Converting a 4 Point Seat to a 5 Point?

jamesjedi · 05-01-2010, 07:15 PM

Can a 4 point seat be safely converted to a 5 point? I would think that the seat was designed for a 4 point and not a five...but I thought it would be worth a try. I have searched and not found the answer.

THANKS for the help.

SCOTITUDE · 05-01-2010, 07:55 PM

I just did such a thing for a customer on his Lotus. The seat was a 4 pt and we installed a hole and grommet in the bottom to make it a 5 pt. We used this kit just to get an idea.
Elise Seat Grommets.
Just make sure to properly install the sub belt.

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

nice quick fix Scotitude, I was looking at a upholstery shop to mod my recarro's.

jamesjedi · 05-02-2010, 05:30 AM

Would it still pass a PCA tech inspection?

Quicksilver · 05-02-2010, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesjedi

Would it still pass a PCA tech inspection?

It would be fine unless it somehow grossly compromised the structure of the seat.

What kind of seat do you have? Is it a composite shell type or is it an internal frame type?

jamesjedi · 05-02-2010, 07:23 AM

I have a chance to get some Momo seats for a good price. I am not sure how they are put together. They are probably the tubular design.

Pazuzu · 05-02-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTITUDE

I just did such a thing for a customer on his Lotus. The seat was a 4 pt and we installed a hole and grommet in the bottom to make it a 5 pt. We used this kit just to get an idea.
Elise Seat Grommets.
Just make sure to properly install the sub belt.

5th Point Seat Grommet for seats is just the 5th point grommet, for 1/3rd the price.

Do you happen to have any measurements of it when you installed it? How thick of a seat pad can it handle? They look WAY too think to use a stock-type seat.

SCOTITUDE · 05-02-2010, 12:56 PM

lets not overthink this....its a hole in a seat.
some guy in the momo factory sits there all day and cuts holes with a body saw or dremel like tool. snaps in the grommets and passes it along. as long as its properly placed and offers protection from fraying the belts its all good.
The grommets I used were about 2in long each so with minimal overlap when slid into each other you can get them in most seats. They needed some trimming for the thin Lotus seats so I think if your seat base is less than 4 in deep they should work. If you are doing this in your own seat I would custom position the hole to your liking. I dont think there is a standard hole position. Read up on the specific angles for the sub belt placement, the mounting point in your car and adjust your hole accordingly.

jamesjedi · 05-02-2010, 01:28 PM

Perhaps it is just a hole. However, what if it changes the way the seat reacts in a crash. It is possible that the 5 hole seat is made differently.

jamesjedi · 05-02-2010, 01:29 PM

So....will a modified seat like this pass a PCA tech inspection?

SCOTITUDE · 05-02-2010, 02:36 PM

a seat that was properly modified from 4 to 5 holes would not even be questioned in my region as ALL aftermarket seats used with harnesses require accomodations for a min. of a 5 pt harness. 4 pt harnesses will not pass inspection so your seat MUST have proper accomodations for a 5 pt harness. Stock seats require the use of stock seatbelts, absolutely no harnesses with stock seats. Offhand I cant remember if its national PCA regs or just ours. Its terrible when the safety chairman suffers from CRS. (Cant Remember S**t). So, if you modify the momo seat from 4 to 5 holes to accomodate the 5 pt harness, yes you will pass inspection.

jamesjedi · 05-02-2010, 03:00 PM

Very good. Thanks to all!

tadd · 05-02-2010, 05:21 PM

If your concerned enough to add the anti submarine strap please, please use a 6 point. Your testies WILL thank you if you ever 'use' those 5th and 6th straps. Sore inner thighs are far better than balls the size of oranges. Seen it happen. Anyone who says it's ok to use 5 hasn't hit something hard enough.

SCOTITUDE · 05-02-2010, 06:12 PM

do you really think the nads are getting a pass with a 6 pt over a 5 pt? 6 pt straps still coming thru the seat very close together and into a camlock. i doubt the "boys" will have time to find some space around the straps if they are all of a sudden put into lockdown.

tadd · 05-02-2010, 06:33 PM

Yes sir, there is a large difference given that there is the 'spreader' that the anti sub straps feed into. In addition, the floor mount points should be wide enough appart that 'da boyz' have plenty of breathing room. You should be snugged up enough that the straps aren't moving around anyways. Most folks run way too loose on the harness IMHO.

SCOTITUDE · 05-02-2010, 06:40 PM

Im looking for new harnesses and Ill have to look into the 6 pt then. I figured the 6 pt sub even though they might be mounted wide under the seat still come thru a 3" hole in the seat and merge before the camlock still in the nad neighboorhood. Ill have to take a closer look if i can save the boys some grief. My nads will thank you.