4pt. Harness for a U.S. spec. 599 | FerrariChat
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4pt. Harness for a U.S. spec. 599

Discussion in '612/599' started by speed racer, Oct 25, 2008.

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  1. speed racer

    speed racer Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2008
    1,462
    Burr Ridge IL.
    Full Name:
    PJ
    #1 speed racer, Oct 25, 2008
    I understand that the 4point harness is an option on a Europe spec 599. But not available even as an option on U.S. spec 599's. Got a price of $1100. apiece or $2200 for the pair. Special order from Italy. I think they look absolutely stunning in the car. Much better looking than those boring lap belts. I really need to know if anyone has actually swapped out a set of lap belts and replaced them with the 4 point racing harness on U.S. 599? The problem isn't getting the parts.(Ricambi) I 'm just at a loss as to who does the installation. I've been told that it needs to be installed professionally since these are actual race car harness's. I'll be talking to my dealer next week and see if they can do the work or shop it out and how much it will cost. But would like to know going forward of any pros or cons with this system and who can be recommend to do the install which may be more difficult and complicated that its worth. I've heard that the harness can be difficult to operate quickly. Another post mentioned something about the back luggage shelf creating a problem for installation. Any info would be appreciated. I also have a couple of young kids and would like to know if I can also keep the lap belts to secure his child seat. I don't think a racing harness is meant for the job.
     
  2. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
    4,533
    PC, UT
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    Joe
    #2 Qksilver, Oct 25, 2008
    You need to be careful with 4-pt harnesses... they can be very dangerous. If you are making a switch to harnesses, you should go with at least 5-pt. You see, in the event of a frontal impact, you (and your passenger) have a considerable chance of sliding forward off the seat, which would be very bad news for you (both). A 5/6-pt will stop that from happening. However, using harnesses on the street is a bad idea in general. Without a hans device, in an accident, your body will be strapped in tightly while your head and neck aren't. Again, bad news.

    I'm my opinion (which puts your safety first), the only time to use harnesses in on the track-- and even with them installed, the stock seatbelt/airbag system would be used on the street.

    They look really amazing though. :)

    -Joe
     
  3. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,511
    West Coast
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    A
    #3 410SA, Oct 27, 2008
    If you are going to use a harness at street speeds the danger is somewhat minimized regarding head and neck injuries versus a high G force racing incident, but a harness should always be at least 5 point to prevent submarining, and a roll cage is essential.
    I believe that the factory harness mounting points for the non USA cars are excluded from USA cars, so the problem would be getting a secure place to mount the belts, and that would involve structural changes to the car.
    They look good but the factory three point belt plus airbags is probably the optimum setup for regular street driving.
     
  4. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #4 DM18, Oct 27, 2008
    I have factory 4 point harneses in my Scuderia and I see no safety issues at all. The lap belt has to be snug. I am very familiar with Hans in my race cars and there is no applicability whatsoever to a street car no matter what harnesses you have. I put 4 points in my 550 many years ago and they were a quantum leap forward over the standard 3 points.
     
  5. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    #5 Qksilver, Oct 27, 2008
    Personal preference. That's why you have 4pt, and I'll have 5 (will still OEM belts on the street). :)
     
  6. ggetz

    ggetz Karting

    Dec 20, 2007
    150
    #6 ggetz, Oct 29, 2008
    Had a 6-point harness installed in my 512TR years ago (it's still in there) by the AD -- but only used it on the track. Not DOT legal for street use, IIRC. And for tooling around (or even somewhat spirited driving on the public roads) it would, I think, quickly get to be a pain to snap in all of the doo-dads and keep track of them when exiting (including keeping the left lap belt from flopping out and dinging your door sill.

    Also, the idea of driving on the road with a racing harness on is not to my taste -- to each his own, though!

    Best,

    Gary
     

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