"Schroth Quickfit removable 4-point harness" By Tony Danza

[animal]

The TUV approval on these harnesses is on a per-car basis, i.e. there is a specific model of harness particular to each vehicle - so it can only be assumed they have been designed in conjunction with each other.

They're not "universal" in a traditional 3/4/6 point off the shelf sense.

Ah ok... I understand, I didnt realise it was a MkV specific harness.

Mat - It was Jonny I mean by resident racing driver.

[tony_danza]

No probs animal - I completely get where you were coming from. I assume the RS boys were fitting a common or garden 4pointer?

Basically if you're going down that route, ensure the seat is compatible and know any deviation from these angles can cause failure. Belt points should never share seat mounting points, and only ever use reinforced mountings... not just chav style holes in the floor and a big washer!

It's also worth noting that any 'E' marked harness can be used on the road (like a Megane R26.R) but it WILL restrict your ability to see at oblique junctions, for example. I wouldn't recommend it personally.

[animal]

No probs animal - I completely get where you were coming from. I assume the RS boys were fitting a common or garden 4pointer?

Basically if you're going down that route, ensure the seat is right and any deviation from these angles can cause failure.

I'm not 100% sure but I'd imagine so, all I remember was that the seat-backs aren't strong enough - but again, they are tilt-seats for a three door car. I know there are some kits that use exisiting seat belt mounts which aren't good at all due to the angle of the belt between the back of the seat and lower mounting point on the floor at the base of the B pillar, these would most definitely induce twist in an impact!

I have to say, in our health and safety culture I am suprised that the Recaros don't carry a marking indicating that they are/are not fit for harnesses. I bet this is something that even VW would struggle to answer and just give an arse-covering 'No' to be safe! At least if they were based on a commercially available seat you could check the specs but like the RS Sparcos, they are OEM models which makes life a bit trickier.

[tony_danza]

The OEM Recaro is a Sportster CS on a VAG mounting.

Recaro states they are approved for use with a 4-point harness here. Both in 3 door (tilting) and 5 door (non tilting) variants.

Quite possibly Ford cut corners and the Sparco one was just "for show"?

[tony_danza]

I'm not 100% sure but I'd imagine so, all I remember was that the seat-backs aren't strong enough - but again, they are tilt-seats for a three door car. I know there are some kits that use exisiting seat belt mounts which aren't good at all due to the angle of the belt between the back of the seat and lower mounting point on the floor at the base of the B pillar, these would most definitely induce twist in an impact!

Yep, unless you can ensure the shoulder belts are pretty much like this below, then you want to be using a crossover and a spreader to ensure it 'pulls' straight.

[animal]

The OEM Recaro is a Sportster CS on a VAG mounting.

Recaro states they are approved for use with a 4-point harness here. Both in 3 door (tilting) and 5 door (non tilting) variants.

Quite possibly Ford cut corners and the Sparco one was just "for show"?

I was under the impression that although it resembles the Sportster, it is an OEM special, not the retail version? But again, only through internet waffle and hear-say, nothing concrete. Perhaps this was a lot of fuss over nothing after all... 

[RedRobin]

Perhaps this was a lot of fuss over nothing after all...  

....Not at all. I, and I'm sure others here, are very grateful you have raised the question - It's an important question and of great value to be able to discuss it.  

For what it's worth, my insurer Greenlight is familiar with them and completely happy to include their use whenever I so wish. Although as tony_d rightly points out it's impossible to lean forward at a blind junction for example and so I don't usually use them on the road.

Gotta dash out now but contacting Recaro and Schroth is now on my To-Do list.

[tony_danza]

Yeah, there's a few cosmetic tweaks but essentially the same shell and contruction.

No fuss, you've rightly pointed out that you should never assume when it comes to safety, always check.

[MAT ED30]

http://www.schroth.com/installation-instructions/en/index.html
 

[MAT ED30]

plenty of info there i think 

[RedRobin]

http://www.schroth.com/installation-instructions/en/index.html

 

....Excellent! I think that info saves me needing to contact Schroth (Job #432). Thanks Mat  

Of course most of the info is written for Schroth's full race harnesses but much also applies to their Quikfit.

I think this link should be added to tony_danza's first post.

I now need to check the 20º rear strap angle 'rule' on my car.

[tony_danza]

Robin, that's for a HANS harness - completely different set of rules and angles.

[RedRobin]

Robin, that's for a HANS harness - completely different set of rules and angles.

....Then try this link : - http://www.schrothracing.com/store/Tuning/quick-fit/qf-vw-audi

Btw, the Schroth QuickFit can be used with a HANS yoke.

I'll keep searching..

[RedRobin]

....

Check out the Instructions booklet > page 19 > Vehicle Reference List > VW Golf V - "Only with Approved After Market Seats". That doesn't look like good news for oem seats and puts a question mark over the Recaro's even though they were a limited factory option.

Link : - http://www.schrothracing.com/docs/VW_&_Audi_Quick_Fit_Instructions.pdf

[RedRobin]

Hey, hang on a sec..

The Schroth QuickFit harnesses has ASM technology which, if you check out the ASM Document wmv file linked on the Instructions web page, you'll see is crash dummy test illustrated to be potentially far less damaging than standard safety belts! This actually presents a case for wearing them everyday - I already know that my insurer has no problem with that.

Of course it all relies on the QuickFit being properly installed and properly worn.