LocostUSA.com

Im starting to look for seat belt options. I plan on going with a 5 point system with 3" wide belts but from there I'm open. I do have some questions:

Since the car will be street legal, is a certain belt specification needed? Will I not pass inspection even with a properly mounted 5 point belt that doesnt have some specific specification?

What are the mounting options (and whats the 'best'?) Bolt in?

Cam lock or latch release? (I want latch due to cam-locks jamming in Kurt's view)

Those with completed, running, DOT approved cars- What setup do you have?

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Georgia Tech
Ride and Handling Engineer for a major car company
Locost finished - book frame, IRS, '84 celica GTS donor, '99 tacoma 2rz motor with a turbo, megasquirt DIYPNP. Getting rebuilt with new IRS, F20C
"the all-consuming time-sucking car, which I really enjoy working on" -KB

Well I had the $59 G-Force latch lock belts on my SCCA SS car and they worked fine. Never any jamming problems with mine. I did however walk past my RE's car at an autocross one day and he was stuck and asked me for "some WD-40 or something". I got disctracted and forgot about him. I saw him later that day milling around so he apparently got out somehow. I'm not sure what harness brand he had.

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He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

To pass the inspection I used GM lap belts out of the junk yard.

I am currently using RCI 3" 5-point harness, latch type. Not DOT legal.

Don't use them without the crotch strap - it really makes a big difference in comfort and safety.

Get "pull-up" straps, not "pull down".

They are a royal pain in the bottom for daily driving, and teaching EVERY passenger how to use them. I'm trying to find a 3-point retractable style that I like (or at least fits).

G

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The Lethal Locost
The Lethal Locost 2 - Even More Lethalerer

DOT does not approve our cars. Generally, the states inspect to state requirements as written in the state code. Most states do not have safety inspections.
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MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC / EQUIPMENT AND INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES /
HORNS, EXHAUST SYSTEMS, MIRRORS, WINDSHIELDS, TIRES, SAFETY BELTS, ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS /


40-8-76

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Some states/inspectors may want everything to be DOT approved. There is no yes/no answer to "will my car pass?" It all depends on what you have to do to pass, and that can vary between countries/states/county/city/shop/inspector/lunar-calendar/fate.

I was asked at my first shop if my Aurora rod ends were DOT approved. I asked how I could prove that my fasteners were all dot approved.... *sigh*

G

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The Lethal Locost
The Lethal Locost 2 - Even More Lethalerer

I believe that Skinny G has the correct statment "it Depends"

But I think it's gotten to be easier in the States Vs Canada.

I have 4 pt belts, without DOT markings and attached with stainless polished button head screws and no grade markings on them. Passed with flying colors.

No problem at inspection, the only thing checked on the belts was that they actual latched. Michigan inspeection is more interested in the serial numbers on the power train.

Dave W