Sub belt question

[Spec944#74]

I am currently using a 5 point harness and was thinking about switching to 6 point using a Y-shaped sub-belt from another harness that I have. When I look at putting it in my car it appears that the sub belt hole in the bottom of my racing seat is so narrow that even thought there are two legs to the belt the narrowness of the hole forces the two belts together in a configuration that is not much different than using a single sub belt. Are these belts supposed to run on either side of the ol' personal package or is the increased safety coming from the fact that the belt is mounted in two places instead of one?

[Big Dog]

I believe that a single hole in the seat is not recommended for using a 6 point harness as the advantage of the 6 point is lost bringing them to the same point through the seat. Using a 7 point harness, however, solves the problem. Team Tech makes a great 7 point harness.

 

Drive safe.

[944-Spec#94]

This is an evolving safety point. I along with many use a 6 pt with both sub going through the center hole. However the lastest thoughts are as Jim mentioned with 7 point being the lastest "best" thing.

 

 

Do what you think is right.

[Tim Comeau]

I just installed 6-points in a brand new pair of seats (Recaro, Pole Position) , which interestingly enough, had a much wider anti sub belt hole. I would think that in order to get these belts to pull on your inner thighs during impact, and not center crotch, they need to be mounted as wide on the floor as possible.

[ozz]

Tim is correct. We sell a lot of Schroth 6pt harnesses and have installed several as well. If memory serves, they recommend a minimum of 4" spacing between the mounting points on each of the sub strap mounts. The idea is for these straps to pull firmly against your thighs and do do that you need separation of the mounts below the seat and a seat slot wide enough to allow them to separate when they come thru the seat. We have installed with Racetech, Sparco and Recaro seats and all have had slots plenty wide to allow proper installation.

 

If the slot you have is too narrow to allow the sub straps to spread properly, you will likely be better off staying with a properly installed 5 point rather than trying to force a 6 point to work in this case. IMHO.

[Spec944#74]

What would be your guys guesstimate on the minimum width for the sub belt opening in the seat? I don't have any problem with placement of the mounting bolts, just the width of the belts coming through the hole. The seat is a Cobra Monaco and it is advertised as suitable for 5 or 6 point belts and I believe that the sub hole is about 4" wide.

[944-Spec#94]

Steve are you going to be at Firebird East June 9th? If so we can look things over.

[Spec944#74]

Thanks Joe, I will definitely be there. Do you know what kind of turnout we're going to have?

[944-Spec#94]

Well 2 so far!

 

 

Seriously I am not sure, but I'd bet some of the usual suspects will be there.

 

Time to start a roll call I guess.

[ozz]

Steve,

 

Roughly 4" wide slot is fairly typical. Depending on mfg, the sub-straps are somewhat narrow at 1 1/2" or so maybe and should work fine so long as you get the mounting points separated.

 

One tip I'd offer is be sure that you estimate the required length and position your mounts and adjust the belt length at the lower attachment point accordingly before installing. In my experience, they are usually shipped at max length which is way too long for most of us and need to be shortened. And, if you don't position the mounting points rearward of the slot enough (check your belt mfg but they should be about 20 degrees behind the slot) you may not be able to cinch up the straps tight enough. If you can reach under your seat to connect/disconnect the subs straps adjusting the belts initially is less of an issue but, some seats you need to remove the front mounting bolts and rock the seat back a bit to get your hand under to disconnect - a real PITA. Good luck!!