Seat Harnesses
Discussion
Anybody had any experience of fitting 5 or 6 point seat harnesses? Having been on track at Thruxton today the conventional seat belt is inadequate - you have to hold on to the steering wheel to stop being flung about. However, the seat belt needs to be buckled - otherwise the car tells you in very insistent terms that you have a problem. I'm talking about aftermarket hers. Any recommendations?
I've had a few of these for years that I used on trackdays:
https://www.carlimits.com/shop/product.php?p=41
They really solved the problem of being thrown about without going as far as fitting harnesses. I get the impression they don't make them anymore so actually sourcing one might be troublesome.
https://www.carlimits.com/shop/product.php?p=41
They really solved the problem of being thrown about without going as far as fitting harnesses. I get the impression they don't make them anymore so actually sourcing one might be troublesome.
Belatedly saw this.
MP Reseau in France offer Sabelt harness options:
https://www.mp-rezeau.fr/produit/support-harnais-a...
Given the way that their harnesses mount, with holes that appear to pre-exist, I wonder if this is a semi OEM solution - or something that Alpine had in mind from the start.
It would be interesting to know how the A110R harnesses mount and if the parts can be ordered for non R cars.
MP Reseau in France offer Sabelt harness options:
https://www.mp-rezeau.fr/produit/support-harnais-a...
Given the way that their harnesses mount, with holes that appear to pre-exist, I wonder if this is a semi OEM solution - or something that Alpine had in mind from the start.
It would be interesting to know how the A110R harnesses mount and if the parts can be ordered for non R cars.
Thanks for the suggestions. I thought I had it sorted through my local dealer having assumed that the mounting points/brackets would be the same on all models, but no. What also seems to be the case is that 5 or 6 point harnesses require considerable engineering modifications including a floor level bar, a change of seats and probably a full roll cage. Don't take this as gospel as I think I was testing their technical knowledge well beyond their limits of competence. I note that the French supplier offers only 4 point harnesses and does not quote a price on the website.
Interesting gadgets proposed to use the inertia reel as a semi harness but I think a 4 point is a minimum, despite the potential of submarining on extreme frontal impact. I had one on my Exige (which never hit anything) but allowed driver and passenger to feel a part of the car rather than loose luggage. I have couple of leads to follow up here in the UK and will let you know how I get on.
A bit strange to find that Alpine assume their customers would not want to take their cars on track - there is nowhere else where you can begin to explore its limits. Lotus provide this with options. Alpine: 'un peu différent et vraiment francais.'
Interesting gadgets proposed to use the inertia reel as a semi harness but I think a 4 point is a minimum, despite the potential of submarining on extreme frontal impact. I had one on my Exige (which never hit anything) but allowed driver and passenger to feel a part of the car rather than loose luggage. I have couple of leads to follow up here in the UK and will let you know how I get on.
A bit strange to find that Alpine assume their customers would not want to take their cars on track - there is nowhere else where you can begin to explore its limits. Lotus provide this with options. Alpine: 'un peu différent et vraiment francais.'
As far as i know most of the later cars have threaded inserts in the rear bulkhead designed to fix a harness bar or eyes for the harness shoulder straps. One issue is that they are quite high relative to the seat height (especially if the seat is in its lowest setting) this results in the harness pulling on the seat aperture rather than going straight back to the fixing point. Not ideal but probably still better than just a seat belt. i noticed later cars have the carpet partially cut so its easy to find and access the inserts, maybe on earlier cars its necessary to feel around to find the holes (there is a video on you tube to explain)
On the PE cars the inserts were not fitted, this creates a problem. I fabricated some brackets and fitted my own inserts and run a 4 point harness on track. i agree a 5 or 6 point would be better but the 4 point harness holds you in the seat far better than a seat belt and when fitted and adjusted correctly is perfectly fine. I would be interested to see how a 5/6 point harness has been resolved on the R (or is it still 4 point?) the floor under the seat is nothing more than 2mm aluminium and not that strong so would need some strengthening plate or bar.
On the PE cars the inserts were not fitted, this creates a problem. I fabricated some brackets and fitted my own inserts and run a 4 point harness on track. i agree a 5 or 6 point would be better but the 4 point harness holds you in the seat far better than a seat belt and when fitted and adjusted correctly is perfectly fine. I would be interested to see how a 5/6 point harness has been resolved on the R (or is it still 4 point?) the floor under the seat is nothing more than 2mm aluminium and not that strong so would need some strengthening plate or bar.
I assume that the R harnesses use the mounting holes from the standard car - is there an online parts database for alpine to see if the parts can be ordered - or would it be more of a dealer conversation?
Or has anyone looked at the R : non-R to know if it is correct that the mount holes are there on both bodyshells? (It sounds like later non-R)
Or has anyone looked at the R : non-R to know if it is correct that the mount holes are there on both bodyshells? (It sounds like later non-R)
Interesting detail from TX picture, the harness in the 'R' has the shoulder strap and lap strap combined into one buckle so less faffing buckling up the harness. I haven't seen this detail on motorsport harnesses but I looks like a neat idea for road cars.
Are there any details / pictures showing how the crotch strap fastens to the floor?
Are there any details / pictures showing how the crotch strap fastens to the floor?
Peter.R said:
Interesting detail from TX picture, the harness in the 'R' has the shoulder strap and lap strap combined into one buckle so less faffing buckling up the harness. I haven't seen this detail on motorsport harnesses but I looks like a neat idea for road cars.
Are there any details / pictures showing how the crotch strap fastens to the floor?
I can take a pic if you like?Are there any details / pictures showing how the crotch strap fastens to the floor?
TX.
Peter.R said:
A picture would be great. Just for my curiosity really as i don't intend to put a hole in the bottom of my seat.
Having gone through the pain of fitting a harness when the inserts weren't available on my PE i feel slightly invested in the topic
Just checked and it actually isn't fixed to or through the carpet; the centre strap goes under the seat and runs along to the back of the seat where it is fixed (to the seat) using a fairly hefty bracket.Having gone through the pain of fitting a harness when the inserts weren't available on my PE i feel slightly invested in the topic
TX.
framerateuk said:
I've had a few of these for years that I used on trackdays:
https://www.carlimits.com/shop/product.php?p=41
They really solved the problem of being thrown about without going as far as fitting harnesses. I get the impression they don't make them anymore so actually sourcing one might be troublesome.
I have one of those, they are really good. Shame about them not making them anymore.https://www.carlimits.com/shop/product.php?p=41
They really solved the problem of being thrown about without going as far as fitting harnesses. I get the impression they don't make them anymore so actually sourcing one might be troublesome.
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