Racing Harness (Seatbelts)

[That Ozzy Guy]

After doing some tests on my current seatbelts I found that they are very dangerous as the shoulder strap sits too low and past my shoulder edge and below my H point. Simulating a sudden stop my body slides off the seatbelt towards the left. Not the desired effect.

Rather than fixing the current x amount of year old belts I decided to buy a racing harness for both the driver seat and the passanger seat.

I settled on the Racers Choise Inc (RCI) 3" 5 Point Latch type belts.

Btw, Brett, they are on sale now from Rare Spares if you are after a set.

[Z Kid]

Just me, but I always find those race harnesses are too damn restrictive, sure they may save your life, but have you ever tried going throgh a drive through with yourself pinned to the seat, even reching some of the dash controls may be hard. I am personally really fond of the lap belts, so free and easy. I guess its a compromise, safer in a crash means pain in the arse till you crash Where will you mount them george, remembering you need to keep the mount point at the same height as your shoulders, or you get really weird forces in a crash (trying to rip your seat out and shrink your spine)

[That Ozzy Guy]

Originally posted by Z Kid

Where will you mount them george, remembering you need to keep the mount point at the same height as your shoulders, or you get really weird forces in a crash (trying to rip your seat out and shrink your spine)

Good point Chris, wouldn't want my spine shrinked. I'm short enough as it is. I'll leave the mounting up to the experts though.

[Z Kid]

Wow, experts, they should get it right, as long as its not you, a drill and a few mudguard washers, trying to bolt them to the floor in the back.

Remember being strapped to your car inside a rollcage does not make you invincable.

[g260]

Hi George,

How much were those belts? I may be in the market as we have a supersprint on at Wakefield Park on Sunday week the 22/6. The belts I have at the moment are a bit old and I have looked at SAAS and RPM belts so far.

Geoff

[That Ozzy Guy]

Chris, I wouldn't let myself near a car with a drill. Bad things can happen. That and the fact that I've fitted a total of 0 harnesses and wouldn't know the correct mounting rules means I will definately be seeking expert help. I've also got an engineer inspecting the car in two weeks and if he doesn't pass them, well, it defeats the purpose.

Geoff, I got the pair for $320 from Rare Spares. I think they are normally $200 each but don't quote me on that. They are SFI Spec 16.1 so CAMS will pass them for whatever application.

[kmack]

That Ozzy guy,

here is how my harness is set up in my car. I fabricated the mount which ties into existing mounting holes in the body. Pull the interior dog-leg panels and see what I'm talking about. You should see 4 pre-drilled and tapped holes in the body. This is where to mount the bar and it sit right at the correct height.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3564&password=&sort=7&thecat=500

[kmack]

I'm using a 5-point harness just like yours but mine is from Simpson Racing (and just happens to match the paint really well!).

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3565&password=&sort=7&thecat=500

In the photo, the crotch strap is not in, but I have it in the car now. I looped it around the front seat support. It really is only there to keep the buckle in place and from pulling up your stomach too far.

Btw, I bought my harness used for $45. Only because it came from a drag racer and they can not used belts over a certain age (the belts are dated). These are in excellant shape and work well for my purposes (AutoX).

[That Ozzy Guy]

Fantastic. Thanks for that.:classic:

Nice harness. I was looking at the Simpson ones but they are a bit overpriced in Australia. For US$45 that's a good score!

Anyone else got any ideas on mounting positions for the shoulder straps?

[Z Kid]

The best place I have seen them mounted was on a rear strut tower brace (Zoom mag car). That is unless or course you have a full cage with a nice bar you can tie them too?

[nixcars]

g260,

check the Z newzletter, I have both the RPM & SAAS pairs for sale.

Nick.

[Zedrally]

Before you go down this path, make sure that the belt you are replacing is CAMS approved to the relevent standard, else if you take it out on the track you may have a scrut knock you back.

In some states this may also make your vehicle un-roadworthy.

Unless you have a log booked car and intend to do any serious racing or rallying then I would advise you NOT to alter your harness from factory.