Urgent question about harness fittings (hillclimb)
Discussion
Hi all. Had a bit of a surprise tonight when I unpacked the 6 point TRS FIA spec (expired) harnesses to fit to the car.
Our first event is this coming Saturday and we will be in the road going class. The plan was to fit the harnesses but I was wrongly under the impression that I would be able to unclip the t-piece for the crotch straps and just run them as 4 point for the time being, as the fittings in the car are for 4 point currently. I now realise the t-piece is fixed so it appears there are 3 options:
1. Unbolt the back of the buckle and see if the t-piece can be taken out. I'm reluctant to do this in case I damage it.
2. Run it as a 4 point and have the crotch straps just hanging loose. Not sure if this is allowed?
3. Run the crotch straps to the same mounting points as the lap belts. Again, not sure if this is allowed?
Failing all that, we can use the normal seat belts in this class but it's a bit of a come down after going to the trouble to fit all the rest of the hardware!
Our first event is this coming Saturday and we will be in the road going class. The plan was to fit the harnesses but I was wrongly under the impression that I would be able to unclip the t-piece for the crotch straps and just run them as 4 point for the time being, as the fittings in the car are for 4 point currently. I now realise the t-piece is fixed so it appears there are 3 options:
1. Unbolt the back of the buckle and see if the t-piece can be taken out. I'm reluctant to do this in case I damage it.
2. Run it as a 4 point and have the crotch straps just hanging loose. Not sure if this is allowed?
3. Run the crotch straps to the same mounting points as the lap belts. Again, not sure if this is allowed?
Failing all that, we can use the normal seat belts in this class but it's a bit of a come down after going to the trouble to fit all the rest of the hardware!
TroubledSoul said:
Hi all. Had a bit of a surprise tonight when I unpacked the 6 point TRS FIA spec (expired) harnesses to fit to the car.
Our first event is this coming Saturday and we will be in the road going class. The plan was to fit the harnesses but I was wrongly under the impression that I would be able to unclip the t-piece for the crotch straps and just run them as 4 point for the time being, as the fittings in the car are for 4 point currently. I now realise the t-piece is fixed so it appears there are 3 options:
1. Unbolt the back of the buckle and see if the t-piece can be taken out. I'm reluctant to do this in case I damage it.
2. Run it as a 4 point and have the crotch straps just hanging loose. Not sure if this is allowed?
3. Run the crotch straps to the same mounting points as the lap belts. Again, not sure if this is allowed?
Failing all that, we can use the normal seat belts in this class but it's a bit of a come down after going to the trouble to fit all the rest of the hardware!
I'd probably be thinking option 3 - I think in road going you would be fine.Our first event is this coming Saturday and we will be in the road going class. The plan was to fit the harnesses but I was wrongly under the impression that I would be able to unclip the t-piece for the crotch straps and just run them as 4 point for the time being, as the fittings in the car are for 4 point currently. I now realise the t-piece is fixed so it appears there are 3 options:
1. Unbolt the back of the buckle and see if the t-piece can be taken out. I'm reluctant to do this in case I damage it.
2. Run it as a 4 point and have the crotch straps just hanging loose. Not sure if this is allowed?
3. Run the crotch straps to the same mounting points as the lap belts. Again, not sure if this is allowed?
Failing all that, we can use the normal seat belts in this class but it's a bit of a come down after going to the trouble to fit all the rest of the hardware!
However, I have learnt (the hard way) that when it comes to modifications on the rally car - Never do the wrong thing as you always end up wasting time and money putting it right later.
Do the right thing, i.e. drill a hole in the floor and mount a central eye with a couple of simple plates. It won't take very long. You could buy the bits at an hardware store today and have it done this evening.
I am in road going and my harnesses are NEVER inspected by the scrutineers. The letter of the law says your 3 point belt will be enough - so I wouldn't worry from a scrutineering point of view. Just make sure your lap and shoulder belts are secure.
My solution to the crotch belts was to drill through the a strong bit of floor under the seat, put one of these on the other side
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/harness-sprea...
and bolt them to that. Perfectly secure.
Are you at shelsley or doune? If its shelsley and you'll be there on Friday - I MIGHT have a spare I can drop over....
My solution to the crotch belts was to drill through the a strong bit of floor under the seat, put one of these on the other side
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/harness-sprea...
and bolt them to that. Perfectly secure.
Are you at shelsley or doune? If its shelsley and you'll be there on Friday - I MIGHT have a spare I can drop over....
Edited by Vocal Minority on Thursday 14th September 08:51
Edited by Vocal Minority on Thursday 14th September 08:52
Thanks all. That puts my mind at rest somewhat. I'll be more than happy to fit the fixtures in the floor but it's too short a timescale now to get that done as I'd like it done properly with the little weld in plates.
I'll test attaching them to the lap belt points beforehand. As we are sharing a car between two of us, I probably would need to adjust them to do this and might not have enough access to do so quickly. If not I think I will just fold up the crotch belts and let them hang through the seat loose.
I'll test attaching them to the lap belt points beforehand. As we are sharing a car between two of us, I probably would need to adjust them to do this and might not have enough access to do so quickly. If not I think I will just fold up the crotch belts and let them hang through the seat loose.
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