Lap Belt/Seat Angle - help please

[95R#177]

Kev mentioned in a recent email the CCR has a requirement about this. I reviewed the driver restraint portion, but could not find anything on this.

I recently installed a Kirkey intermediate raod race seat. I installed it to the stock adjustable seat mounting bracket. I used the stock lap belt mounting holes. So, did I do something that's not legal? Is there an angle requirement I couldn't find? :confused:

[bpanther]

There is no specific angle specified for the lap belt. The main idea here is that is should go from the hips "back and down". Obviously a lap belt that angles straight down or even forward would not keep you back in the seat.

Using the stock belt mounting locations works 99% of the time and I can't imagine it wouldn't work in the Mustang.

The actual angle requirement comes in for the shoulder straps. You need the shoulder harness to meet proper angles to work properly. If they go straight down to the floor just after your shoulders then you risk spinal compression injuries. If they angle up, then they aren't holding you in the seat. There are drawings showing the proper shoulder harness angles. If you wear a HANS device, then there are even more angles to worry about.


Scott, take a picture and send it to me or post in the gallery. I'll make sure it looks good and you pass tech!!!

[95R#177]

thanks. I went to photo the lap belt on the outboard-side, then the inboard--I immediately noticed a problem with the inboard-side. For the belt to go "back and down", I had to move the mounting point about a foot rearward--adjacent with the mounting point for the outboard side.

[bobcowan]

thanks. I went to photo the lap belt on the outboard-side, then the inboard--I immediately noticed a problem with the inboard-side. For the belt to go "back and down", I had to move the mounting point about a foot rearward--adjacent with the mounting point for the outboard side.

Go to the simpson web site. They have some excellent diagrams and instructions on exactly how to install all the belts.

[svochuck]

I had to move my inside mount back also ... outside bolted in stock location.

[leggwork]

these aren't NASA rules, but are contemporary and reasonable - have a look at Figure 1 on page 52
http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com/static/2006Series/Rules/2006BMWCRrules060601.pdf
I believe the angle recommendations come from FIA.

cheers,
bruce