Another harness question

[greglepore]

What is the collective wisdom regarding the need for a harness bar in a car with slotted seatbacks that aren't necessarily FIA seats-I'm thinking of the DAD's and similar?

[91C2wrencher]

You don't mention what year you have. But, a five point harness is quite dangerous to use with out a "harness bar" device, either that or a roll bar or cage. If you only bolt the belts to the floor boards, on impact the shoulder harness's collapse or crush down on the spine, very bad. The harness bar provides the correct angle for the belts to hold rather than squish you. A harness bar provides nothing more than a place to route belts over.

[greglepore]

I understand the principle behind the need for a harness bar. However, I'm given to believe that with an FIA certified race seat, at least, the bar becomes unecessary as the downward loading can't occur. I'm just wondering if there is any opinion regarding whether the same thought process works for non-certified seats, at least in a car that only sees DE type action.

[Dantilla]

A harness bar is much cheaper than back surgery.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by greglepore
I understand the principle behind the need for a harness bar. However, I'm given to believe that with an FIA certified race seat, at least, the bar becomes unecessary as the downward loading can't occur. I'm just wondering if there is any opinion regarding whether the same thought process works for non-certified seats, at least in a car that only sees DE type action.

I don't believe even the FIA certified seats are "certified" to handle loads in that manner. I.e. the downward loading can occur. The harness is what really holds you in the car during an accident. The seat may break free of the car for example. Sit in a seat with slots and unless you are of small stature, the bottom of the slots is below the tops of your shoulders so even if the seats were made of steel beams spinal compression could occur.

You are doing the right thing asking and researching this for yourself. I was told by a shop that sells harnesses and helmets that it was OK to attach the harnesses directly to the harness bar (a big no-no) so even seemingly knowledgeable vendors may be ignorant.

-Chris

[efhughes3]

A secondary question here: Is there a harness bar available for Targas? It seems they are all designated for coupes.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by efhughes3
A secondary question here: Is there a harness bar available for Targas? It seems they are all designated for coupes.

Yes, Brey Kraus makes one.
-Chris