Schroth Harness Mounting Question

[SlimMJS]

As I decide which Schroth Harness to get, I'm curious about where to attach the driver's inside mount. The seatbelt receptacle is attached to my seat, not the car's frame, so I want to be sure this is a safe place to mount it. What do you think about the bolt where the 'flip forward' lock hook seats itself? Is that a safe point? Thanks.

http://matthewslimmer.com/forums/harness-bolt-option-1.jpg

http://matthewslimmer.com/forums/harness-bolt-option-2.jpg

http://matthewslimmer.com/forums/harness-bolt-option-3.jpg

http://matthewslimmer.com/forums/harness-bolt-option-4.jpg


The ends of the harness look like this...
http://www.schrothracing.com/ximg/2295/b23.jpg

And here are the two options for harnesses. Either a 3 point or a 4 point anchor...
http://www.schrothracing.com/ximg/1576/rallye3.red.jpg

http://store1.yimg.com/I/soloracerdotcom_1945_1724186

http://www.schrothracing.com/ximg/1575/16100.jpg

http://store1.yimg.com/I/soloracerdotcom_1945_1770390

The same bolt exists on the outer driver's side of the seat as well. It looks like that is where I should mount the outer anchor, rather than at the base of the B-pillar (where the regular seat belt anchors).

Thanks for looking and any advice.

[SlimMJS]

the car is a 1992 GTI

[OptimusGlen]

First off, don't use harnesses unless you have a rollcage.

Harness don't allow you to be bent down in case of a rollover where the roof caves in, if you have harnesses and this happens you will surely die. Where the factory belts will let you move around a bit if it's not a frontal crash. This could be the difference between walking away from a crash with a few scratches and a bruised ego, and being carted away from a crash with a skull smoooshed into your ribcage.

Secondly, the post on your seat is a BAD spot to put a harness. If you pull up your carpet to peek, you may find a threaded bung for a seatbelt bolt, otherwise your best bet would be to take the seat out, cut off the existing seatbelt rod (but not the entire thing) and drill a hole that you can fit a large bolt through... but really, since you'll have a cage, the best method is to run the harnesses back to a horizontal cross bar, around, and through one of the 2-slot plate things.

Thirdly, I would go with the 3-point harness and bolt it to the c-pillar in the spot used for the rear shoulder belts. Having the 2 points in the buttcrack of the rear seats looks likea bad idea to me. General rule of thumb for rally and roadracing is that the attachment point needs to be at shoulder level.

[SlimMJS]

First off, don't use harnesses unless you have a rollcage.

Harness don't allow you to be bent down in case of a rollover where the roof caves in, if you have harnesses and this happens you will surely die. Where the factory belts will let you move around a bit if it's not a frontal crash. This could be the difference between walking away from a crash with a few scratches and a bruised ego, and being carted away from a crash with a skull smoooshed into your ribcage.

Secondly, the post on your seat is a BAD spot to put a harness. If you pull up your carpet to peek, you may find a threaded bung for a seatbelt bolt, otherwise your best bet would be to take the seat out, cut off the existing seatbelt rod (but not the entire thing) and drill a hole that you can fit a large bolt through... but really, since you'll have a cage, the best method is to run the harnesses back to a horizontal cross bar, around, and through one of the 2-slot plate things.

Thirdly, I would go with the 3-point harness and bolt it to the c-pillar in the spot used for the rear shoulder belts. Having the 2 points in the buttcrack of the rear seats looks likea bad idea to me. General rule of thumb for rally and roadracing is that the attachment point needs to be at shoulder level.

How very interesting Glen. Words of wisdom I will not forget.

May I next then inquire about alternative solutions to get the result I seek: to be better held in my seat, feeling more secure and more part of the car without sliding around.

These are my seats: the GTI embroidered Grey with Red Stripe (probably just Recaro inspired/designed, but not actually Recaros)...

http://matthewslimmer.com/vwgti/images/front-seats.jpg

And I currently have the belts setup as B-Pillar mounted shoulder belts (not DOOR mounted shoulder. I hate that)

[SlimMJS]

Does this solve the issue or still no?

http://www.schroth.com/gfx/dyn/produkte_daten/gross_450/34/1.jpg

Schroth AutoControl Harness

SCHROTH's Autocontrol with S.M.A.R.T. (Sensor Modulated Automatic Restraint Technology) is a hi-tech variation of the Rallye 3 harnessbelt with asm. S.M.A.R.T.™ represents the most advanced design in restraint systems today. The system features a unique 'thinking' electro-sensor which constantly monitors abnormal movement and force inside the vehicle while in motion. During normal driving conditions, the Autocontrol's sensor allows the inertia reel to 'relax', enabling occupants to move more comfortably and freely in their harnessbelts. But, if the electro-sensor detects rapid acceleration or deceleration, a high G-force turn, quick side movement or inclines over 25 degrees, it will INSTANTLY lock the inertia reel and secure occupants in their seats - the safest possible position in a collision. The system comes complete with all hardware and an easy to follow installation instruction manual.

This harness belt comes in black with gray "Schroth" lettering or a limited edition "Black Magic" version (shown in photo above) The Black Magic features all blacked out hardware, black "Schroth" lettering, and black leather harness pads.

Attention Autocrossers:
If you plan to use your Autocontrol harnessbelt at autocross events you should also purchase a Cut-off Switch which will give you the ability to lock the inertia reel so that the harnessbelt can be fully tightened during an event.

[Digital K]

keep in mind that one thing is a trade off for another. Without harnesses you are likely to smash your face on the steering wheel, or crush your rib cage on it. With it you are likely to have a more severe neck injury. Regardless I think staying in your seat is the most important thing.

[SlimMJS]

I know that Brent's 16v seats have HUGE bolsters. Definitely the tightest fit I've ever had. That would help a lot, yeah? Brent??? Opinion?

[Digital K]

Those recaros would absolutely hold you in your seat. If thats what you are looking for...to be sucked to the seat. The recaros would be a better option than the harnesses.

[Digital K]

and besides, your rocking chair passenger seat is crazy :P

[SlimMJS]

hey, that was an upgrade! who cares about passengers anyways :P

[OptimusGlen]

yeah, i suggest the Recaros. Those blue harnesses would be ok to use without a cage though.

You're not going to smash your ribcage on your steering wheel if you're wearing a normal belt properly. Hit your head/face on it sure, but itwouldn't kill you.

[Digital K]

normal seatbelts stretch approximately up to 20%. I think youd be suprised what can happen

[OptimusGlen]

from watching all sorts or crashtest videos... your ribcge isn't going to be smashed against your steeringwheel if it's being worn properly. If it's a SEVERE head on collision it would come in contact, but it's because the firewall of the car is being smushed towards you, at which point no seatbelt is going to save you.

There is a video floating around the web of a MK2 crashtest, look for it if you're interested.

Also, harnesses can stretch too.

[Digital K]

they have to. if they didnt you'd be fucked even more haha

[autobahn]

schroth has those ones that bolt right into MK4s and are DOT certified for on-road use... I might get me a set of those

[flippinvw]

Talked to you about this before, but Recaro's plus normal belts gets my vote. Having to undo a 4-pt harness just to reach over and unlock your passenger door would suck.

That one guy in Buffalo - seats are sold :/