Hi everyone,
With the untimely passing of Dale Earnhardt and the warning about the
MOMO belt defects it seemed like a good time to talk about proper
installation of a restraint.
The heart of any restraint system is the lap belt. The path of least
resistance is to attach the new belt to the original factory lap belt
mounting points. After all, they're intended for the purpose, they're
strong enough. They must be ideal! Generally THEY ARE NOT! Most every
factory lap belt mounting point is positioned to far back to be of much
good for a high performance lap belt application.
When you buy a belt or a complete harness system it will come with an
instruction sheet (that most people never look at) and a disclaimer which
states something to the effect "There is no warranty of this product
because we have no control of its installation". Correct installation is
paramount in the proper function of a restraint system.
The rule of thumb for locating lap belt mounting points is as
follows:Locate the point where a line parallel to the seat back
intersects a line parallel to the seat bottom. Project that point
straight down to the floor. Your lap belt mounting points will be located
2 1/2 inches forward of a transverse line identified by this procedure.
You will find that this point is as much or more than 10 inches forward
of the factory mounting points. By mounting the lap belt in this way you
create a belt that holds your pelvis down and not a belt that holds your
abdomen back. The better anchored in the car you are, the better you
drive and are usually quicker.
Another must in installation is that the belt must run without
interference from its mounting point to its latching point. Those of you
with a racing seat probably have slots for the belts to pass through. The
webbing must pass through the slots without being redirected by the edges
of the slot. This cannot be achieved when the original mounting points
are used.
One of the problems in locating the lap belt points in this way in a
Spitfire or GT-6 is the fact that the inner points are right in the drive
shaft hump. Another is providing adequate reinforcement for new mounting
points. Whether you provide backup plates for through the floor mounts or
create a roll cage design that provides mounting points, it is time well
spent.
There are other considerations for fitting the rest of the components of
a restraint system but the lap belt is the first step in getting you as
safe as you can be in the drivers seat.
Keep 'em upright,
Bill 70 GT-6+
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
|