A sim racing cockpit usually comes as a flat pack kit. In the box you find aluminium profiles, steel brackets, a wheel mount, bolts, T nuts, tools and an assembly guide. The seat, the seat slider, the wheelbase, the pedals and the screen are almost always sold separately, so check that list before you order.
That sounds simple, but many first time buyers expect a complete rig in one box. So let us open the box together and look at every part, what it does and what you still need to add.
What is inside a typical cockpit box?
A cockpit kit has a few clear groups of parts, and each group has its own job.
Aluminium profiles
The profiles form the frame. They are long aluminium bars with T slots along every side. You slide bolts into those slots, so you mount the wheel deck, the pedal plate and the seat exactly where you want them. The size of the profile tells you a lot. A 40 x 40 mm profile is compact and light. A 40 x 160 mm profile is four times as tall and much stiffer under load.
Brackets and mounting plates
Brackets connect the profiles at the corners. Mounting plates hold your hardware. On a good kit these parts are made of metal and are matched to the frame size, because the joints carry the forces from your wheel and your brake pedal.
Bolts, T nuts and tools
Every kit comes with a bag of bolts, T nuts and washers. Most brands also add the hex keys you need. Sort them on a towel before you start. That simple step saves a lot of searching later.
SIMGASM | Hobby Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
What comes with a SIMGASM cockpit?
SIMGASM lists the contents of every cockpit on the product page, so you know exactly what arrives at your door.
Each aluminium sim racing cockpit from SIMGASM includes the aluminium profiles, the structural chassis brackets, the wheel mount you pick at checkout, the assembly hardware and tools, white assembly gloves and the assembly guide. The cockpit also includes a side profile arm for a shifter or handbrake. On the Hobby and Club this is the Core arm. On the Sport and Pro it is the Apex arm, and those two tiers also get a heel rest and rubber feet in the box.
The four frames differ in size. The Hobby uses a 40 x 40 mm main profile and measures 500 x 1270 x 580 mm. The Club moves to 40 x 80 mm. The Sport uses 40 x 120 mm, and the Pro uses 40 x 160 mm with heavy duty steel reinforcement at the critical mounting points. All four come with the standard SIMGASM warranty of two years.
Why the wheel mount choice matters
The wheel mount is the one part you choose yourself. A Bottom Mount covers supported underside patterns from brands like Logitech, Fanatec, MOZA, Thrustmaster, SIMAGIC, Simucube, Asetek and VRS. A Side Mount covers supported Fanatec, MOZA and SIMAGIC models. A Front Mount suits supported Simucube and VRS bases, and there is a dedicated Asetek Front Mount. Always check the live selector on the product page before you order.
SIMGASM | Club Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
What is not in the box?
This is the part that surprises most new sim racers, so it gets its own section.
The seat is not included. SIMGASM sells seats in a separate range, for example the seats in the Core sim racing seats collection. The seat slider is also an extra. Add the dual locking seat slider when more than one person drives the rig, or when you want to move the seat quickly.
Your wheelbase, steering wheel, pedals, shifter, handbrake, screen and monitor stand stay separate too. Motion hardware is never included. In short, the cockpit is the foundation, and you build your own setup on top of it.
Accessories you might add later
Many drivers start with the frame and add parts over time. Think of a keyboard tray, caster wheels or a monitor mount. You find these in the sim racing accessories range. Because the frame uses T slot profiles, you bolt new parts on without drilling.
SIMGASM | Sport Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
How do you check the box when it arrives?
A short check on delivery day saves stress during the build.
First, lay out all profiles and count them against the parts list in the guide. Next, open the hardware bags and check the bolt sizes. Then look at the anodised surface of each profile. Small marks happen in transport, but deep dents in a slot make mounting harder. If something is missing or damaged, take a photo and contact the seller right away.
At SIMGASM this check starts much earlier. Founder and CEO Johan Akkerman designed and led the development of the complete product range, from the 3D designs to prototype evaluation, production quality control and the final inspection of materials and finishes. Every SIMGASM product is also tested as part of a complete simulator, not as a loose part. That approach helps the parts in your box fit together the first time.
How much space and time does the build take?
Plan both the room and the hours before you open the first bag.
Clear a floor area a bit larger than the frame itself. The Hobby is 1270 mm long, while the Sport and Pro measure 1320 mm. You also need room for the seat and for getting in and out. Our guide on how much space you need for a sim racing cockpit gives you the exact numbers. For the build itself, set aside an afternoon and read how long it takes to build an aluminium cockpit first.
Questions and answers about cockpit box contents
These are the short answers to the questions buyers ask most.
Is a seat included with a sim racing cockpit?
Usually not. SIMGASM sells seats separately, so you pick the seat that fits your body and driving style.
Do I need my own tools?
SIMGASM includes the assembly tools in the box. A torque wrench is a nice extra for the final check, but it is not required.
Is the wheel mount included?
Yes. You choose the Bottom, Front, Side or Asetek Front Mount at checkout, and that mount ships with the cockpit.
What do I need to start driving?
Add a seat, a wheelbase with a wheel, pedals and a screen. Then you have a complete simulator.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
