Is this dangerous ?

[StevoD]

Few USA guys have said my harness/seat set up is dangerous, i set it up trying to copy the FIA drawing (or what i hope is a FIA drawing)

 

[glrnet]

In what respect have they said it's dangerous?

[StevoD]

two points that where made was no sub belt and the angle of the harness to the harness bar is below the shoulder and is dangerous

[glrnet]

Seems to be the correct drawing too.

[coyoteboy]

Both semi-valid points based on my limited knowledge of the setup.

 

No sub belt will mean you are likely to slip under it, that said it's identical to a normal seatbelt and the seats are not single-seater style lying-down angles, so no more likely than with a normal seatbelt.

 

Second point means your spine will be compressed in an impact if the belt angle is significantly greater than 10 degrees from horizontal when you're strapped in. You probably don't want that. These are points that are adjusted to suit the driver on a purpose built car with harnesses, which folk forget when lightly modding their car with style in mind rather than safety.

 

What is the bar you're attaching the shoulder harness to? Normally it would be part of the cage which would be purpose-built to the height required by the occupants.

[StevoD]

this harness bar

 

http://www.enjukuracing.com/products/graffiti-motorsports-k-harness-bar-03-nissan-350z.html

[Keyser]

I went through all this a while ago and read a lot on line - several "race car drivers" (read that as - they were on forums) recon anything without a sub belt is not safe to drive and they would not even think about driving it.

 

The shoulder belts - nearly everyone has them low (as the drawing shows it is acceptable) the argument is compression apparently - I don't see it but I don't know enough to comment.

 

Also if you have no sub belt the combined movement will be down and under aided by the push from the shoulder belts.

 

I still think they are safer than the standard seat belts though.

Edited November 14, 2014 by Keyser

[philw99]

If you do decide its too dangerous, i'll buy the seats off you they look really good.

[Ekona]

As long as the belts are done up correctly (i.e. very tight), I don't see an issue with that at all.

 

The problems with setups like that is when people leave them loose for use on the road, they offer much less protection than a normal seat belt. That's the biggest risk.