A harness bar can be bulky and troublesome at times. This is especially true when you want to preserve the use of rear seats. So it’s understandable if you don’t want a bar when installing the harness.
In that case, is there a way on how to install a racing harness without bar?
Yes, you can install a harness without a bar. This involves 3 steps. You need to clear the rear seats. Then attach the straps to the rear seat belt sockets. Lastly, you need to check for the angle of recline. This will give you the protection needed with no bars.
However, if you want to know more, delve into our article below. We’ve discussed the steps and the caution you need to take. All of that should help you with smooth installation.
So let’s rev up our engines and start the installation process!
Installing the Racing Harness in 3 Easy Steps!
Now, remember, this method works best if you’re occasionally driving and need the rear seats for use. Hence, if you’re racing on a weekly basis, please opt for a bar. Because the bar will provide more protection.
Nonetheless, let’s begin discussing how you can install a harness without a bar-
1. Clear the Rear Seats
For the first part, you need to clear your rear seats. If there are any bars, you need to raise them higher. This way there are no obstructions when you’ll secure the harness.
Then free the seat belt clips in the back if they’ve fallen between seats. After this, you can mount the harness.
2. Take Shoulder Straps and Attach to Rear Seat Belt Anchors
No matter what harness you have, for this step you’ll be using the shoulder straps.
Here are some of our top picked shoulder straps, in case you need one-
These are quite strong and durable, so you can rely on them.
Thread the shoulder straps through the hole in your seat. When you do that, it creates a triangle brace that secures your shoulders. When you normally mount it on a bar, it creates the same brace.
Now, drag the straps to the seat belt mounts of the rear seats. Insert the harness clip in the seat belt socket. Make sure they are clamped and mounted.
Once that’s done, tug at the harness straps firmly. The straps should not slip out of the seat belt socket. This is simply to ensure harness safety.
If the clip socket is loose, you need to fix it. But solving that can get difficult.
In that case, buy a new pair. If you aren’t sure which ones to get, look at the options below. We have a bunch of recommendations that’ll keep you safe and secure-
Now that you’ve taken a look at the clips, let’s proceed with the remaining steps.
3. Make Sure the Angle Is 45°
Once that’s done, you need to check and adjust the angle of recline. It should be between 40° and 45°. This is the optimal angle of recline that won’t put a strain on your shoulders.
Checking the angle of recline is easy. You can use a protractor or a phone app to check this. Get protractors from our suggestions below if you need one-
Simply use the rear seat belt clip as the starting point and see the angle of recline. If the angle is out of the given range of 40° and 45°, you will have to readjust. You can do this by getting a seatbelt mount and attaching the seat belt buckle higher.
Now that we’ve covered the installation process, let’s look at a few precautions.
Important Tips on Installing Racing Harness!
There are a few simple things to be aware of regarding the installation process. Don’t make these rookie mistakes for they jeopardize your safety-
Don’t Mount on Baby Seat Mounts And Sockets
Ever noticed the seat belt mounting options on the roof of your car? You may want to install your racing harness using that but don’t.
Those are smaller mounts meant specifically for babies. Babies weigh lighter than adults so obviously, it won’t take your weight well. There are also certain precautions taken when a child is in a car.
When traveling at speeds more than 120 mph, your harness has a chance of snapping. It can also cause the mount to completely rip off from the roof, which is risky.
Do Not Mount to the Floor
You might think it’s a good idea to strap your harness to the floor to keep the rear seats empty. However, that can be highly dangerous.
When you strap the shoulder straps to the floor, the angle of recline is steep. It goes past the optimal range. So, upon impact, you run the risk of snapping your shoulder blades.
Buy a Harness with a Submarine Strap
If the steps above are giving you doubts, then there is a way around that. You can buy a harness that has a feature called a submarine strap.
This provides an extra layer of protection. It has an extended flap that stretches out upon hard impact. This prevents the driver from slipping out from under their seat.
Therefore, keep these in mind before installation. With all of that covered, you’ve made it almost to the end of the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are 4 point harnesses legal?
Answer: Unfortunately, 4 point harnesses are illegal for street use. For that, seatbelts are the only legal option. This is mainly because the Department of Transportation hasn’t had time to research their extent of safety.
Question: Do I need a harness for track days?
Answer: Yes, you need a harness for track days. It’s wise if the harness is either a 4 point or a 5 point one. This will make sure that you’re strapped well and securely. Additionally, this reduces the need to have a roll cage for track days.
Question: Can you install a harness without a roll cage?
Answer: When you’re installing a harness, it’s best to have either a harness bar or a roll cage. So, if you have a roll cage, you can install the harness. However, for safety issues, it’s wise to have one of the two.
Bottom Line
By now you should know everything about how to install racing harness without bar. We hope our advice helps with smooth installation and keeps you safe in the long run.
Till then, good luck on the track and stay safe!
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