Looking to convert my 4 points to 5 points now as dont want to have any submarining excursions 
First issue will be cutting a hole into the seats...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v65/thefreak/Freakyparts/MX5/IMG_4660-1024.jpg
I'm guessing mark up, masking tape, close eyes and prey?
Then I'll need a point for the harness. Will something like this work?
Harness eye bolt backing plate FIA approved | eBay UK
Is the usual idea just to clean up the floor and weld it directly onto it? or mount from underneath with a suitable hole drilled or what? Any tips?
I appreciate the desire to avoid submarining... I bought seats with a hole for 5/6 point to help avoid this myself.
But! Having seen those photos of the rally driver who hit a tree, didn't have the 5/6 points tightened correctly and 'burst' his
'ahem' groin region.... I'm slightly more recitent to actually order the harnesses! 
But atleast the hole in the seat lets the rain out! 
Cheers,
James
Hmm... I see what you're saying.
I guess it's a toss up between busted balls or mangled spine.. I wonder if you can still get it up when you've mangled the spine...
I'm hoping (aren't we all) not to have that sort of incident where trees/rally speeds/heavy impact is involved, as it's only a baby MX5
quote:
Originally posted by James
I appreciate the desire to avoid submarining... I bought seats with a hole for 5/6 point to help avoid this myself.
But! Having seen those photos of the rally driver who hit a tree, didn't have the 5/6 points tightened correctly and 'burst' his 'ahem' groin region.... I'm slightly more recitent to actually order the harnesses!
But atleast the hole in the seat lets the rain out!
Cheers,
James
i thought the spreader plate just bolted on underneath (no need to weld) but i would want to see something a bit thicker than the normal floor fixed
to the top of the floor too
my chassis has two 5mm thick steel plates welded to the top of the chassis tubes, and the floor fixed to the bottom of the tubes
I always wished I'd gone for 5 point harnesses in my old Indy. The trouble with 4 point harnesses is that you can't get the shoulder straps
tight enough without pulling the lap straps up your midriff. I never felt fully comfortable myself.
I'd say the risk of burst gentleman jewels is very liveable in relation to the potential damage caused by submarining.
quote:
Originally posted by nick205
I always wished I'd gone for 5 point harnesses in my old Indy. The trouble with 4 point harnesses is that you can't get the shoulder straps tight enough without pulling the lap straps up your midriff. I never felt fully comfortable myself.
I'd say the risk of burst gentleman jewels is very liveable in relation to the potential damage caused by submarining.
Perhaps 6-point would be more 'man-friendly'? They're fastened across the top of your thigh, so as long as you keep the family jewels
neatly arranged between the straps then all should be OK...
...but I'm only guessing!
The other problem with a 4-point is that the waist belt rises up - not so much the submarining problem, more that the impact will be taken over soft
tissue which would be extremely damaging (possibly terminal), instead of across your pelvis.
[Edited on 13/7/11 by David Jenkins]
Being an mx5 owner, you won't have family jewels to worry about, will you?
Sorry, that was rude...
quote:
Originally posted by RK
Being an mx5 owner, you won't have family jewels to worry about, will you?
Sorry, that was rude...
Blah blah blah
Neeeaaawwwwmmmmm
A lot of fun on the track for a lot less than most cars. For <£1k you cant get a 7 on the road doing the same 
[Edited on 19-7-11 by thefreak]
Yes I am reminded that they are better value every time I go to autoslalom... but then I come to my senses.
BTW they are not cheap in Canada. You can't get a decent one without rust for less than $3500 (and high mileage).
I've just bought a second for £500 that's now going to be the Exocet donor