Need to find solutions for a few bits and bobs. Help!

**cvjoint** · August 22, 2017, 11:50 AM

I've got 4 track days under my belt and I could use some help with the following:
1. The tire shrapnel is beating up the radiator housing, to the point that parts of it broke off. Is there a mesh solution to place ahead of the radiator?
2. There is so much buffeting that my helmet lifts off at speed. I did some searching and the solution might entail some plexiglass screens about the side of a playing card. Anyone done this mod? See the photo below I found online.
3. Any recommendation on a SA2015 helmet that has good aero for open cockpit cars? Buffetting is the only challenge with my current helmet but I'm guessing it would be nice to get a good weather seal around the visor, good venting out the helmet, maybe a gourney?, maybe some radio units to talk to passenger, and some sound proofing.
4. Lost a pin that holds the intake snorkle. Are these universal and if so where do I get them?

http://media.caranddriver.com/ez/ima..._10_zoomed.jpg

Some good discussion from Circuit Motorsports here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/racing-a...-helmet-2.html

**ejo** · August 23, 2017, 07:53 AM

You can use wire mesh found at Home Depot, Lowes, or Ace hardware. Many racers use this on their cars to prevent damage to the radiator. I use the smallest mesh pattern available to screen out small rocks that can puncture the radiator. Some do not like the smaller mesh because in some cases it can reduce the air flow to the rad. I have never had this problem personally.
I don't have any input on a good open cockpit helmet as both of my race cars are enclosed. The most important thing about a helmet is it's quality and comfort. If you ever attend an SCCA event, talk to the guys running in the open wheel groups to get their advice, or search on an open wheel forum to see what they say.
The pins are standard dzus fasteners and can be purchased on line at many race sites like Summit Racing. Just make sure you get the correct size. I am not sure of the size that is used on the snorkel as I just recently purchased my Atom.

**cvjoint** · August 23, 2017, 11:34 AM

TY! The Home Depot mesh idea is the way I'll go unless there is something that's already built to fit. I agree, there is some tradeoff between cooling and debris prevention here but bent radiator fins don't work very well!

I'm starting to think I'm overthinking the helmet and any will do. I've had three entry level helmets so far and I was comfy in all of them.

**Norm** · August 23, 2017, 04:09 PM

I certainly know what you mean about helmet lift, it is so annoying! I sit very high with my head just at the top of the roll hoop and with the helmet over the roll hoop. If it wouldn't look stupid as hell, I would be tempted to print a wing for the helmet, but, wow that would look dumb. My current helmet does have a little wing built in, but, it is rolled to far to the back and no where big enough. After reading your forum link, I am now wondering if all I need to do is print a chin spoiler

**cvjoint** · August 23, 2017, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

I certainly know what you mean about helmet lift, it is so annoying! I sit very high with my head just at the top of the roll hoop and with the helmet over the roll hoop. If it wouldn't look stupid as hell, I would be tempted to print a wing for the helmet, but, wow that would look dumb. My current helmet does have a little wing built in, but, it is rolled to far to the back and no where big enough. After reading your forum link, I am now wondering if all I need to do is print a chin spoiler

Both look a bit silly, no doubt but the Atom is an extreme machine the requires extreme measures! I am going to try the plexiglass option as that was the favorite according to the link.

The bright side is you can fit in the Atom no matter how tall. Lots of people squish their heads to fit in sportscars or take out seat padding.