KSR How To: Racing Harnesses

A quick shift away from our normal uploads to highlight a simple, but very important part of racing.....proper seat belt usage!! In this video you will see and hear my opinions of how to use seat belts in your race car. Also, I touch on a few other cars in the shop and some of KSR's road racing history. With anything safety related, consult with the manufacturer's instructions or give them a call on how to use their products in the absolute best manner for your application!!!
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We love hearing from all of you!

[@Threethings278]

"tech talk with kevin" needs to be a sub seriors please bud

[@gscott2299]

I'm betting Kevin has so much going on in the shop, that a " Sub Series " video is probably too hard to swing.

[@fubar1217]

Isn't every video essentially "tech talk with Kevin"?

[@Threethings278]

@@fubar1217 yes it is your not wrong the info that kevin pumps out is unreal

[@Threethings278]

@@gscott2299 yes i agree, time is something we all lack in lol

[@xpkkingx]

Great stuff. This should be a series; "Kevin tells you how"

[@Jenuin]

I agree =]

[@NovaRedHead]

So much knowledge that could be shared, I'd watch it. You can never learn enough 🤓

[@Gunlover36]

Keducation.

[@scottfritz4988]

You should do a video on installing them, especially the weld on tabs. I see so many installed wrong.

[@l4pin]

Definitely this, I've seen some horror show seat belt mounting

[@blksrsil]

Agreed and Mullet offers the perfect opportunity to go through proper installation, with lengths, angles, materials etc

[@JRMaroon]

Agree, Would like to see Kevin's approach and detail regarding harness and seat install.

[@cstechvideo]

Been around some serious race cars for a few years, the routine is "can you still breathe?" if the answer is yes the belts need another yank. Seen the results of loose belts and incorrectly fitting safety gear. Keep the tips coming Kev, even the seasoned guys need a reminder now and again!

[@gregsimon9061]

Great tips Kevin, my family and I started racing in the 50’s with only lap belts and a Sam Brown belt , in the 60’s people discovered you could go to an aircraft surplus and buy seat belts and shoulder harnesses, two problems, the were old and used and only 2” wide, and you quickly learned people didn’t know how to mount them. I remember when we bought our first set of racing belts, still only 2” but the quality was so much better, some of the horror stories about people not knowing how to mount them became apparent after a crash unfortunately. Some even mounted them to the aluminum seat. This was midgets and sprint cars, in July of 1974 my brother was involved in a horrible crash that flipped him on top of the wall which resulted in him loosing his right hand, we were friends with Bill Simpson and used his belts and race suits, he came to the hospital and stated designing arm restraints, he tried several different styles, but because of his dedication to safety, there have been a lot less arm injuries. I’m so glad you put this video out, so many people don’t understand how important seat mounting is. I was watching JJ the boss strap his tiny wife into a car he normally would drive with common pillows under and behind her, and she wrecked the car, as she flipped she was at least 6” out of the seat, her feet actually touched the right door, luckily she was ok, I took the time to email him but it didn’t do any good because I’ve seen them still do it with the girls swapping car. When you are bouncing around in a race car all it takes is an impact with the cage to receive a closed head injury. Thanks for a great video, I still say you are a great fabricator and your attention to detail and safety is second to none. It amazes me how some people will cheap out on safety equipment, seats have come a long way. And yes you drive by the seat of your pants.

[@krazicanuck9045]

Something is telling me this guy has a future in automotive mechanics

[@christopherwedemeyer2993]

Safety should be built first. Going fast should work around safety.

[@KSRPerformanceFabrication]

10000000000000% agree!!!!

[@gscott2299]

You're 101% correct, racing is like flying all FAR/AIM rules were wrote in blood and death. Kevin shop rules are safety first, second, third or he'll not let you in the shop! Period

[@jooka2010]

That's why I respect cooper for putting more cage in his Camaro. Does Ruby even have a funny car hoop? I know Leroy does but still

[@christopherwedemeyer2993]

I have messed up ankles from a collision in a '69 mustang. The "required" 6point cage did nothing to protect my feet. If I ever go faster than 13's again , it'll be with an eight second rated cage.

[@mechanicsinherited7079]

@@jooka2010 pretty sure ruby's Cage is only 8.50 certified

[@Jon_Wayne12]

Nice to find a genuine person that just wants to share useful and valuable information.

[@KSRPerformanceFabrication]

I appreciate that!

[@davemackinnon6487]

One of the things I’ve learned is being belted in tightly means that your arms and legs only need to be used to do drive and control the vehicle, rather than help hold you in the seat. On a street car, slide the seat back a few notches, pull the belt right, reef the tensioner so it locks, then slide the sweet forward. The difference in steering feel through your hands is amazing. Love the tech tip dr. Kevin! Keep ‘em coming!

[@RLGRacing]

Would love to see your take on how belts should be installed. I feel that is just as important as correctly wearing them.

[@troy-from-cjrc]

Absolutely! I hadn't seen your post before I just posted about the same thing. I consider using them properly a close second behind proper installation. But I am a bit passionate about safety.... lol

[@1byte4]

I find your channel very easy to watch, As my mom would say, you have an easy way about you .

[@anthonyjones657]

I think you are misunderstanding your mom 😆. Did she say this to your girlfriends

[@Leviticusto]

@justin watch that doesn’t make sense it’s a triple negative

[@Axial32]

@justin watch 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@doughopkinsjr]

Kind of mr Roger's vibe.

[@82cj8]

@@Leviticusto Sorry bruh, you're the exact person that saying applies to!!!!!!!

[@drewcsintyan9119]

You should also go over proper mounting of harnesses and different styles, like bolt on and wrap around.

[@Engineering_Improvisation]

The Texas gulf coast is just as bad with pollen. I have 2 live oak trees in my front yard and soon my blue truck will turn yellow. Great overview of seatbelts. I would just add regular inspections and check the date of manufacture. Definitely don't want a strap or buckle failure on impact.

[@jerrybercik8769]

I love your channel! I'm a disabled Vet with a lot of time to watch YOU tube vids. Keep up the good content.

[@James-uo8fl]

Kevin gives such good information at no charge as well!! I watch his channel because of how detailed he is and all of the wisdom and explanations he provides. Such a good-hearted and caring guy. I feel like I should be paying to watch these! Thanks Kevin!!!! Please keep it up! We all need the advice(even the stubborn bullheaded people need it too)!!!!!!

[@twinstealth]

It's so awesome that you are posting on a regular basis now! You do such amazing work and giving out such great/useful information! Thank you!

[@marks8068]

Only thing Im missing in your story is the "replace your belts after a crash, even if they look fine" part! (former destruction derby/dirttrack racing official/tech guy talking here)

[@pilbaraman1755]

Sitting at the Perth airport in Australia waiting for my flight.. thank God for your video drop!! Love your work!

[@alexpocs8219]

Watched it 3 times to be sure I didn't miss anything. Great job Kevin.

[@mattdavis7968]

I just found this channel/video, but another useful point about tight belts is that they pop open the cam lock easier when they're super tight. A test everyone should do is how fast can you get out of the car, should you need to in an emergency. If the belts are slightly loose, you have a much higher likelihood of them getting caught when you flip the unlock cam, and then you're really stuck. If they're appropriately tight, they will literally spring open.

[@erlegree]

Thanks for the video! People don't realize how important this stuff is!

[@noelcunnington6558]

I’ve seen footage from inside race cars after a crash where, despite the driver thinking his belts were tight, he still hit the steering wheel with his helmet and bent it all out of shape. Had a quick look but couldn’t find the footage. Excellent topic!

[@austinzimmer8388]

I learn something new every time I watch Kevin

[@junkyarddawgfixit8970]

Thank you for the video and, more importantly, thanks for your concern. The best part about this kind of video is that you are not trying to sell anything other than the safety itself which is supposed to be common sense for racers.

[@G8trDunn]

It’s amazing how after just a few hot laps your belts relax. Every caution I snug myself up. Got bit in turn 11 at Homestead speedway broke my wrist because I held the wheel but the belts hugged me well. Felt like I was hit by a cement truck the next day.

[@curtfreeman8632]

This video could save a life. Thanks for sharing, Kevin.

[@xozindustries7451]

Good tips! I’m so sick of watching these guys just send it with no regard for safety, I’m glad you’re educating people

[@anthonyjones657]

Thank you man. I think I speak for everyone when I say that. Your content is rich with knowledge.

[@andrewgrant3470]

Good stuff Kevin, it’s exactly the miss use of harnesses that most Australian states have made them illegal in road cars. Something of note tho is you should race with you visor down as it’s an extra layer of fire protection if you get engulfed in flames in a bad crash 👍 keep the vids coming mate you are doing great

[@leighleigh4254]

Gooood morning KSR KZbin channel, start Tech Talk Tuesday with kevin. Im sure plenty of racers would love the info. Greetings from the UK

[@christopherhuber7428]

Mr. Kevin your wealth of knowledge is never-ending. Straight trollin on the cool. Your segment should be called, Talk Nerdy To Me with Kevin. I like the Tech Talk with Kevin.

[@rickscott6239]

Good job Kevin, something so important that can be overlooked so easily,yet so important to not only to keep you alive but to prevent even the slightest injury that no one needs. Thanks again Kevin.😎👍💯💙

[@joshamabob]

Somewhat related but I am on a confined space rescue team and the same thing applies to harnesses for life safety/rescue scenarios if you are comfortable in your harness it probably is going to do more damage to you than help if an accident should happen you shouldn’t take safety equipment for granted as it is designed to save your life doing what you love to do keep the videos coming they are great

[@stoichiometry147]

We appreciate you splitting your time between Fab and KZbin. And yes, I keep getting unsubscribed from a few channels and it’s also subscribed me to videos automatically. I’m not vigilant to check subscriptions weekly

[@brycebolden9606]

Funny you post this when I'm about to mount my first race cars seat and harness in lol perfect timing!

[@rondogwil]

Me too. LOL.

[@kylefulkerson3360]

I hope videos not Mullet related start to pick up on views like your Mullet videos do because they’re always super informative and interesting so a ton of people are missing out!

[@robertprice2108]

I could not agree with you more on how important it is to have your belts tight and I have to say I'm the same way after the burn out. I have always said you need to become one with your seat. I see so many guys that dont even have their belts remotely close to being tight. I'm usually sore after a weekend of racing from how tight my belts are. Great reminder for everyone that races an not think your ok.

[@06EMY]

Great channel Kevin. Your technical info mixed with the time lapse is enjoyable to watch.

[@jooka2010]

Tech talk with Kevin is actually a great idea for a series and I would watch the fuck out of it lol

[@coreybair9426]

Great advice. Hope this helps someone. Entertainment and education. I knew KZbin was worth something.

[@WarudorViperslayer]

I'll admit that I started watching because of Cleetus. Over time despite not owning or racing any race cars myself I've found the process and knowledge Kevin spreads around is amazing and fun to watch. I really enjoy the more technical explanations and reasoning behind what he does. Keep it up Kevin, the content is fantastic.

[@Hokay01]

It’s awesome to see someone that is super passionate about their craft! Kevin’s videos are the shit!

[@dzitezracing]

Great explanation. The more you give your internals to move the worse off you are in an accident. That's why they have pretensioners in road cars too.

[@Chuzo1946]

This is why I subscribed, knowledge! Thank you Kevin!

[@tatokay4285]

Thank you Kevin, I am sure many racers will benefit from this.

[@given0fox968]

This is a good thing, coming from a good place, and will likely save someone from an injury or worse. Good on ya, and keep it up Kevin!

[@l4pin]

I went from kart racing (no seatbelts) to circle track racing and one of the hardest things for me to get used to was being strapped into the car in the pit lane. I felt like I couldn't breathe, couldn't see what was around me. But the thought of smashing my head against the roll bars has kept me pulling the belts as tight as I can, and once you're on track and focused on racing you barely notice them anyway.

[@DJA1599]

Been busy lately, but glad to come back to some KSR content. Baller vids as always. Safety is top priority!

[@jasonbozanich3949]

Kevin , mate that tech talk was worth its weight in Gold. The fine details of why you tighten the belts in a certain way makes total sence and for me has Belen easily over looked. So now after watching the video it will help me this coming weekend when I go racing again to change the way me and my parrtner strap ourselves into my Jet Sprint Boat.

[@mmeyer8700]

Once again--attention to detail! Thanks! One thing I had to learn(and don't always remember) is close my door before I tighten my belts otherwise you will get more practice tightening them again. Enjoy these racing videos

[@DayRider76]

I love the educational aspect of this channel. I feel so smart now, I'm even using proper spelling and punctuation. I did some work on my sisters car today and kept the motivation going. This weekend was the first in a long time with nice weather and me not preoccupied. So I fixed my trans kickdown cable. I have not been able find a replacement for years now, something weird going on and I have not been able to find one that is for this car. Soooooo, I just fixed it with a piece of string. Works great! lol

[@bennyd8471]

Looks like we've stumbled upon one of Kevin's pet peeves! There could not be a better one! The fact you took time out of your day to make anyone that watches it safer, speaks wonders about you. Keep up the awesome work, content, tips and tricks, quality and general awesome attitude towards life!

[@BaileynBeta]

Great video - see too many channels (including some of your famous customers) who run loose belts. Scary One thing we do in our Lemons car: running the pull-down straps through the harness hole in the seat allows us to “double” the pulling force and its easier to have team mates really tighten the belts. Fwiw. Love your content!

[@ThePippin89]

Brilliant video. Watching F1 or WEC drivers getting strapped in is always entertaining. They kneel on the drivers shoulders and force them down into the seat while they tighten the straps to make sure they are strapped in as tight as possible.

[@StevoCWB]

A Sunday video! Best news today! Thank you for this!

[@komischertyp4]

On the topic of feeling the car, I experienced this driving a gocart. Without and then with a seat pad. Incredible difference

[@zebulonstampfler9117]

Thanks for trying to comment back Kevin! Hope you remember us when you get famous!

[@goldfishhhification]

Absolutely invaluable advice. I've been racing for years and follow everything you just said. Lap FIRST, shoulder second. Make sure you can't move.

[@makemelaugh7740]

Again above and beyond. The knowledge this man has is endless and should be listened to, keep them coming love to watch. Can't wait to see mullet done going to be a crazy car and will keep cletus super safe going fast.

[@aaronb7990]

Great vid! A nice follow up with mounting angles for the belts and seat inclinations would be awesome too.

[@Oplet]

100% why I'm building a tube chassis for my datsun, wanted to get into road racing and building around safety is huge! Love the bit on communication with the car, my father always taught me that when he would race dirt oval.

[@benpatsy2076]

Loved the admission at 7:25 ..It made me giggle. 👍

[@jettjohnson9413]

It is super cool to hear about the rent a racer type setup you had with that 226 Lexus!! I own a company call LeadFoot Racing (LFR) and we are wanting to do this with some of our cars!! Would we be able to connect and talk through what you did to setup the rent a racer program you did?? I would love to pick your brain about it and see what you would think with our car, the Little Dipper!!

[@willecutlip]

Kevin! You mentioned the often overlooked fact that belts will stretch. Can you do a video on the correct way to mount the shoulder and anti-submarine belts? Thanks!

[@onlyeyeno]

Never raced and quite likely never will, but i still found this vert interesting. It simply makes me feel like I understand a tiny bit more of what actually happens during races and why. I also appreciate how humbly Kevin goes about teaching, whomever has the good sense to listen to him, what is best for themselves.

[@Gnarly87]

I actually learned a lot from this, especially trying to get on a track for the first time ever this year. Please do some more of these. I'll definitely will be paying attention to how I set up my belts.

[@ericmahon9324]

Thanks for this video man. You would be shocked with how many people don't know this basic information. I will be saving this one for when I am setting up my seat and harness in my spec E46. Keep up the great work man.

[@balzonyr4head]

When I learned about belts and seats I was always told 45° for the lap belts 10-15 for shoulders. Seat is bolted/attached to the cage so they are together and helmet never higher than the cage. We always started with those rules and built the car around the driver. Great info!

[@J15umm]

Kevin the guru. Love how you engage us with the nerdy stuff. Explaining it in a way we can all understand and use the shared knowledge. Thank you sir.

[@Mid.G.]

What a pro, its good to see pros like Kevin get on KZbin to raise everyones standards, in this case keep these maniacs safe! And fast :)

[@dajobra]

Same deal in rally and F1, those guys are locked in the car. I was hoping for all the real hardcore tech details like harnas attachment points, direction of pull/force and seat choice and placement. So if you want to nerd out, go for it

[@gafrers]

Great work. Much more informative, precise and honest that other channels "building racecars".

[@fr3akonwh33ls1]

Thank you for inserting the whole pass in your clip lol I was expecting it to cut off when you finished staging but the clip kept going 😁

[@Pato-ARG]

you just described 90% of youtubers driving cars!great stuff ,not everybody shows how to this the correct way

[@paleggett1897]

Thank you. Another superb vid. Safety must be a priority✌🏽

[@BigD256]

When I clicked on this I was expecting a different kind of harness. The kind with wires in them lol. Still watching it. I'd love to see a video of you building a wiring harness though. If you are as meticulous with that as you are everything else I'm sure there will be plenty of tips and tricks to learn.

[@KSRPerformanceFabrication]

Planning to go over my wiring harness building with Mullet later this week!

[@fmccor9862]

It's nice to see someone so passionate about racing and safety: )

[@FuryMotoWorks]

Great vid! As far as race cars 'are dangerous' goes, getting outta bed is dangerous.

[@jooka2010]

KSR in the evening....Well hot damn 😂

[@KSRPerformanceFabrication]

Yeaaahhhh, I fell asleep editing last night, lol. Had to wrap it up this afternoon.

[@jamespatrick9277]

Your wisdom and knowledge goes a long way with your work. With a keen eye for detail and how it should perform. Love watching your videos. Glad cleet brought you on for his project. He needs all the safety he can get for how he lets the bald eagles fly. Lol keep up the amazing work.

[@Hippie459MN]

Class is in session! Seeing a new KSR upload sure can make any day 100 times better! Thanks for the great content as always Kev!

[@lorenzobolletta7703]

More tec talk please. Love to see more videos like this. Keep up the great work Kevin, all ways look forward to watching your videos.

[@Danny-nz9fh]

BE ONE WITH THE CAR Needs to be on a t-shirt. Keep bringing this tech videos, probably like a mini series. Even if I never will be behind the wheel of a race car I enjoy this content. Thanks Kevin.

[@chrisparola3949]

Kevin thanks for covering this I’ve seen the injury’s that can happen from improper use of safety gear the importance of personnel gear that fits correctly is another thing gloves shoes helmet scary seeming people climbing into and out of cars with things that don’t fit worth a damn not good Ya done good with the belts

[@383Spec3]

The nice part about tire walls is they normally don’t tear up the suspension too badly, they will ruin some body work though. The Champcar Daytona race has been on my list for a while. Already have a class win at the VIR 24hr so need another win at one of the big Champcar races. Hehehe

[@peterwall9896]

I'm in the UK and this is top content 😎❤️

[@Randersen]

This is extremely important - Great job Kevin.

[@tda2806]

Kevin, well done, you managed to get over your points really well. Everyone will crash, no one is exempt, you can always get another car, you can't get another you. You made a good point about the hip belts, you really don't want to be stopped by the belts coming up between your legs 🥴

[@fastnate8437]

i wish i could sub to kevins channel a million times ...he is the real deal....he speaks and i listen..and ive been hotrodding for 20years.....keep up the great work ...u sir have my respect...god bless u and your family many blessings to u all

[@haam8741]

I love how much information you give in your videos and I appreciate that because this one day can save my life or the life of others just opening the door to the sport! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again you should have way more subscribers than you do you are by far the best KZbin channel when it comes to racing knowledge!

[@bobeeshc2166]

I have 12 inches of snow in my yard right now and that is what is left after what melted in the last couple days. I must say, I would love to see pollen right now.

[@given0fox968]

Same here in northern Michigan.

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Half mines melted Only 36 inches left baby!!! C'mon SPRING!!!

[@IceBergGeo]

Still have snow, and also pollen... Yay... Right?

[@thomasknight3975]

Ksr performance for the win , keep up the great content...

[@LostPilotage]

Saving lives Kevin! In aviation we utilize 5 point instead of 6, but same premise. If you ever do aerobatics you will have a new understanding of what you think is tight and what is tight the first time you fly inverted or do a negative G outside maneuver like a loop. I will note, wish you would have discussed the 5/6 points too. Lap belts first tight and low to the hips, then 5/6 to hold the lap down low and tight. Then shoulder harnesses. I can't stand seeing the star at the belly. You literally will lacerate internals and bleed out internally. Even worse, loose or not connected 5/6 point. Enjoy sliding out from under your seat belt in a high G accident.

[@patchedupdemon7104]

This is great, a racing 101 series for begginer building up to the pro level z would be awesome, for us that don't know much about the very basics of building running and driving race cars. Good job kev, hope all is well with you and yours, much love from england

[@iamgcase]

Absolutely! Famous video! You did a favor to many! Tight is right! Feel is better, less movement is better, fit to steering and pedals must be correct for ease of driving. Try dropping yourself into a stock Ferrari, at 6’ 3”, and then driving safely... nearly impossible. But, it’s true for all cars, tight, correct positioning wins races! Thank you!

[@brianbeilmann2992]

I have very little experience but when seat belts make you a part of the car Thanks did showing how the slightest difference in tightness makes. saves some lives.

[@Iwhoiam999]

For the pollen, in the 60's, city developers were planting trees to make cities look appeasing. While doing so, they planted all male trees(pollen producer). Reasoning being that the fruit and pods from female trees would be hard to clean every year. All male trees and no females to catch pollen ends im a bad time. I feel ya allergy sufferers

[@danielmurray6056]

Did you just assume a trees gender....lol im kidding

[@charlieshammer6129]

Your the best on comments but your content is what we come for!

[@jooka2010]

I love the road racing stuff. It's a nice change of pace from all the 1/4 mile racing and drifting on KZbin. You could definitely wiggle your way to being the top road racing channel on KZbin if you're not already 😂

[@painedinks]

I like "tip talk with Kevin" nice job of explaining how and why!