Hot here in Egypt and I only had a phone line for about 7
minutes as locals were lined up at post office where this
phone is located. Postmaster has allowed me to tap into the
main system a bit longer.
I have no time therefore, to answer but one mail and I will
make it to Jarrid.
The Alpine is like others of this type, it offers little
protection to driver and passenger in a crash. Doors pop
open, lap belt is almost useless as you slide forward into
the facia and/or windscreen (under the lap belt).
When I car has a roll cage installed....we do NOT want to
attach twin shoulder belts (H-type ) to the roll cage at
some height. We WANT the shoulder belts anchored to the
floor panel so as to make a 45 deg angle from shoulder to
floor. ONLY IN THIS WAY can you be held firmly DOWN in your
seat and thereby stay with the car even in a roll over
wreck.
The crotch belt (anti sub ) keeps you from sliding forwards
under the lap belt. The wide 3" lap belt to which the twin
shoulder belts attach (hence the name H type) is wide and
spreads the strain nicely, minimizing all injury.
Any should belt is better then none but please understand
that the belt not only must prevent forward movement of
upper torso but must also keep you down in the seat !!
Unless the shoulder belt has the 45 deg angle behind the
driver, it won't be able to do all this.
I have crashed race cars severely and rolled more than one
at speed. Never had more than a bruise from belt pressures.
Look at stock car crashes where they roll over in mid air
and hit walls etc. Drivers usually unbuckel and walk away.
They ALL USE the H type belt anchored as I describe.
Emily...please contact ANY SCCA member who can loan you his
rule book in which belt installations are spelled out. I
would of course suggest a roll bar as well but this may not
be in your plans.
Will try to write again some day.
Dick T.
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