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MG MGB Technical - Harnesses in a Roadster?


Hi,

I'm restoring a 1977 B Roadster at the moment, and want to take it on track days in the future, so wanted to putin 4 point harnesses for safety both on and off the track. Has anyone done this or have any pictures of it completed?

Many thanks,

Mark
Mark Tofts

Mark. You might check with the sponsoring organization you would be driving with as to what their requirements are. Do you need a roll bar if you are driving a roadster? Most organizations require this. For the lap belt, I used the factory attachement points. If you have a roll bar, it makes a good attachment point for the shoulder harness. My GT does not require a roll bar for "street class" and I attached the shoulder belts to the rear panel behind the seat, using reinforcements to spread the possible load over a wider area of sheet metal. Best way to do this is to check with the sponsoring organization, then see what solutions others have come up with. Often, you will find someone willing to help you or who can recommend someone with experience in installing safety equipment in an MGB. Les
Les Bengtson

Mark

If you are considering 4 point harness, then as Les wisely points out, you should consider a roll over bar.

The MGOC offers a bar, but it is to my eyes unsightly, and I don't believe that it meets MSA/FIA requirements.

Safety Devices are excellent suppliers, who can supply and fit "road" roll over bars, or FIA approved systems.

Their web site - http://www.safetydevices.co.uk/ - is down at present, but will no doubt be up in due course.

You should be aware when ordering harnesses that some are approved for track use, but are not approved for use on the road.

If you are going to use your B seriously you should also consider an appropriate fire extinguisher, and possibly an FIA approved electrical cut-off switch.

Safety Fast

Nigel Steward

Just to add to the roll-over bar comments:

For just using on track days (ie not proper racing), then I don't think you need a roll-bar, however I think it's a very good idea.

As I understand things (mainly from comment by Ron Gammons), a proper roll-bar (FIA standard) will not allow the folding roof of a roadster to be raised or lowered (the frame fouls on the cage).

If you're interested in fitting the type of bar sold by the MGOC or B&G which does allow the roof to be raised and lowered, then I've got one I've never bothered fitting and would be happy to sell on.

Cheers

Chris
Chris Byham

My V8 came with the 5-point harnesses and I simply hated them for regular road use. They're very heavy and of course they allow very little motion, like to reach over and turn on the radio. Also they're a pain to put on. Boy was I glad to get rid of 'em and put in regular inertia-reel belts. Are the 5-points much safer? ... I mean, they must be.
Ted

problem with the harness is that it will hold you in the seat if you roll and your head will get squished (unlike a regular seatbelt which will allow you to be pushed down into the seat). so yes, you really should install a roll bar.

steven

www.powercars.co.uk
steven

The inertal reel as per original will allow the head to move forward and strike the steering wheel spoke as in all modern cars. Want to see the scar over my left eye? Mount the 4-point correctly and drive carefully.
John
John Simmers

5-point harnesses are for serious racers only, I've never seen a road car with them in... our hot-rod has them as the rules specify 3" wide 5-point belts, and once you've got it done up properly there's no way you're moving until you undo the latch.

I feel safe with inertia reels in my car as I sit a very very long way from the steering wheel :o)

Drive safe, there's ice out...
--
Olly
Oliver Stephenson

This thread was discussed between 27/01/2003 and 31/01/2003

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