What will hold the driver better in a car with a rollbar.

1) Racing shell with stock seat belt.

2) Stock seats with 5point harness.

I understand a comination of the two would be best, but if you were to choose between these two, which one would be better.

 

Harnesses.

Warren

 

This is surprisingly bad. 99% of the true race shells (we're not talking about two-piece reclining seats) will hold the lap belt well away from your pelvis, since you can't thread the belt properly through the holes. I ran a 6pt harness on my OEM seats for autocross and track time and they hold very well. If you're sticking with the OEM seat, I might suggest a 6pt rather than a 5pt since it's easier to mount the twin sub belt.

 

How would the 6pt be easier with the twin sub belt? Im guessing i can use the factory holes made for the seat mount on each side?

I guess what I'm saying is..with the 6pt i wouldnt need to drill holes right?


[Modified by itr501, 8:28 AM 6/21/2002]

 

Right. There's nothing in the middle of the floor pan of most cars that would allow you to mount the single sub belt. With the 6pt, the sub belts are supposed to be spread out, so you can mount them to the rear seat mounting holes, or to the same holes you used for the lap belt mounting.

 

alright i will get a 6point...now I'm seeing different types. there is a H type and a individual type. I want to use the rear shoulder belt mount bolt to fasten my shoulder harnesses.

In order to save some money, I'm looking at this brand called G-Force. There latch-link system is alot cheaper than the camlock. Is the latch link that much worse than the camlock? I'm sure some people can put on a latch just as fast? How much longer is it to take off? Side-effects?

 

The "H" type harness typically has a cross strap between the shoulder straps as they go back. It is for people who run longer than normal shoulder straps, it it serves to keep the straps held together. I wouldn't get one, since you always have the option of adding something like that later, but you can't take it off if it comes with one. As for the cam lock vs. latch, they are equally safe. You can get out of both very quickly, it just takes some extra time to buckle the latch compared to the cam lock.

As for mounting the shoulder straps, the cross brace of the main hoop of the roll bar/cage is the standard mounting point. The rear shoulder belt mount bolt is off to the side, which is bad, and it's a longer run for the straps which allows them to stretch more during impact.

 

Please don't install a harness without also installing a cage or harness bar!

Proper mounting points are essential in order to avoid spinal twisting. If you like to use your legs (walking, etc.) please use harnesses properly!

If you are financially constrained then try this trick: after you fasten your seatbelt, allow a couple of seconds for the mechanism to set. Then pull the shoulder strap across your body firmly (but gently) until you are very tight in the seat. Finally, give the shoulder strap a very quick, sharp, short tug to set the belt. Many seatbelts will respond to this by holding the shoulder belt in this position until the buckle is released.

-Tom

 

ITR501: I haven't seen you at the autocorsses lately. Are you doing more track events or something?