I'm about to install a 5-pt harness in my car (FD). In the directions it states that the end plates on each of the lap belts MUST BE in-line with the lap belt when installed. Kind of hard to explain in words, but essentially the end plates where they bolt up to the chassis must not be perpendicular or angled in any way to the path of the harness strap. I was told to use the stock seatbelt mounting/bolt system. However since the mechanism is bolted flat to the chassis with the stock bolt going through it, there is no way I can install the harness (lap belt part) correctly.

Do you guys just install it incorrectly or fabricate some sort of L-shaped metal piece to make it work?

Thanks,

Ramon

 

Talk about a question that could get the responder in trouble..

Let's put it this way.

Racing harnesses are for racing. To install in a street car, some compromises are required. I'm not going to tell you that using the stock locations are ok. None of us can tell you that.

You technically should weld brackets to the chassis to permit correct installation angles.

OTOH, a lot of us use the stock locations. YMMV. Do not blame me in the event of a crash and harness failure.

PaulC

 

Understood. Kind of what I suspected. Thanks.

Ramon

 

you can also use the eye bolt type end for the lap belt and the quick release type clip(check with belt manufacturer). this sometimes helps to get the proper angles. this is not something to install on a whim. if done wrong it could be very dangerous. take some time and be prepared to mount the belts correctly(whatever it may take). and again these type of belts should only be used on a track only type car. this is not a good setup for the street.

 

I put instructions and photos up on my site:

http://www.ScuderiaCiriani.com/rx7

go to the How-to section, and then to Misc.

Do NOT use the shock tower brace - it has been known to bend in the event of an accident, letting the belts loosen way too much.

M2 Performance sells a replacement brace that is engineered to alleviate this and allow the harnesses to be mounted there.

Cheers,

Steve

 

Ramon:

My FD sees street and DE use. I replaced the rear strut tower bar with the M2 replacement bar, and use eyelet bolts on the bar. At the seat, I replaced the two rear stock seat mounting bolts with eyelet bolts, and the two front seat mounting bolts with longer bolts and some washers (see below).

On the street I use the stock belts. At a DE, I use a 5-pt harness with lap belt and shoulder harness ends that clip in to the eyebolts described above. The eyebolts let the clip-in ends *rotate* a bit so that they stay in line with the belt, as your instructions specified.

I use bolt in ends on the longer two front seat bolts, then run a belt in between them. Coming off that belt, and up the front of the seat is the sub belt.

All belts, bolts, harnesses, etc., purchased from Bell Motorsports.

I used to have a Simpson catalog around here, and if I recall correctly, there was a diagram and instructions on proper belt mounting procedures, including acceptable angles on shoulder belts, etc.

The clip-ins and eyebolts make it easy for me to get my harnesses set up/removed at a DE. But if you're building a racecar with a full cage, etc., then that should not be an issue for you. The cage builder can also set up your harness mounting points.

You probably know this already, but make sure you use proper grade hardware (i.e., the strong stuff) for all of this. Should not be an issue if you buy from a place that specializes in racing harnesses and safety gear.

 

I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses. I have a Kirk Racing rollbar coming next week. I bought the eye-bolt kit for the shoulder harness, but I'm not sure if I have similar bolts for the lap belt. If I do then I'm ok. If not, then I'll make the necessary changes.

Incidentally, I plan on using my stock seatbelt on the street.


Thanks again guys.

 

I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses. I have a Kirk Racing rollbar coming next week. I bought the eye-bolt kit for the shoulder harness, but I'm not sure if I have similar bolts for the lap belt. If I do then I'm ok. If not, then I'll make the necessary changes.

Incidentally, I plan on using my stock seatbelt on the street.


Thanks again guys.

 

Most shoulder harnesses are wrap around or bolt on, no where to put an eye bolt. The eyebolts are good for the lapbelts.
PaulC