DIY: Building a racing simulator using old Fiat Palio parts

The best thing about the simulator is that I get to relive at least some part of the old days of my Fiat Petra.

BHPian 123.rishabh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This post dates back to 2017 when the thought of building a racing simulator came to my mind.

I had taken part in the prelim rounds of Nissan Gran Turismo Academy in 2015, which made me experience the amazing Logitech G27 racing wheel on an F1-styled seat in combination with a PS3 and a 6 speed MT.

Thought of getting a Logitech G27 but with a twist and add some creativity to it.

Since I had started to drive on a Fiat Petra 1.6 EL, so planned to create a driving simulator that had the theme of the same spec vehicle so that I can treasure it in my bedroom.

So basically this was a project which had the focus on form more than function.

Search for a similar spec Palio GTX/Petra started.

The aim was to get the following things:

• Grey/Black dashboard (Pre Palio NV cars)
• Silver backed instrument cluster with tachometer (Palio 1.6 GTX/S10/Petra 1.6 specific)
• Center console with defogger & fog light buttons
• Specific driver seat upholstery (Palio/Petra 2003-2005 models)

Hunting down these parts was a pain, as most scrap cars were 1.2 Palio models. After some searching, finally found the dash stuff out of a 2002 Palio 1.6 GTX & the clean seat from a super rare 2004 Palio 1.9D Safety Pack.

Wrapped the seat in a cling film as it was literally like a brand new one.

Post this procurement, the designing & fabrication of the body for the simulator started.

• Firstly, I cut the dashboard in half in order to save space & make the setup compact.
• Secondly, used a mild steel setup for the fabrication part & a checkered plate in the base (Pedal location).
• Thirdly, designed it in such a way that the screen can be swivelled 90 degrees so that it can be used otherwise for playing other games as well when not on the seat.

Post all the fabrication process, I gave it a good sanding & a spray of red oxide primer followed by black paint & clear coat.

Installed a VU 32-inch screen & connected the setup to my PS3 & Alienware.

Also, with help of a friend, connected the lights of the IC, Dashboard & digital clock to a 12V adapter for better aesthetics.

Below are the pics of the completed project after installation in my room.

The ergonomics of the whole setup are definitely not the best (vs professional setups), but since it has been built as per my dimensions so I and even other friends of similar build are able to fit in easily & have a good experience overall & the best part is that I get to relive at least some part of the old days of my Fiat Petra.

And last but not the least, special thanks to my Safari which helped me haul this heavy set up right from the scrap guys to the raw material guys to the welder to the painter & finally home.

Here's what BHPian Dwaipayan26 had to say about the matter:

Wow! This was an amazing build. Hope to make something like this very soon.

Thanks a ton. Really helpful.

Here's what BHPian indrasis_gun had to say about the matter:

I am looking for setting up a sim driving set up in my home. I am absolutely a newbie. May I please know, which are the required things to purchase? I want a shifter as well.

I will use the setup to teach preliminary driving to my dad and mom and can use myself for sim racing as well as sim driving. I have a budget of approximately 1 lac except for the PC.

• Name of the required parts
• Suggested sim driving (not racing) games for PC

Thanks in advance.

Here's what BHPian Siddarth_Ramani had to say about the matter:

Holy smokes! That's a lovely build. I plan to do a similar setup with the Ritz dashboard, I love its tacho-speedo setup. Is it possible to use the original steering wheel somehow?

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