How to Hook Up a 5 Point Harness

Five-point harnesses are used in auto racing to provide an additional level of safety for drivers and passengers. A well-designed and properly installed harness will not only provide additional safety in the event of a crash but also keep the driver positioned correctly when under the g-force load a race car will produce. Many automobile racing events will require a properly installed harness for the driver and passengers. Installation of any racing harnesses should be reviewed by a professional to verify the work was properly performed.

Things You'll Need

  • Racing seat
  • Five-point harness
  • Wrenches
  • Drill with metal bits
  • Steel backing plates
  • Grade eight mounting hardware
  • Wrenches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine mounting points for the lap belt that are approximately two and half inches in front of the point where the seat back meets the seat bottom.

    • 2

      Drill a hole for both the inside and outside lap belts.

    • 3

      Fasten the lap belts using the grade eight hardware and backing plates. Tighten the bolt and nut with a pair of wrenches.

    • 4

      Determine mounting points for the shoulder harnesses that will allow proper entry through a racing seat and is secured one to four inches below the height of the driver's shoulders when seated. The traverse bar on a roll cage is the most common mounting point for shoulder harnesses.

    • 5

      Use the grade eight hardware to mount the shoulder harnesses to the mounting points. Tighten the hardware using a pair of wrenches.

    • 6

      Determine a mounting point under the driver's seat for the submarine strap. Secure the submarine strap to the floor using the grade eight hardware and a backing plate. Tighten the mounting hardware with a pair of wrenches. Route the strap through the bottom of the racing seat.

    • 7

      Adjust the harnesses to fit the driver seated in the racing seat.