[sgjii]

Anybody else find the seat belt digging into their neck while driving or riding? I eliminated part of the problem by plugging in the seat belt bypass loop for everyday, low speed trips on the farm. When I go to Hatfield McCoy, I feel like I really should wear my seatbelt and a helmet.

The first thought that crossed my mind was if the attachment point on the roll cage near the shoulder could be lowered, just like the sliding adjustment points in many automobiles. Pictures of cutting and welding danced through my head.

Then I searched the forums and Google for seat belt modifications and extenders and found mostly things related to longer belts for rounder folk (not that I have any room to talk) as well as lots of 4 point harnesses.

My Google search did reveal these extenders, they are just flat bar steel with a hole at each end (photos below). This seems like a workable solution with minimal effort. Since it is a seat belt company that offers them, I would like to think the R&D on metal gauge and quality has already been done for seat belt stress applications, as well as they are already pretty with chamfered edges and Zinc coating for rust protection. Time Value of Money says just order them instead of trying to make them.

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Looks like they make a 7" long version as well.

Anybody have any other experiences -or- thoughts to share on this concept/product?

 

[Andy>]

looks like a trailer shackle strap Shackle Strap 4-3/4" - Double-Eye Suspension

 

[VirginiaHawk]

Interesting idea. Might just work. I'm headed to Hatfield and McCoys this weekend.

 

[sgjii]

looks like a trailer shackle strap Shackle Strap 4-3/4" - Double-Eye Suspension

Thank you for that. It gave me the idea to look at shackle straps at Tractor Supply. I ended up going through their various hardware and think I found a $10 setup. I will post details and photos when finished, painted and installed. I think black paint would look better maybe keep the rust patina at bay.

 

[sgjii]

SUCCESS! I am very pleased with the result and it did indeed make the seat belt stop biting into my neck. Below are a series of photos of the hardware, process and finished product..

From Tractor Supply, I found a metal bar called a "patch plate", it is 1/8 thick. Also (2) 1" long, half inch diamter bolts and (2) nylock nuts. I chose grade 8 hardware so it should withstand actual use as a seat belt anchor. Hardware costs were about $10

I cut the plate in half, the hole spacing is 2" so I am effectively moving the anchor point 4"lower. Cutting in half left one hole further from the end. I chose this as the end that will mount on the factory roll cage bracket, to make sure the was no interference with the seat belt slider A. Next I needed to enlarge the top hole to fit loosely around the shoulder of the factory seat belt anchor bolt, still allowing swivel. Next I enlarged the hole that would mount to the seat belt slide A bracket. I used a step bit to get the holes to size, the factory shoulder bolt is slightly smaller, being metric, and is one 'step' less than the other end. Using a grinder and dremel, I rounded and smoothed all edges. Next clean, prime & paint.

I installed the factory shoulder bolt with some New Orange Loc-tite (3x stronger than blue but still comes apart). Then the 1/2" bolt, with the bolt head on the roll cage side, keeps it from rattling against the cage. I tightened the nut until the nylon engaged but left it just loose enough to swivel. Viola, seat belt mounting bracket lowering extenders.

 

[VirginiaHawk]

Very nice!

 

[sgjii]

The wife, 5'3" drove the Teryx tonight. First time for her with the seat belt bracket extenders. She was very pleased and said how much more comfortable the seat belt was with no more neck bite.

I think maybe 2" would have worked for just me but still would not have completely solved the issue for her height. I am 5'11" and think the 4" extension brackets I made were a good fit, to work for both of us.