I need to order the 5pt harnesses for the Jeep this week and I could use a little bit of education on them. I've got a shoulder bar that I had planned on mounting the shoulder harnesses to, and I've gotten around to fabbing a subframe for the seats and to add 4 more points that tie to the body/frame and had planned on mounting the lap and crotch belts to this. (Pics soon...) What is prefered, the bolt in style with the metal tabs on the ends, or the wrap around style that cinch in place? Is it OK to mount the lap belts slightly behind the seat to a crossmember, or is this a major problem?

Furthermore, I'm up in the air for harness choice. The RCI's fit the budget and I've heard great things about them. Simpson's are nice, but for the price of one, I can get two of the RCI's. Any other ones to look at? Camlock or latch type? The quick release is nice, but I tend to stay planted when I wheel and I don't mind flipping the buckle to get out. I've never used the latch type before though, are they a PITA to connect/disconnect? Opinions please.

Thanks in advance.

yes you want to mount your lap belts slightly behind the seat. full instructions should come with your belts as to the proper mountin angles.

i prefer belts with the quick release mounting ends.

as far as which brand i like the simpsons and deits. the latch buckles are much smaller and sleeker unlike the rci units which have large buckles that dig into your body.

in my rock crawler i use the lever latch system and in the class 8 truck a cam lock system because it allows for faster driver changes and is a little easyer to buckle with a helmet and gloves on. but for most uses the lever latch is fine.

another factor to consider is if you want pull up or pull down to tighten.

pull up is out of the way down by the floor and the buckle does not dig into your body but may be harder to get to depending on your rig. the pull down is easyer to use if you have diffrent passengers and need to change the size often. but the buckles are in your lab and get uncomfortable.

i have a simpson harness that has a quick release system that works really well and is comfortable but the only thing is it cost 180 buck through summit racing.

Originally posted by JJeep74
i have a simpson harness that has a quick release system that works really well and is comfortable but the only thing is it cost 180 buck through summit racing.

i have the same ones. IMHO they are the only way to go. The latch type are really a pain in the ass. So much so, that sometimes you'll want to not even wear it and then what good is even having a seatbelt? Get the camlock ones from summit and call it a day.

-Steve

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JJeep74
i have a simpson harness that has a quick release system that works really well and is comfortable but the only thing is it cost 180 buck through summit racing. [/QUOTE


all of them are quick release. which type of quick release do you mean? the lever or the knob ?

Camo, where are you able to get the deits? I haven't found an online retailer and most of the places around here only carry the Simpson stuff.

Also, is there any reason as to why the Y type or individual shoulder strap is prefered? The Y seems like it would be a cleaner install, but it isn't that big of a deal to me if safety is the same.

i use the "y: style in my crawler. they work fine. it is just a matter of prefrence.

try kar-tec for deits or possibly get them direct.

Dunno if it's available for cars or not, but one really nice feature in some aircraft is the shoulder straps connected to an "inertia reel".

With a little lever lock down on the seat bottom, in unlocked position, it allows the shoulder straps to reel in and out and gives you some freedom - but locks under a sudden pull (similar to a regular seat-belt). You can also lock the lever so that they are locked solid.

Prob. $$$ though. But sure helps you keep it on when you need a little freedom.