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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Racing harness seatbelt crossbar

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 10:57 AM

Hey all,
I'm looking at getting a better restraint system for my car , i.e seatbelt crossbar and a decent set of black 4 pt racing harnesses. I don't know where to purchase the crossbar. Do any of you have an idea on the price of these, if it is too high I'm going to get out the welder and make my own. I'm not going to race my car, just want to make sure any occupants are safer while out tooling around or going to a show. Before the admins might snatch this post and move it to the want ads. Do any of you have a package deal for sale, that you aren't using? I would rather give my money to a member than to an outside source.

Much appreciate it!

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:05 AM

Don't use a harness bar, use the firewall. Like this:

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Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:05 AM

and:

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Posted by: itsa914 Mar 15 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE (914RS @ Mar 15 2005, 09:05 AM)
Don't use a harness bar, use the firewall. Like this:

I have a question. Is there a best way to determine where to drill for those mounting bolts? I want to install a 5 point belt in my car for AXing. I really haven't done any research on these belts yet or how to do installs.

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:20 AM

QUOTE (itsa914 @ Mar 15 2005, 10:14 AM)

QUOTE (914RS @ Mar 15 2005, 09:05 AM)
Don't use a harness bar, use the firewall. Like this:

I have a question. Is there a best way to determine where to drill for those mounting bolts? I want to install a 5 point belt in my car for AXing. I really haven't done any research on these belts yet or how to do installs.

It should be as close to level with the top of your shoulders as is practical. There is a max down-angle that's safe, but I don't remember.

I'm sure someone will chime in.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 11:20 AM

Joe,
Appreciate the heads up. I'll have to look around the homestead and find some plate steel. Yours looks more safe than the crossbar. My only problem is that I have factory seats and there is no provision to keep the straps up in the proper position near the shoulders.

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:25 AM

Here you go:

http://www.racerwholesale.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_75

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 11:30 AM

Cheap prices.... I love cheap.

Posted by: Part Pricer Mar 15 2005, 11:33 AM

QUOTE (914RS @ Mar 15 2005, 12:05 PM)
Don't use a harness bar, use the firewall. Like this:

Joe,

I'm surprised that you are going that direction. My understanding is that you want the shoulder belts to be as close to parallel to the floor as possible. That's why most people would anchor the belts to either the floor or the firewall (as you have done), then pass the belts over a harness bar at shoulder level. That would minimize any potential spine compression in case of an incident.

At least, that is my understanding.

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:38 AM

QUOTE (Paul Heery @ Mar 15 2005, 10:33 AM)

QUOTE (914RS @ Mar 15 2005, 12:05 PM)
Don't use a harness bar, use the firewall. Like this:

Joe,

I'm surprised that you are going that direction. My understanding is that you want the shoulder belts to be as close to parallel to the floor as possible. That's why most people would anchor the belts to either the floor or the firewall (as you have done), then pass the belts over a harness bar at shoulder level. That would minimize any potential spine compression in case of an incident.

At least, that is my understanding.

My installation fits me in the way you describe without a harness bar.

This picture may help. The mounting points are almost directly behind the holes in the seat:

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Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 11:41 AM

QUOTE (Steve Thacker @ Mar 15 2005, 10:20 AM)
My only problem is that I have factory seats and there is no provision to keep the straps up in the proper position near the shoulders.

Here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4529155008&category=46093&sspagename=WD1V

Posted by: Dave_Darling Mar 15 2005, 12:04 PM

Harness bars can be purchased from All The Usual Suspects. We at The Bird have them listed for just over two RCUs (Race Car Units == $100 bills).
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/POR_9144_racing_pg2.htm#item9

--DD

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 12:10 PM

Damn Dave,
One would not think that a piece of metal with nothing special about it other than it's length and mounting brackets on the end would be so expensive. I don't get it. Maybe I'll put my new mig welder to use.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 12:14 PM

Thanks Joe for the seat link. I spent untold hours sewing in my new interior to get away from buying racing seats. As nice as those are, I'm so damn cheap I make me sick.

I've got so much money in this car, I could never sell it. Guess my grandson will make out like a bandit, when I get my dirt bed.

Posted by: theol00 Mar 15 2005, 12:26 PM

I have a harness bar for sale - $75 and its yours

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 12:46 PM

QUOTE (theol00 @ Mar 15 2005, 02:26 PM)
I have a harness bar for sale - $75 and its yours

Theo,
Let me check my square steel stache. If I don't have any, then I may jump on your offer like a $20 hooker. I know, I know...we tried to help you Steve and you are backpeddling. I should be ashamed at being so cheap, but I'm not.

Posted by: Gint Mar 15 2005, 01:24 PM

Hey Joe! (914RS),

What did you put on the rear bulkhead? Is that carpet? It looks pretty nice. Got more pics?

Posted by: JmuRiz Mar 15 2005, 01:32 PM

QUOTE (Gint @ Mar 15 2005, 11:24 AM)
Hey Joe! (914RS),

What did you put on the rear bulkhead? Is that carpet? It looks pretty nice. Got more pics?

I think it's heavy duty felt...and from what I've seen every part of his car is nice....so nice it makes me sick, haha

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 15 2005, 01:48 PM

QUOTE (Steve Thacker @ Mar 15 2005, 10:46 AM)
I should be ashamed at being so cheap, but I'm not.

i'm not sure if "cheap" and "DIY" is the right way to go when it comes to things like brakes or seat-belts and such ...

Andy

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 02:06 PM

Andy,
I know the items you mentioned are the most important. And I'm not cheap on the stopping part. My mode of thinking is I have a close up pic on the design of these crossbars and they look almost too simple. I'm darn certain that building them would be a snap. I would use a square one inch steel bar and then mig the brackets onto the end. Then do a check for stress cracks in the welds. I should be able to hang an elephant off of the one I build.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 15 2005, 02:12 PM

Ask joe sharp and elliot cannon to post pics of their harness bars.....

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 02:43 PM

QUOTE (Gint @ Mar 15 2005, 12:24 PM)
Hey Joe! (914RS),

What did you put on the rear bulkhead? Is that carpet? It looks pretty nice. Got more pics?

Felt. From the fabric store.

Those are all the pictures I have.

Posted by: jom Mar 15 2005, 03:26 PM

this place has them pretty cheap.
http://www.stableenergies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=GB3&variation=&aitem=3&mitem=13

Posted by: siverson Mar 15 2005, 03:30 PM

Joe, how tall are you?

Here are some pictures of my install. Very similar. Straps are horizontal on my shoulders.

-Steve

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Posted by: siverson Mar 15 2005, 03:31 PM

drivers side

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Posted by: siverson Mar 15 2005, 03:32 PM

install in progress on passenger side

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Posted by: siverson Mar 15 2005, 03:34 PM

And the sub belt. Note, the floor was lowered about 1", and the seat is bolted directly to floor, so the you'll notice the notch in the seat that had to be made. I'm 6'6".

-Steve

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Posted by: nein14 Mar 15 2005, 03:37 PM

I Have a brand new harrness bar For Sale if your interested. $75.00

Posted by: itsa914 Mar 15 2005, 03:43 PM

QUOTE (siverson @ Mar 15 2005, 01:30 PM)
Joe, how tall are you?

Here are some pictures of my install. Very similar. Straps are horizontal on my shoulders.

-Steve

Steve I like your install. Looks very clean. No problem with the head of the bolts clearing the back pad? I have a 70 with the fixed passenger seat and I want to replace my stock belts on both sides with a 5 point harness.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Mar 15 2005, 03:48 PM

QUOTE (Steve Thacker @ Mar 15 2005, 12:06 PM)
I would use a square one inch steel bar and then mig the brackets onto the end.

I would suggest using round DOM tubing. Square will give you sharp corners which I don't think you want in that area (on the belts or near your head!!), and ERW or rolled tubing is prone to separating at the seam if you ever "need" to use it. Make sure to get the angle of the brackets correct, and see if you can come up with a way to keep it from pivoting forward under load.

Might be nice to tack on four "guide loops" for the shoulder belts, too.

Cad-plate the sucka, and you have just replicated the Weltmeister piece.

--DD

Posted by: siverson Mar 15 2005, 06:20 PM

> No problem with the head of the bolts clearing the back pad?

The rings on the bolts fit right into the "pockets" made in the backpad. You can actually reach in there and unclip the belts without removing the backpad.

-Steve

Posted by: Series9 Mar 15 2005, 08:13 PM

QUOTE (siverson @ Mar 15 2005, 02:30 PM)
Joe, how tall are you?

Here are some pictures of my install. Very similar. Straps are horizontal on my shoulders.

-Steve

5'10".

I would never be able to have that horizontal bar in my interior (behind the seats) if I were anywhere near your height.

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 15 2005, 08:17 PM

Thanks Fellas! I have decided to do the right thing and go with a store bought unit. I'm out of barstock and DD is right. I don't need to be adding anything to the mix that is angled and could do more damage to me in a crash god forbid. I was just looking to be cheap and this is not an area to go cheap. After this purchase this will put me at 16k on this car and the paint touch-up and clearcoat sand is next.
I'm in so too deep....what was I think'in

Posted by: 914helo Mar 15 2005, 08:19 PM

The same thing the rest of us addicts were

Posted by: Steve Thacker Mar 16 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE (nein14 @ Mar 15 2005, 05:37 PM)
I Have a brand new harrness bar For Sale if your interested. $75.00

nein14 I sent you a PM.

Posted by: Joe Sharp Mar 16 2005, 04:54 PM

Steve: This one came with the car.
Joe

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Posted by: Joe Sharp Mar 16 2005, 04:55 PM

err.

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Posted by: Joe Sharp Mar 16 2005, 04:56 PM

And the tie in.
Joe

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