Topic: Harness Questions

[hippiejesse]

Hello,
I would like to install a set of 4 or 5 point harnesses in my jeep (When I get one very shortly), first off, can I mount a set of harnesses with the stock seats? If so how?
Otherwise, where would you reccomend that I mount the top straps, like on the floor, or somehow to the cage?

Next, any reccomedations for 4/5 point harness compatible seats (If stock won't work)? Hopefully still recliners, it is a daily driver, and I would like to still be realativly comfortable... (I know, harnesses are generally unfortable; I intend to leave stock belts on for on road ventures, any reason not to?)

Last, what kind of harness do you reccomend? Pics would be nice!

Thanks Alot...

[hippiejesse]

Also,
Just had an idea, wanted to see what you thought.  I want to mount one of those dimond plate steel security boxes in the back, do you think it would be safe to simply mount the harnesses to the lid with washers and such? I thought that it may be a fair height since I don't really want to add another bar on my cage...

IS IT SAFE???!!

[hippiejesse]

Been looking around,
On Top of previous points, what do you folks think about these:
http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/jeepseatbelts.html 

Seems like a decent set up to me, how 'bout y'all?

Thanks Again

[Jeffy]

Have you ever worn a harness?  To use them properly they have to be worn tight.  This means you're not moving from your seat.  To properly use a harness, you need to have the right mounting points and that is not possible without modifications.  At minimum, you would need to run the upper shoulder harness to the back of the Jeep  Probably where the rear most legs of the cage are.  Otherwise, you can weld in a belt bar beind the seats.  The other option is to run it to the floor but to get the right angle it needs to be somewhere behind the rear seat, meaning, you can't have a rear seat.

Then there is the seat design.  You really want seats that are designed for harness use.  At minimum you'll want one with a separate headrest so the shoulder harness isn't being forced around the seat.  Placement of the belts is important. You will not be able to have a 5pt belt unless you cut into your seat.  There is no other way unless you buy proper racing seats.

Harnesses are safety equipment are aren't just for looks.  Harnesses in a daily driver are a real PITA.  Also be aware that very few harnesses are DOT legal.  As far as I know only one company is, Schroth.

As for your idea, that's a good way to end up dead.

[hippiejesse]

Thanks for the Input,
I have worn harnesses before, but never really paid attention to how they had been set up. I intend to leave in the OEM belts to wear for road use. I will most likely find a way to mount the harnesses at the rear end of the jeep. I will buy a pair of suspension seats with proper mounting etc...

Now, do you have any kind advice regarding the seats and harnesses I should buy? Where a really good place in a TJ is to mount the straps? What seats will be most comfortable and safe?

Keep Help Coming, I am new to these things, and I want to be as safe as possible...

Thanks.