Shoulder Harness Installation

sctripp · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011, 07:52 PM

I want to install shoulder harnesses in my Superformance and need to figure out where/how to secure the harnesses. I have found the belts at Finish Line. There are two straps per seat, so each need to be secured somewhere.
Can anyone help me identify a secure place to mount the harnesses?
Stan

gene giambona · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011, 09:48 PM

Stan,

Take a look from inside the trunk of your car and you should be able to see the factory slits made for the shoulder harness in the fiberglass (generaly centered somewhere behind the driver and passenger seats just above the height of the frame support brace). The brace will be where you can mount those shoulder harnesses. The slits are covered by the carpeted area behind your seats. Try poking an awl from the trunk through the slits so you can get an idea where the cuts need to be made. Good Luck!

Jerry Clayton · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 07:45 AM

or is it from the wheel well area???

gene giambona · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 08:13 AM

Sorry. Yes, Jerry is correct. The wheel well area is the proper entry point to get to those mounting points. My rear wheels were off the car and a second set of hands came in handy. Depending on the chassis number, you should also find predrilled holes in the frame. (I heard very early cars may not have them). My car has a five point seat belt system and the shoulder harness is shaped like a "Y" so I only had one attachment per side. Be sure to use some high quality fasteners!

Blas · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 08:53 AM

You have a PM...

BossCER · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 10:38 AM

Stan,
Here is another option for you. Click on the link below.

Finish Line Accessories

Jerry Clayton · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 10:40 AM

THAT is one of the most dangerous things you could do

BossCER · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 10:44 AM

Much less dangerous than having no shoulder harness. Passes tech inspection every time. Being a tall guy, keeps me in place very well, but may not be optimal for you.

Buzz · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 10:49 AM

There was a very heated and interesting thread a few years ago about the pros/cons of the different mounting heights and locations for a Cobra. Some learned members chimed in on opposing sides and some good points were discussed. As far as I can recall, there was never a consensus.

Jerry Clayton · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 11:13 AM

It might pass your tech inspection but at a real race they might not even let you enter the grounds

BossCER · #11 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

It might pass your tech inspection but at a real race they might not even let you enter the grounds

Okay HotRod!
I can see where that would be a real hazzard letting me enter the grounds

twobjshelbys · #12 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 01:08 PM

I had a long discussion with the folks at Shelby American. They should be attached to the roll bar (there is a bracket to do so) and you can get eye-clips. SAI asserts that they should be attached to no member with a radius less than the roll bar. If the cross member in the rear is at least that then go for it, other wise go for the roll bar.

Regarding the passenger side. They also state that they will NEVER install shoulder harnesses on the passenger side without a roll bar, regardless of attachment method. The reason is that if the car does roll, and there is no roll bar, a shoulder-harnessed passenger IS the roll bar (the belts hold you upright). The decision you have to make is whether the protection of the shoulder harnesses in the case of a front, rear or side collision outweigh the risk of a rollover. This was the final straw in the camel's back for my wife with the Cobra and she will no longer ride in it, even to the grocery store. I warn passengers and most don't use them.

I am having the same discussion right now on my Ford GT and there are some tracks that will only allow the regular 3-point belts without an interior roll cage. Some tracks take this very seriously but I am told the tracks I am likely to use allow the setup I'm getting. Your mileage may vary but that doesn't make it safe.

Most people will attach them to the tube across the back.

twobjshelbys · #13 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossCER

Stan,
Here is another option for you. Click on the link below.

Finish Line Accessories

This is exactly the roll bar setup I spoke of in the previous reply. Except they have the eyelets both on the inside. To properly line up the in-board eyelet should be on the other side.

ERA Chas · #14 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 01:20 PM

At the Skip Barber 3 day open wheel course, they are well below shoulder height (and some at floor level) wrapped around chassis cross-tubes.
Bosscer-you should not snot on Clayton who has driven and flown more race miles than you have street miles. Wearing harnesses.

Jerry Clayton · #15 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 01:36 PM

Except for the shoulder harness I really truly like his car!!!

BossCER · #16 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

At the Skip Barber 3 day open wheel course, they are well below shoulder height (and some at floor level) wrapped around chassis cross-tubes.
Bosscer-you should not snot on Clayton who has driven and flown more race miles than you have street miles. Wearing harnesses.

No "snotting" going on here Chas. I just don't believe that banter is a one way street.
Good to know about those air miles, thank you.