Jump to content
Click here if you are having website access problems ×

Simpson Hybrid Sport FHR

Jeff S

By Jeff S
in Speed

 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Support Team
Shaun_E

Shaun_E

Posted
  • Support Team
Posted

Hi Jeff,

I bought one at Autosport and yesterday went to Arch to have the seat belt mounts relocated. Although the Simpson device is supposedly more tolerant of seat belt position you still need the key angles to be correct. Arch measured my position seated in the car with the FHR on. They then moved my belt mounts to be closer to the centre line of the seat and also to mount below the top chassis rail requiring slots to be cut in the rear bulkhead. They do this for a standard charge of £200+VAT which includes a certification of the belt positioning and the work done - this has been required by some race series.

A number of sprinters have used a plate to relocate the mounts - the dimensions of this may vary so check before copying it (the standard belt mounts aren't even equidistant from the seat centre line). It is possible that a scrutineer will not like this way of doing things.

As I am planning on racing I went with the accepted practice but for speed events the requirements may not be as strict (but don't bet on it). I also needed the crotch strap mounts fitting as my car didn't have them so the trip to Arch was worth it. I talked to a local race team and they were reluctant to do the mods for me.

Shaun

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jeff S

Jeff S

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Shaun,

I looked at the plate option and the cost of going to Arch along with the standard Hans FHR and wrongly thought the Hybrid Sport would be the easier option *rolleyes*

I'll give Arch a call and get it done properly.

Jeff

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
OliW

OliW

Posted
Posted

I was under the impression that the Simpson device was more expensive than Hans but that the belts wouldn't need to be moved, so that some of the extra cost was soaked up.  That seemed the best reason to go for one, but it seems that's not the case. 

The only extra benefit over Hans I can see now is the lateral restraint it gives (I think).

Oli

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Simon.Rogers

Simon.Rogers

Posted
Posted

I'm certainly not going to discount what Shaun has done as he needs to be certain for his intended use - we all do really but before I bought the Simpson I asked the question clearly and specifically of the Simpson Tech at the show and I was told you do not need to alter anything.

I can get the contact details if necessary.

 

I'm surprised that Shaun's belts don't have to be fitted half way down the rear bulkhead anyway *rofl*

Must be the booster seat :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Support Team
Shaun_E

Shaun_E

Posted
  • Support Team
Posted

Oi you two *redcard* I feel it is my duty to tell you that Gill has resumed her black belt Ju-Jitsu training. *punch* *laugh*

Back on topic - it was also my understanding that the Simpson hybrid is more tolerant of belt position. However, their literature says otherwise and, joking apart, my lack of height does mean that the belts may not have had the correct angle to effectively hold the FHR in place. If the belt slopes upwards from the shoulders then it is fairly obvious that the device could move in an impact. If this is not an issue for you then you will probably be fine. As above, the standard Caterham belt positions aren't even equidistant from the seat centre-line - I was happier having mine moved but for someone with broader shoulders, it's probably not so critical. If you look at the install instructions for 6 point harnesses (ignoring FHRs), they should be in the same position as required for an FHR - if the belts hold you in place properly then they will hold the FHR in place. With the traditional HANS design the concern is that the belts could slip off the restraint in an impact hence the requirement to ensure the top belt mounts are close enough together to prevent this - the design of the Simpson Hybrid appears to be likely less sensitive to this.

Ultimately it comes down to your approach to safety. I am naturally conservative in this respect hence my decision to have the mounts altered. Since I had to have the crotch strap mounts added as well, it made sense to me to have all the modifications done at the same time. Arch had already done a couple of modifications for other Simpson Hybrid users.

I still prefer the Simpson Hybrid to a HANS design for other reasons (comfort, ease of use, quick release tethers) and am happy with my choice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
robmar

robmar

Posted
Posted

Delbert - no but I think if you had 2 massively different sized drivers in car it could cause issues, as there is a range of angles that is acceptable

Int he recent MSA bulletin there was a nice diagram explaining angles (at least from the side)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
robmar

robmar

Posted
Posted

To be fair I am not that tall, and in my caterham setup the belts are fine within the green 20 degree quadrant, so unless you are very vertically challenged *biggrin* i think you should de fine

Also this is 'guidance'  I am not sure of what the official scrutineering position is...  As typically in Hillclimbing the scrutineering is done with you out of the car.  I guess they may look at you as you come to the line.

Also this diagram doesn't show with someone in the car.  Out of the car with tillets I suspect I would be at best be horizontal...

Either way if you are fitting FHR then you may as well fit it properly!

And do remember they are only currently required for any caterham running in modified classes  (6 & 7 for our championship)

FHRGuidance.PNG.661273feb62954cf5383be0daa7658db.PNG

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CheshireCat

CheshireCat

Posted
Posted

Please can i ask a couple of questions from those who have the Simpson Hybrid FHR 

1) Can you sit in the car and fasten your harness before putting on your helmet and then attach the Hybrid FHR to your helmet? Likewise can you detach the Hybrid FHR from your helmet and remove your helmet whilst keeping your harness fastened?

2) What are the advantages of the quick release tethers ? 

Thanks Clive

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Comp Sec

Comp Sec

Posted
Posted

Rob, Sorry but as detailed in the General Regulations and the guidance Shaun refers to.

(S) 9.2.1. ........An FIA approved FHR device, fitted in accordance with FIA regulations is mandatory for all drivers with the exception of Period Defined Vehicles, Road-going Series Production Cars and Road-going Specialist Production Cars.

All these items must be produced for inspection and approval at scrutineering.

Class 1 to 5 are Road Going Specialist Production, FHR devices are optional

Class 6 & 7 are MODIFIED Specialist Production, FHR devices are MANDATORY.

So if you are competing in Class 6 or 7 you MUST have a FHR.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Area Representative
Richard Price

Richard Price

Posted
  • Area Representative
Posted

Clive,

Whilst I'm using a conventional HANS, I have no problem attaching and detaching the teathers to and from my helmet by feel.

At venues like Gurston and Harewood, I'll easily unclip one side whilst moving so that I can turn my head to reverse back into a paddock spot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jeff S

Jeff S

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Ok, tried the FHR on with standard belts and all seemed well. Belts slope slightly downwards and nothing moves *thumbs_up_thumb* Also practiced undoing Hans posts while watching MOD *thumb_up*

Only downside was finding a label on my seatbelts stating 'not valid after 2008' *eek*

Jeff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...