TheSamba.com :: View topic - Recreational Use Buggy & SFI Seat Belt Harness

Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:36 pm

Does a 4-point or 5-point harness have to be in certification to use on a buggy?

That's a very vague question, I know. I have a set of CROW 5-point harnesses and one is good till June of '25 and the other expired on June of '23.

Do dunes authorities check for dated SFI articles etc? One year past its certification date does not make a bad harness. Both have no abrasions on any straps and all hardware is in like new condition. I'm sure that some of the more reasonably priced harnesses on Amazon do not even come with a dated certification. Reasonable price and life saving are very subjective, to say the least.

I personally have no issues with them, but just wondering what the consensus is on out of date for non-sanctioned driving etc. Do you guys that NEVER race in any sanctioning events, use SFI harnesses AND keep them in date?

Thanks in advance, Dan

Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:48 pm

I dont know about any vw race rules nor any other dunes than little Sahara but they didnt check a damn thing last i was there. I run “expired” 5 point harnesses as there’s a lot of circle track stuff here and you can pick up really nice sets cheap, i actually just had a buddy give me a 3” set that came out of his car from last year. WAY better products than the skeezbay ones

Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:06 pm

For recreational use I don't see a problem if they are in good repair... I run a older 4 point set in my Manx style buggy (mainly on the street & show) and nobody has ever looked twice at them....

Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:37 am

The SFI date is only going to be inspected in a race environment. For your recreational use they are fine if they are out of date.

Would I run belts that are a couple/few years old in my car, absolutely. You have to draw the line at some point though on how old is too old?

As soon as they fray, fade, get stiff/hard to tighten/loosen, its probably time to purchase some new ones.

Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:11 pm

The way I handle it is that I race in FEW enough sanctioned events that I just buy new harnesses whenever I'm gonna get teched. :lol: My habits tend to keep them either in date or within a few years of being in date.

My car came with 15-year old harnesses and though I'm no inspector, I would assume the way the fabric handled to be a safety hazard, like JWH said. Very crispy.

Of the cars I have encountered around here that are actually fitted with harnesses, most of the danger appears to lie in installation technique. Gotta follow the manufacturer manual to a T if you want to achieve the level of safety they are able to provide. Harness angles, bolts, wrap techniques if applicable MUST BE ADHERED TO. I'd bet my life on a correctly installed harness that's a few years out than a brand new one installed by a hack.

Thu Feb 08, 2024 3:16 pm

My BIL was pulled over in his jeep for not having DOT belts, he had old 5-point race harnesses he was wearing. Cop still gave him a ticket. He went to court with the belts in hand and told the judge "these belts are made to hit the wall at Indy at 200 mph", the judge threw the case out.

Thu Feb 08, 2024 6:53 pm

jimmyhoffa wrote: The way I handle it is that I race in FEW enough sanctioned events that I just buy new harnesses whenever I'm gonna get teched. :lol: My habits tend to keep them either in date or within a few years of being in date.

My car came with 15-year old harnesses and though I'm no inspector, I would assume the way the fabric handled to be a safety hazard, like JWH said. Very crispy.

Of the cars I have encountered around here that are actually fitted with harnesses, most of the danger appears to lie in installation technique. Gotta follow the manufacturer manual to a T if you want to achieve the level of safety they are able to provide. Harness angles, bolts, wrap techniques if applicable MUST BE ADHERED TO. I'd bet my life on a correctly installed harness that's a few years out than a brand new one installed by a hack.

Thats the truth, ive seen some janky ass seat belt set ups in most of the buggys ive rebuilt. Some you’d probably be better off with nothing and hope you get ejected

Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:49 pm

As a Tech Inspector for over 50 years, working for many different organizations, I agree with JWH and Jimmy Hoffa. Their advice is good.

Especially important is that the lap belt pass across your lap, top of the thighs, NOT on your belly. And the shoulder belts must be mounted close to level with your shoulders. they should NOT pull down on your shoulders. That can lead to compressive fracture of the spine.