DIY Network

G-Bar Stabilization System: Four-Point Harness From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-209

Particularly in the case of hatchbacks like this Acura Integra, a g-bar system means greater stability and tighter turning.

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In this episode of Tricked Out, host Andrew Totolos and performance specialist Kevin Ford install a G-bar stabilization system on an 1994 Acura Integra. In this segment Andrew and Kevin explain common racing-harness installation mistakes. They then re-install the sport seats and upper harness then tighten everything down.

Materials and tools used in this episode:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

Pillar bar
Lateral bar
Harness bar
Harness
G-bar hardware
Shop tools
Scissors
Painter’s tape
Permanent marker
Rotary tools
Safety glasses
Particle mask
Door-sill gasket material
Panel removal tool

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

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Kevin Ford of Lokar Motorsports discusses the installation and function of the racing harness.

4-Point Harness Basics

Be sure to keep safety standards in mind when mounting the four-point harness. As a standard, the four-point harness should be mounted horizontally and not more than 20 degrees below your shoulders. To accomplish that, run it through the harness bar, then mount it to the floor. A common mistake is to run the harness straight from the seat-bottom, through the seat openings and attach it straight to the floor. This creates an unsafe situation that could cause driving hazards and injury.

Figure A

Harness Installation and Tightening the System

• Bring in the first seat and get the nuts on tight with a ratchet. To make sure they are secured for daily driving, torque them to 22 foot/pounds.

• To get the shoulder belts installed properly start at the seat, run them through the openings of the seats (figure A), back and over the harness bar and then down to the floor where they connect to the rear seat mounting bolts.
  

• Put the rear seat bolts over the seatbelt mounts and be sure to torque the seatbelt bolts to 22 foot/pounds (figure B).

• Repeat the procedure with the second seat to complete the harness install (figure C).

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Next it’s time to tighten up the G-bar system mounts.

• The seatbelt bolts (figure D) should all be torqued down to 24.5 foot/pounds, and the rear bumper bolts get torqued to 35 foot/pounds.

• After the bumper bolts are torqued, reinstall the rear trim panel (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• Lay the carpet in place and cut small slits for the lateral bars to pass through (figure F).

• Install nylon nuts on all of the hex bolts at the hind joints.

• Tighten the bars until they’re snug and lock them down with the lock nuts on either end (figure G).

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Tricked Out episode 209

Lokar Motorsports
Knoxville, TN
www.lokarmotorsports.com

Racing Innovations
Knoxville, TN
www.RacingInnovations.com

Topshop Co.
Mitchell, SD
www.topshopheadliners.com

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Honda & Acura Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks)
Author: Mike Ancas
Order this title from Amazon.com.
June, 1999
Publisher: Motorbooks International
ISBN: 0760306699

Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance
Author: Mike Kojima
Order this title from Amazon.com.
April 2002
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 155788384X

Honda/Acura Performance Handbook: High Performance Modifications for Street and Drag Racing Applications
by the editors of Sport Compact Car Magazine
Order this title from Amazon.com.
November 1999
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 1557883246

GUESTS :

Kevin Ford
Lokar Motorsports
Knoxville, TN
Web site: www.lokarmotorsports.com