Seat Belts

[PropMan]

What type are you using?

Where did you get them?

Are you happy with the performance?

[Tom H]

Frank, we used shoulder/lap belts from Wesco Performance, supplier to auto racing.  Five years ago they cost $45/ea set.  They have adjustments on each side of the lap belt and each shoulder strap.  They work fine, but are somewhat stiffer and probably a bit heavier than genuine, bonified aircraft belts.  I'd venture to say, though, less costly.

[cluttonfred]

Here's how to make your own seat harness and feel like a WWI or WWII ace each time you strap in!

http://cluttonfred.info/post/13512483899/a-sutton-harness-for-your-fred

[Will Weidner]

I know some won't like it, but we made our own.  I bought a harness from Great Planes, and was disappointed to find out it weighed nearly 5 pounds.  I promptly returned it, and bought an automotive buckle off ebay for a few dollars.  I also bought nylon webbing and thread.  With a large needle, we were able to sew this using my antique sewing machine no problem.  We copied the stitch used on the automotive belt.  Also designed and fabricated the fittings out of 2024 AL.  We took apart the auto buckle and welded fittings onto the ends.  All this work was done by my son during a school break.  He had a good time doing it and learned a lot.  And, we have a nice harness that only weighs a few ounces.

[PropMan]

Matthew- that looks interesting, i like it!

Will- Great job, and great your son is in with you on the build!

I've opted for the quick solution, bought a set from Wesco, I did get the wrong size though and need to return them, somehow i checked 3" wide. Looks like i'm going to be doing aerobatics. Way heavy

[Tom H]

Frank, you showed a $19 harness on another post.  That looks very much like the harness we got from Wesco, but our hardware is not black, and I like the price!