LegendsRacer - Legends & Bandolero Racing Forum
LEGENDS => General => Topic started by: justfreaky on September 15, 2007, 04:33:48 am
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Lonney brought up using the HANS Device and Head Restraints, due to an experience involving his Son.
What Safety Measures Are You Using?
Steve
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I use the G-Force, SRS-1 head restraint with my pro force helmet. I also have head and shoulder supports on both sides of my seat.
Geoff
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My plans are to use the head and shoulder supports; as well as knee protection, roll bar padding, and the best helmet my 10 cent head can afford.
Be Safe Everyone,
Steve
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We also upgraded our roll bar padding that is rated for "impact protection".
Here is a link that explains the difference:
http://600racing.com/600_racing_info/tech_tips/521665.html (http://600racing.com/600_racing_info/tech_tips/521665.html)
Lon
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Now that the racing season is over here my plan is to make some safety improvements before next seaon, as of now we only have a Simpson Sidewinder Voyager Helmet, firesuit, gloves, shoes and the Hans Device....here's what I have planned so far.
1. SFI 45.1 roll bar padding.
2. Braided fuel lines.
3. Richardson Head Rest.
4. Thinking about a fire extingusher system.
5. Longacre 17" Mirror Kit.
6. Header Insulation, this will help keep the left front tire and brakes cooler.
7. Steering wheel pad.
I'll keep checking this thread to see what I might want to add.
Later,
Al
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Al, we put the 17" mirror in the Tweety, and Clarence says he never uses it. He mounted a right side view mirror and along with his left side mirror that was already installed he says he can see everything. A big improvement over the 17" mirror he says. Just FYI ;)
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I use just a right and left mirror mounted on the doors. I find that I cannot see someone if they are directly behind me. I was thinking of mounting a small convex mirror onto the right side of the rollcage to look over my shoulder.
Geoff
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What are some good mirrors for the doors? I can't stand the long mirror in the car. It is all but worthless to me.
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I use bicycle mirrors. They are cheap (under $20 for two) so if I tear one up no big deal. I buy mine from Canadian Tire here in Canada. They have a chrome stem with a plastic mirror head.
Geoff
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We didn't have an outside mirror when the season started, I ordered one but it never came in so I fabbed one up myself. The mirror ( 5" ) came from an R.V store ( $15 ), I then fabbed up the bracket......my son says the mirror has been a big help.
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I strongly suggest the use of an extinguisher system, in an emergency you may not be able to unhook a normal extinguisher, plus it CAN come loose and cause problems. The on-board system is vastly superior, especially in a case where a driver cant exit the car immediately due to injury or entrapment. Take it from someone who has been there, it'll be the best investment you may never need ( Hopefully)!
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That's a good idea lowgroover. Can you point us toward some good systems at reasonable prices?
Thanks for the bike mirror idea. Duh! Why didn't I think of that!
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Here is a good article about fire-suppression systems and their advantages.
http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0708_fire_suppression_systems
If you doubt the need for a system, let me introduce you to a guy from our area who was severly burned in a late model race in Odessa, Mo. when a violent rearend collision ruptured his fuel tank. His name is Tony Walls and he has the scars to prove WHY you need all of the safety gear as well as a fire system. He was trapped in the car, since he had no gloves he couldnt get unhooked in the flames, and his single-layer suit didnt last long enough to protect him. He has the medical bills to prove that a good fire system is a sound investment, it may save you money in the long run, as well as a lot of pain.
I know this is a subject most would rather avoid, but if this helps one driver escape harm then it is worth it to me to bring it up. Im not advocating one system or manufacturer over another, though I prefer Halon. One word to the wise, be careful about the pin, make sure you dont pull it accidently ( Yeah, I did, LOL, hung it on the cable while installing it).
Some I found online:
http://www.spectorracing.com/catalog/category_366_FIRE_SYSTEMS_page_1.html
http://www.firebottleracing.com/The%20Facts.htm
http://www.djsafety.com/FireSystems.html
http://www.rallylights.com/Sparco/Fire_Supression_Systems.asp
http://www.stockcarproducts.com/fire1.htm
The last one is the one I used for a long time, in fact I still have it loaned to a good friend. Im a safety freak, just in case you were wondering, but I'd rather be safe than sorry!!
Louie
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Louie, any pics of how best to install one of these systems?
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http://www.firebottleracing.com/install.htm
Best I can do, know its not very good. I suggest a small bottle ( 5 lb.) for Legends, mounted under the front of the seat, or just behind if there is room. This gets the weight down low where it wont hurt performance or handling. Form the lines to run down the INSIDE of the framerail to protect them from damage and attach them every foot or so with nylon clips. Here is a money saving tip....if you run short of line, you can buy brake line and compression fittings at any good auto parts store, it will work just fine as long as you get the fittings tight. Install the button or trigger in easy reach of the driver, but not where it may be hit by accident. Best to mount somewhere on the dash, close enough to the window that track personnel can activate it if the driver is incapable of doing it. Even in a small car like a Legends I suggest installing 3 nozzles...one at the top rear of the engine pointing forward, one in the drivers compartment under the dash so as not to spray in the drivers face, and one over the fuel cell pointed at the cell. These can be done by using a "T" fitting between the bottle and engine nozzle.
\____________|_____________|__________________/
Engine Dash "T" Bottle "T" Fuel cell
Kinda crude but you get the idea, I hope. Also make sure before installing that your actuator cable is long enough to reach from bottle to dash and be tucked out of the way and secured with no sharp bends or kinks. Always, ALWAYS replace the safety pin after every race to prevent accidental discharge, the cable can break bouncing around in a trailer. Inserting the safety pin takes stress off of the cable too, making it last a lot longer.
Hope this helps , as I said, Im a freak about fire safety. If you get stuck, PM me and Ill try to call you and talk you through it if necessary.
Louie
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Louie, thanks for the info, the drawing is of some help but I'm one of those pic freaks. ;D
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Hi All,
Bought my head and leg supports. I am now working on shoulder supports and padding for the roll bars, driveshaft tunnel, and knees.
My Safety Update
Steve
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Hey Steve, sounds good, post some pics when you get them installed.
Later,
Al