  He has Simpson make them from original patterns.  I ordered one from him years ago.  I told him I would be using it in a FED, so he had Simpson add a few layers of CarbonX in it for me.  At that time, Brendan was still using a mask in Nostalgia Top Fuel.  He will tell you that he is Simpson's live action test dummy.  You aren't going to find very many drivers that have been on fire in a FED as much as he has.

Keep your money in the racer pool, and order from Brendan.  He is a great guy, and can usually find anything you need, at a reasonable price.

http://www.racecarparts.com/listings.php?id=9 (http://www.racecarparts.com/listings.php?id=9)