Harness helped me in the plane crash. adding to GMC

B

Bob Dunahugh

New member
Sep 17, 2012
2,784
4
3
I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me. But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?

Bob Dunahugh GMCMI Member.78 Royale$ Road Race Yenko Chevrolets



 
> I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me. But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?
>
> Bob Dunahugh GMCMI Member.78 Royale$ Road Race Yenko Chevrolets
Structurally, there is no place to put the mount that will actually hold much, but...

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/safety-belt-shoulder-mounts/p3722.html
--
'73 23' Sequoia For Camping
'73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
UA (Upper Alabama)
"Time is money. If you use YOUR time, you get to keep YOUR money."
 
Bob,

As an ex-pilot, I too like shoulder harnesses. As a GMC owner, I'll
probably never have one and ABSOLUTELY won't ever have one attached to the
body structure above the beltline. I've seen photos of at least 3 GMS's
with nothing left above that structural interface. One of them I've seen
in person as John & Rita Nicholls are the close Dixielanders friends who
survived the barrel roll. They were still strapped in their seats when the
coach came to rest and were essentially uninjured. If they'd been wearing
shoulder harnesses like those usually installed,they'd have been garroted
-- no question about it.

Get with me at Branson and I'll find the photos. I think the Nicholls will
be here too to give you a firsthand account.

Ken H.

>
>
>
> I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in
> the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me.
> But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat
> way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close
> way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today
> that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm
> safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?
>
> Bob Dunahugh GMCMI Member.78 Royale$ Road Race Yenko Chevrolets
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
 
I am definitly going for seats with integrated belts, but stil looking for the right ones
Difficult to get integrated seats with armrest snd electric adjustment. Gues I will have to compromise
Latest ones I looked at were from a chrysler sebring convertable, no armrests
--
Appie
eleganza 76
Volvo v70
Denmark
 
>
>
> I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me. But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?

And my pics.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3599-seatbelts-3-point.html

Ken H's argument has merit if you assume that you're likely to barrel
roll your GMC. I see it much more likely to hit someone who's pulled in
front of you and then you bounce your face off the steering wheel. I've
seen what that does to your face firsthand. A good friend spent lots of
time doing reconstructive surgery.

Even if you flip the coach on it's side I'd rather have a shoulder
belt. Roll it all the way back onto it's wheels... then it probably
isn't a good idea.

I'm taking my chances with the KIND of accident I might happen into and
intending to avoid them all. I suppose the best option would be a
shoulder belt integrated into the seat but you'd better know how to
mount that big, heavy seat so you AND it don't go thru the windshield if
you hit something hard.

Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR
 
I would think that Britt Palmer with the land speed record attempt coach
may have some thoughts about harnesses and mounting. I wonder how they
accomplished it?

Bob, was this a recent plane crash? What happened?

> >
> >
> > I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in
> the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me.
> But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat
> way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close
> way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today
> that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm
> safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?
>
> And my pics.
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3599-seatbelts-3-point.html
>
> Ken H's argument has merit if you assume that you're likely to barrel
> roll your GMC. I see it much more likely to hit someone who's pulled in
> front of you and then you bounce your face off the steering wheel. I've
> seen what that does to your face firsthand. A good friend spent lots of
> time doing reconstructive surgery.
>
> Even if you flip the coach on it's side I'd rather have a shoulder
> belt. Roll it all the way back onto it's wheels... then it probably
> isn't a good idea.
>
> I'm taking my chances with the KIND of accident I might happen into and
> intending to avoid them all. I suppose the best option would be a
> shoulder belt integrated into the seat but you'd better know how to
> mount that big, heavy seat so you AND it don't go thru the windshield if
> you hit something hard.
>
> Kelvin
> '73 23' in Eugene, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
 
If you do a lot of track racing then you know the cage is as important as the belts.

personally I view the rollover as a more likely hazard that will be impossible to predict or defensive drive for. A blowout while being passed by a large semi? Swerve to avoid a head on?

I don't care what kind of belt you put in it, you do not want to go head on with anything in a GMC.

Running into something can be mitigated with defensive driving; proper following distances, situational awareness, etc.

Rollover type scenarios where you have been driving defensively will be trust in God moments. Knowing the structure of the cab, the first order of business would be to create a suitable cage to anchor the belts.

One other option would be to adapt a set of harnesses that are designed to be used in a sedan. The kind that actually stretch back to the rear seat belt mounting points. Instead, anchor them to the frame behind the flight deck. This will not give you any more rollover protection, but it would give the requisite shoulder restraint without depending on the walls.

Just my .02.
--
76 Birchaven
Columbia, SC.
 
John Nichol's roll over was accomplished by the TOAD blowing out the right front tire at Interstate speed. Coach rolled completely 360 degrees. Nothing was left above the belt line. Engine was still running, without body attached.
I expect that you would have to put something in place to absorb the stress on the shoulder harness, other than the body shell.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion, under forever re-construction
Vicksburg, MS. 3.7 miles from I-20
 
G'day,

There is another way to have three point seat belts which solves the rollover problem, buy a seat with them built in.

The problem with that is you'll have to re-engineering the mounting to make sure that the seat will remain fixed to the floor taking
into consideration higher forces generated in a head on because you have the weight of the seat and the occupant.

There's a company in Texas (I think) that makes nice reasonably priced seats like this which I want for The Blue Streak,
unfortunately I can't find the email communications I've had with them in the past!

Regards,
Rob M.
 
Robin,

Go to their website and you'll see the full roll cage required to run at Bonneville, not practical for a motorhome used as a
motorhome.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Robin Hood

I would think that Britt Palmer with the land speed record attempt coach
may have some thoughts about harnesses and mounting. I wonder how they
accomplished it?

Bob, was this a recent plane crash? What happened?

Robin
 
I purchased seats several years ago through
http://www.superior-seats.com/SeatingProducts.htm I notice that they have
integrated seat belts offered on some. See ISS toward the bottom of the
list. A bit pricey though.

>
>
> >can't find
>
> This one, perhaps, Rob?
>
>
> http://www.discountvantruck.com/sprintercaptainschairs/Sprinterintegratedbeltseats.htm
> --
> 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
> 76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
 
RC,

THANKS!

GREAT website!

Could be, can't remember, but the list prices look right.

I've bookmarked the website as I'll be back.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of RC Jordan
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 8:48 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Harness helped me in the plane crash. adding to GMC

>can't find

This one, perhaps, Rob?

http://www.discountvantruck.com/sprintercaptainschairs/Sprinterintegratedbeltseats.htm
--
77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath

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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Did you see the note on the discountvantruck site...

"We ONLY sell these seats to class A motor homes with prior DOT Test
Approvals for Seats with Integrated Shoulder Seat Belts and for new
installations in the rear of Sprinter Vans. Installation of these seats in
unapproved vehicles can result in your insurance company's denial of
coverage if an accident happens. To insure our sales are to installed ONLY
in vehicles approved for their use we will require proof of compliance
prior to acceptance of your order."

On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 9:59 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:

> RC,
>
> THANKS!
>
> GREAT website!
>
> Could be, can't remember, but the list prices look right.
>
> I've bookmarked the website as I'll be back.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces [mailto:
> gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of RC Jordan
> Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 8:48 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Harness helped me in the plane crash. adding to GMC
>
>
>
> >can't find
>
> This one, perhaps, Rob?
>
>
> http://www.discountvantruck.com/sprintercaptainschairs/Sprinterintegratedbeltseats.htm
> --
> 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
> 76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
 
My GMC & Chev extenda-cab pickups have the shoulder harness built into the front seats. There must be lots of those at the men's mall.

As mentioned before, you would need to beef up the seat mounting.

--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
Hubler 1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
 
Robin
The harness is attached to the full roll cage.
Howard

All is well with my Lord

> I would think that Britt Palmer with the land speed record attempt coach
> may have some thoughts about harnesses and mounting. I wonder how they
> accomplished it?
>
> Bob, was this a recent plane crash? What happened?
>
>
>
>

>

>>>
>>>
>>> I suddenly have an extreme desire to put a harness. Or shoulder strap in
>> the GMC. I was in a plane crash. The harness did a fantastic job for me.
>> But the person behind me didn't far to well with just a lap belt. Any neat
>> way's to do it? I do a lot of track road racing. Never crashed. Came close
>> way to often. This brought the show home for me. A friend told me today
>> that the odds of being in a plane crash is vary,vary low. As I see it. I'm
>> safe for life. What are the odds of being in a second one?
>>
>> And my pics.
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3599-seatbelts-3-point.html
>>
>> Ken H's argument has merit if you assume that you're likely to barrel
>> roll your GMC. I see it much more likely to hit someone who's pulled in
>> front of you and then you bounce your face off the steering wheel. I've
>> seen what that does to your face firsthand. A good friend spent lots of
>> time doing reconstructive surgery.
>>
>> Even if you flip the coach on it's side I'd rather have a shoulder
>> belt. Roll it all the way back onto it's wheels... then it probably
>> isn't a good idea.
>>
>> I'm taking my chances with the KIND of accident I might happen into and
>> intending to avoid them all. I suppose the best option would be a
>> shoulder belt integrated into the seat but you'd better know how to
>> mount that big, heavy seat so you AND it don't go thru the windshield if
>> you hit something hard.
>>
>> Kelvin
>> '73 23' in Eugene, OR
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
> --
> Robin Hood
> Jackson, MS
> 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
> 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
 
>integrated

That site also shows the bases needed for integrated belts.

Also check out the console jumpseat.
 
I ran into this set of roadapples with a Step Van we bought. It came with one seat only and I needed the passenger seat, so I called up Union City Body, who built it. Parts lady sez 'No Way, we can only sell replacement seats and yours didn't have a pax seat. However, you should be aware, the seat is a Suchandsuch Company Model Whateveritwas, and the pedestal is locally fabricated. I bought the seat off the manufacturer and had my welder duplicate the driver's side pedestal. That was a '98 model truck, that station is still using it and the seat today.

--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
--------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Harness helped me in the plane crash. adding to GMC
To: gmclist
Date: Friday, September 13, 2013, 2:01 PM

Did you see the note on the
discountvantruck site...

"We ONLY sell these seats to class A motor homes with prior
DOT Test
Approvals for Seats with Integrated Shoulder Seat Belts and
for new
installations in the rear of Sprinter Vans. Installation of
these seats in
unapproved vehicles can result in your insurance company's
denial of
coverage if an accident happens. To insure our sales are to
installed ONLY
in vehicles approved for their use we will require proof of
compliance
prior to acceptance of your order."


On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 9:59 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:

> RC,
>
> THANKS!
>
> GREAT website!
>
> Could be, can't remember, but the list prices look
right.
>
> I've bookmarked the website as I'll be back.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces
[mailto:
> gmclist-bounces]
On Behalf Of RC Jordan
> Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 8:48 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Harness helped me in the plane
crash. adding to GMC
>
>
>
> >can't find
>
> This one, perhaps, Rob?
>
>
> http://www.discountvantruck.com/sprintercaptainschairs/Sprinterintegratedbeltseats.htm
> --
> 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
> 76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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