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914World.com _ The Paddock _ harness bar

Posted by: garm Mar 27 2020, 08:42 AM

Hi guys, I'm sure this is well covered but some searches didn't help me.

I have racing seats installed (Cobra) and I want to install harnesses now. I was looking for a harness bar; there are pictures on the internet (Weltmeister, for example) but I could not find a way to buy one.

The other option I've seen is footman loops or eyebolts through the firewall. Is it the consensus that is a safe mounting point?

I'm not a hardcore racer, just autocross or occasional weekend track day, and canyon/driving runs.
I don't really want to do a custom, welded solution at this time. Thoughts? Links?

Thanks guys.

Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 30 2020, 07:41 PM

If you go through the firewall you have to remove or drill holes into the back pad. Your best bet is a harness bar that attaches to the seat belt bolts. They pop up for sale from time to time. I’d start with a WTB.

Posted by: mepstein Mar 30 2020, 07:46 PM

You have to back up the eyebolts with extra metal.

Posted by: stownsen914 Mar 31 2020, 06:42 AM

Do you have rollover protection (rollbar or cage) in the car? There has been increasing discussion in recent years whether it makes sense to put in harnesses to hold you firmly upright in the unfortunate circumstance of a rollover. Especially in an open top or targa car like a 914.

Posted by: jd74914 Mar 31 2020, 07:14 AM

Also, if you're going to put it in please use DOT-rated harnesses. I'd personally recommend Schroth but there are other brands too.

Posted by: DMAYHALL Apr 8 2020, 03:56 PM

I am in early stages of making these. PM me and we can build you one. Attached Image

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 9 2020, 06:36 AM

The biggest concerns with harness bars are spinal compression fractures. If you have a an over-the-shoulder strap that goes "downward" behind the seat, and you do not have a lap belt that firmly keeps your butt down in the seat, then the harness can compress your shoulders, and thus your spine, in case of a rollover.

This is why in racing we do not allow the over-the-shoulder harnesses in a 5- or 6-point to angle down more than 20 degrees from horizontal, and lap belts shall be firmly snugged.

Posted by: ChrisFoley Apr 10 2020, 05:00 AM

In a 914, the shoulder belt attachment points are far too high for a useful harness bar. I'm not a fan. If anyone wants to keep the stock interior without altering the upholstery, just use the stock belts.
Otherwise, the GT shoulder harness bolts are a good choice for a car that has no roll cage harness crossbar.

I once made a custom harness bar that mounted closer to the proper height by using the air vent oval holes to mount end brackets securely.