I like how my
Saitek pro pedals function but I don't like the actual design of the pedals. I don't want to spend $ on new
Saitek combat pedals... So I came up with a realism on the cheap mod, aka the "
Saitek Pro Pedal RoC mod".
Some wood dowel, aluminum rail, sheet metal, bits of scrap wood, screws, glue, paint and a few hours in the workshop.
The end result are pedals that not only look much more realistic than the stock pro pedals, they are also ergonomically correct for use as aircraft pedals.
Here is a before and after pic. Also one with pedals and my seat together:
Construction:
1) cut 4 wood dowels to 4" length.
2) cut 4 aluminum pedal sides to 6" length.
3) Round ends of aluminum sides.
4) cut 2 sheet metal pieces. 4x8".
5) cut notch in dowels and braces. When brace is installed there should be approx. 1/4" -1/2" gap between brace and sheet metal. This will allow for curving of sheet metal later.
6) using dowel, bend end of sheet metal following curve of dowel as shown.
7) glue and screw braces to dowels
8) slide curved sheet metal over dowel/brace assembly.
9 flip pedal onto its back. Gently hammer curve into pedal as shown.
10) drill holes and screw side rails into dowels.
11) secure sheet metal to dowels with one screw on each end. Place screw where it will be hidden and not felt when using pedals.
12) brush metal
13) remove
Saitek plastic pedal. Push button down and slide pedal up and off.
14) remove bottom portion by removing 6 screws.
15) cut 1/2" wood stock to fit onto the exposed plastic pedal base.
16) cut angled pedal support.
17) trial fit pedal/angled support/wood base for desired angle and position. (The lower the pedal assembly is on the plastic base, the more pressure will be required to depress brakes. This may require weighting the base.)
18) glue/screw angle support to pedal.
19) glue screw angle support/pedal to wood base.
20) shape and sand as required.
21) drill holes thru plastic pedal base at top and bottom. Screw new pedal assembly to plastic base. (Be careful of wires at top of pedal assembly)
22) paint as required.
Some pics during construction: