Harness Questions

old_skul · 03-19-2003, 03:38 PM

Okay, some questions for you guys who've already put harnesses in your cars.

The plan is to install the G-Force 3" harnesses I purchased in my Targa. I have a harness bar on the way, and the shoulder harnesses are planned to go across the bar and actually anchor at the rear seat belt mount points. The sub belt will mount below the seat, probably in the rear somewhere, and come up between the seat halves somehow; or perhaps come around front. I have stock power seats.

Two questions. First, will my shoulder harnesses reach all the way from the rear mount points, over the harness bar, and down my front? That's a looooong stretch.

Second: Where can I get longer bolts? The ones I have for the inside portion of the lap belts are too short to accomodate both the harness anchor and the stock seat belts. Also, can I safely use the stock seat belt mounts, or do I have to weld in anchors? I'm not planning on road racing, just AX and DE events.

Lothar · Lothar's Garage

Mark,

A harness bar is used only to maintain the proper angle as the shoulder straps exit the seat back. Many people bolt into the rear seatbelt hard points. They are extremely secure. You will have to check on the length of the shoulder straps to insure adequate length. I don't think there is usually a difference in price if you go with the long straps.

However, I must continue my mantra regarding 5 and 6 pt harnesses and roll bars:

If you wear a 5 or 6 pt harness without a roll bar over your hear, you will not be able to move laterally in the event of a rollover. Your head will become the highest thing in the car below a rapidly descending roof. You would stand a better chance of avoiding injury or worse with a 3 pt shoulder belt. I view harness bars as being just plain hazardous. I would trade the harness bar for a roll bar.

old_skul · 03-19-2003, 06:11 PM

It's a Targa, Lothar. Roll bar's built in.

And I'm fairly sure the belts I have will reach. I checked this evening with the harness bolted in using the stock bolts.

Lothar · Lothar's Garage

Mark,

I do not believe that PCA or SCCA exempt targa body cars from their roll bar requirements. I admit that I know very little about the construction of targas. Can you enlighten me? I know a gentleman with a 914 who does time trials. He is required to have a roll bar in his car.

I didn't mean to jump on you. It has been my crusade since I realized the dangers of harness bars. I certainly believe that harness bars should not be permitted at high performance driving schools. While my evidence is largely anecdotal, the incidents that I have seen documented on this board and on Rennlist seem to indicate greater survivability with a 3 pt. shoulder belt.

Wil Ferch · 03-20-2003, 04:25 AM

Shoulder harnesses come in basically two lengths...long ( ~ 75 ") and short ( ~48"). Get the long ones.
OG Racing has 7/16-20 pitch eye-bolts that fit the seat belt mounting threads in various lengths.
Also see my tech article on racing harness installation for dual purpose cars on the Rennlist Tech section, which might answer a number of concerns you have ...or might still have.
---Wil Ferch