5 replies to this topic

[colinu]

Right now my harnesses are bolted to the rear bulkhead (just above the rear seat base). Not the ideal place so was dreaming up ideas of how to move them higher. There are harness bars that attach to the wheel wells, but what I'm tempted to fab up is a bar that bolts directly to/between the upper rear seatbelt mounts (C-pillars).
Safe, sensible, possible... or am I deluding myself

[tiger99]

Don't even attempt it! The bending load on the bar in the event of an accident will be considerable. If you can find one that has been properly developed, with full stress calculations, and tested, well and good, buy DIY attempts at things like that are likely to be lethal.

[colinu]

tigger99... at least you've saved me a lot of wasted time and effort :)

Yes I agree that DIY is never a sensible idea for safety features. I wouldn't have fab'd it myself (instead getting a professional who builds cages... i.e. knows the correct tube and welding technique... mild rolled steel tube, some plate, and an evening of MIG DIY is not the way to do this!). Still I'm curious to know how the lower mounted (wheel arch) harness bars would compare to a C-pillar mounted bar (the latter IMHO having a far more solid mounting points - ones designed to take collision stress).

[JustSteve]

The main concern I would have, is if you had a roll, and the roof, or back end deformed/colapsed, the harnesses would become slack, or even worse, tighten up on you!

Still, a very good idea if you ask me

The only kind of harness bar that I like, is one used on a roll cage. Other than that,for me it must be between wheel arches.

[colinu]

Good point Steve! I never considered what could happen if the upper rear shell deformed. Now I understand why a low mounted bar is preferable.

[thebullet]

I agree, a bar on a roll cage just to be safe. You may just do what you want and not think it will happen to you, but it only take one idiot out of many on the road these days and you will regret it.

Be safe and take no risks :)