Chester Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 Hi, I have a pair of Westfield low back seats fitted to my SE. I would like to fit harnesses but I was told that it is not a good idea to have the harness straps running over your shoulders direct from the eye bolt. This is because in the event of an accident you would be forced down into the seat, resulting in a compressed spine. If you want to fit a harness then you really need high back seats with cutouts so that the seat will take the downward force rather tan your spine. Is there any truth in this? Also, any idea of headrests that will fit the Westfield low back seats? The hole looks similar to the ones that were used on the old Austin Princess/Allegro seats. Or if anyone has a pair of headrests in tan vinyl that they want to get rid of that would be even better. Cheers Mark Quote
peterg Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 it is not a good idea to have the harness straps running over your shoulders direct from the eye bolt. eh?! that would mean almost every racing car (single seater/Le Mans etc) would be fitted out wrongly then! There's no reason for you to fit high back seats just because of the harness, although the better support they provide for your shoulders/neck in the event on an accident is certainly a benefit Quote
7SE Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 Chester, I think that you are right, for the reason that you state. Most racing cars have the bolts mounted at a height level, or above, the driver's shoulder, which is the effect belt slots in high-back seats are tryinng to replicate. Quote
felters Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 I'm just looking at the instructions that I have for the new LUKE harness that I've fitted in my Nova that I race in Autograss - the advice given is that the straps should be between horizontal and 45% below horizontal between the back of the seat and the anchorage. The prospect of rolling the car and falling downwards until the straps contact your shoulders is a scary thought in a saloon - in a Westie it would mean that you would fall headfirst - closing the gap between the top of your helmet and the tarmac:( A cheery thought... M Quote
7SE Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 The waist straps should come into the equation at this point Quote
Chester Posted August 1, 2003 Author Posted August 1, 2003 Felters, For me the highest point would be my shoulders!!! Whilst this would be good if I rolled the car I'm not so sure what would happen in a front or rear impact. Quote
brianm Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 Also, any idea of headrests that will fit the Westfield low back seats? The hole looks similar to the ones that were used on the old Austin Princess/Allegro seats. You missed out the Marina. Yes thats exactly what they are. I scoured the scrappies for something to fit mine a few years ago and eventually got the stem bit from a marina and welded/ grafted on some A shaped units from a mitsubishi, as all modern cars seem to have a similar 2 post fixing. Brian. Quote
Blatman Posted August 1, 2003 Posted August 1, 2003 Most racing cars have the bolts mounted at a height level, or above, the driver's shoulder, which is illegal, according to the blue book......... Horizontal, or below, to a max angle of 45 degrees is allowed. Fit the 4 points exactly where they'll fit. You'll be fine...... Quote
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