Seat Belt materials

[robfrey]

I've been learning a lot about seat belt construction lately. The more I learn, the more I hate the current nylon belts that we have been using. They stretch too much upon impact (up to 17%) and the sun just kills them. That is why they need replacing every two years. If we went to polyester like the oems we could easily go to a five year replacement schedule. Bad news is good belts, really good polyester belts are expensive especially if they need thrown out every two years. FIM gives you five years on polyester belts. My buddies in Nascar use $1700 a set belts. OUCH. If it was me, I would also want the best. I have found very good 7pt polyester belts for under $400.
I've got most of this info from someone who did a lot of sled testing and I trust him.
Is there any chances of us getting longer replacement schedule on polyester belts?

[Cajun Kid]

Rob,

As you all know,, I am a big ole guy. So when buying safyety equipment I have to have it all custom made.. (my seat was the biggest investment so far)

I too will be using heavy duty polyester belts with forged hardware for all the reasons you mention.

The folks at Safety Solutions in Mooresville, NC are making my new belts for the Stude. (same folks that do the Hutchins, the Hybrid Pro, the R3  and other Head and Neck Restraint Systems.

Charles

[dw230]

Section 3.D.2 in the rulebook specifys a 5 year replacement cycle. So you just got three more years.

"All belts shall be in good condition and have a manufacturer’s tag with a legible date not more than 5 years old on the label."

DW

[robfrey]

Thanks DW! I was assuming that we followed the NHRA Lead on belts so that is much better.

[robfrey]

Rob,

As you all know,, I am a big ole guy. So when buying safyety equipment I have to have it all custom made.. (my seat was the biggest investment so far)

I too will be using heavy duty polyester belts with forged hardware for all the reasons you mention.

The folks at Safety Solutions in Mooresville, NC are making my new belts for the Stude. (same folks that do the Hutchins, the Hybrid Pro, the R3  and other Head and Neck Restraint Systems.

Charles

Yeah, Chris is a great guy. I take it you got an ISP seat?

[Cajun Kid]

DW,  thanks  for the quick info..

I did not have my rule book handy, but I  "thought"  belts could be as much as 5 years old.. but hesitated to make a coment until I looked it up.

Thanks again for your pearls of wisdom.

(and a big thanks for your email on my shoulder bar and step pan questions)

Charles

[Cajun Kid]

Rob,

Yes of course I got an ISP seat.  Chris is great to deal with and his shop is only 40 minutes from one of my offices.

Chris works very closely with Trevor at Safety Solutions, so I know all my stuff works well together,,,
the only unknown is the nut behind the wheel  

Charles

[jimmy six]

As a past inspector I have inspected belts that were well with in the date time but looked liked they spent the year outside in the open. I always brought over the chief inspector for him to make the decision or whether to allow the person to compete. Some people just don't care.

It always surprised me on how some people use/abuse their safety gear. My fire suits are cleaned at least once a year. When I change my belts they look as good a new even when I ran all the meets in the El Mirage dirt. My helmet goes back in the protective cloth sack and back in the box when not in use. All the other safety gear is in a suit case, ei: gloves, neck support, limb restraints, shoes...

I hope the SCTA doesn't punish us by changing the current date useage especially with the belts, helmets or driving suits. In my opinion they do not deteriorate when properly cared for and if I had to buy a new 3-2-20 every few years my racing days would be over.

[Cajun Kid]

Jimmy,

I agree with taking care of the gear.  I do as you do, keep everything neat and clean.  (well I got a new Head Sock for this season .. Christmas Present)  After many long hot waits in line in  and several times being shutdown on the line or on deck for course check,, after being suited up,, my head sock was soaked,,, mmm and not smelling so spring time fresh)..
I washed it and lll seems ok,,, but was not sure how well they protect after a washing, so I am using my new one.

Charles

[Joe Timney]

I'll keep my nylon belts...the stretch equals deceleration...my old body needs that!!!  So now you know why they are nylon.

[doug odom]

You could always make them out of steel cable. No stretch there.

[1212FBGS]

why would you wanna cheep out on something that will save your life?.... after ya crash a few times you will understand... some people change theres every year....
kent

[robfrey]

I believe the guy the does the sled test.