Seats, Subframes and Harnesses
Moderator: martauto
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Theo
- Old Skooler

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I'm looking to get a basic setup for a track car - Any recommendations or advice on the bits? I was thinking of a pair of Cobra Monaco's as they seem like a fair price. As for harnesses - what advantage is there to having 4 point harnesses over 3 point? They will initially be going in a car without a cage - this will have to come a little later.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Theo
Any advice would be appreciated!
Theo
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JimmyC
- E30 Zone Squatter

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Monacos are a good trackday seat, sub frame comes with mounting holes for the lap belts too
I would look at a 6 point harness though, monaco's can take them
Biggest concern would be how and where you fit the shoulder straps without a cage, you may be safer with 3 point inertia belts rather than a poorly mounted harness
Just my 2ps
I would look at a 6 point harness though, monaco's can take them
Biggest concern would be how and where you fit the shoulder straps without a cage, you may be safer with 3 point inertia belts rather than a poorly mounted harness
Just my 2ps
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Theo
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I had read some past posts suggesting there are problems with using a harness without a rollcage. Would it not be possible to fix bolt shoulder strap Fixing(s) to the rear seat area?
When you mention the subframes on the monaco, so you mean the cobra ones you can buy seperately for £50ish?
As you can tell I am a newcomer to this trackday business!
When you mention the subframes on the monaco, so you mean the cobra ones you can buy seperately for £50ish?
As you can tell I am a newcomer to this trackday business!
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JimmyC
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I have seen harnesses mounted to the rear seat belt mounting points, but all the fitting guidelines I have seen specify not having an angle and the harness should mount level with the shoulders- I dont have the info to hand so stand to be corrected
I have also seen people use the rear shelf, but after a friend witnessed a accident at Donny with harnesses mounted like that and very little of the rear shelf remaining- I would not go there at all
Yeh the cobra subrames, have the side mounts on them
I have also seen people use the rear shelf, but after a friend witnessed a accident at Donny with harnesses mounted like that and very little of the rear shelf remaining- I would not go there at all
Yeh the cobra subrames, have the side mounts on them
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oldroydsr4
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I have a pair of Cobra monacos For sale if your interested?
Black in good condition, sub frames are bodged so seats only, im afraid.
If you r interested just say.
Many thanks.
Black in good condition, sub frames are bodged so seats only, im afraid.
If you r interested just say.
Many thanks.
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Theo
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Definately interested in those, just going to pm now!
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oguz327
- Captain Armco

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What sort of weight would you save by fitting the Monaco's?
Just curious as i know the recaros weight a fair bit, are we talkin minimal difference?
Just curious as i know the recaros weight a fair bit, are we talkin minimal difference?
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Theo
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I think a monaco seat will be about 10kg - the e30 seats (with runners) are just over 25kg each!
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oguz327
- Captain Armco

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That's a big saving of weight Theo, you have got me thinking now!
Thing is my seat are very rickety and torn so this would be worth while not to mention safer.
Thing is my seat are very rickety and torn so this would be worth while not to mention safer.
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Davenotouring
- Married to the E30 Zone

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I've got a single Cobra Monaco in my Civic, the base support is fine but it offers little shouler/upper body support, although having the harnesses nice and tight solves this to a certain extent.
For my next track chariot I'll spend the extra on a proper £3/400 seat.
5 point harnesses would be ideal (I have 4 point) because you can have a 'groin' strap which would stop you 'submarining' i.e. Slipping underneath the harness. Unlikely but possible.
For my next track chariot I'll spend the extra on a proper £3/400 seat.
5 point harnesses would be ideal (I have 4 point) because you can have a 'groin' strap which would stop you 'submarining' i.e. Slipping underneath the harness. Unlikely but possible.

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agent006
- E30 Zone Regular

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The monaco felt very small and flimsy when i tried it out at tweeks. I went with an OMP RS in the end, not much more expensive. Doesn't have the subframe, but the cobra one looks quite tall, and my aim was to lose as much height as possible.Davenotouring wrote:I've got a single Cobra Monaco in my Civic, the base support is fine but it offers little shouler/upper body support, although having the harnesses nice and tight solves this to a certain extent.
For my next track chariot I'll spend the extra on a proper £3/400 seat.
I'd definitely try before you buy, demon tweeks have their entire range mounted in store to try, well worth the trip. There's a lot of variation in size too, mine fits me perfectly but others would struggle with the width.
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Davenotouring
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Yeah, I do need to try a few out.
There was no subframe for the Civic available either, made the whole situation a right 'mare.
It's not the most robust of seats I don't think, but it is light! Unlike me.
There was no subframe for the Civic available either, made the whole situation a right 'mare.
It's not the most robust of seats I don't think, but it is light! Unlike me.

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Theo
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Very few things would motivate me to drive all the way to Wales, and sadly a trip to Demon Tweaks isn't one of them! As much as I would like to try out a load of seats I think I will have to rely on the fact that I'm a skinny runt so won't have any problems squeezing into any seat.
Can get a pair of brand new monaco s's for £195 including delivery which seems cheap, but my tightarse tendancies are making me want to buy secondhand though
Can get a pair of brand new monaco s's for £195 including delivery which seems cheap, but my tightarse tendancies are making me want to buy secondhand though
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Davenotouring
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I agree about the trip to Wales, but it might be necessary! 
Theo = A skinnier, younger, English version of Pacer!
Theo = A skinnier, younger, English version of Pacer!

Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
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JimmyC
- E30 Zone Squatter

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If you want full support i'd recommend the cobra evolution- very please with mine
I get a VERY good deal with cobra for the racers, may be able to extend to e30zone aswell, will call my man there if you like???
I get a VERY good deal with cobra for the racers, may be able to extend to e30zone aswell, will call my man there if you like???
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Davenotouring
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What an offer Theo, see what it procures, could definately be the answer.

Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
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Theo
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Haha - At least I am open about my sickness for chrome turds, unlike Pacerpete who stashes them away in his 'yard of wrongness and then denies his fetish to zoners who think highly of him!!!!
I can get away with saying this as he is more than likely up some 'back passage' in Dagenham....
I can get away with saying this as he is more than likely up some 'back passage' in Dagenham....
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Theo
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Jimmy - that's very kind of you to offer, hugely appreciated - but from what I can see that is a serious seat and a serious price. What sort of ballpark figure would I be looking at?
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JimmyC
- E30 Zone Squatter

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These are the items I have a deal on, will see what prices I can get out of him
the Evolution

http://www.cobraseats.com/motorsport/evolution.php
and the Monaco

http://www.cobraseats.com/motorsport/monaco.php
The prices I have agreed with them are as follows:
Evolution Seat £ ex VAT
Side Mounts £ ex VAT
Monaco Seat £ in Nylon ex VAT
Monaco Seat £ in Rock Fabric ex VAT
Free Delivery
There are also now doing a range of FIA approved harnesses, and will do them as below:
4,5 or 6 point with 2" lap belt £ ex VAT
4,5 or 6 point with 3" lap belt £ ex VAT

http://www.cobraseats.com/harness.php
the Evolution

http://www.cobraseats.com/motorsport/evolution.php
and the Monaco

http://www.cobraseats.com/motorsport/monaco.php
The prices I have agreed with them are as follows:
Evolution Seat £ ex VAT
Side Mounts £ ex VAT
Monaco Seat £ in Nylon ex VAT
Monaco Seat £ in Rock Fabric ex VAT
Free Delivery
There are also now doing a range of FIA approved harnesses, and will do them as below:
4,5 or 6 point with 2" lap belt £ ex VAT
4,5 or 6 point with 3" lap belt £ ex VAT

http://www.cobraseats.com/harness.php
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Davenotouring
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Who thinks of him highly!?


Nissan 200SX S14a - Track Slag
BMW 328i Cab - Daily Slag
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Theo
- Old Skooler

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Ahhhh - Can you get a good deal on all cobra bits then? I thought you just meant the evo seat.
I would be very interested to get a price on a pair of monacos in black with e30 subframes if possible and whilst im at it, a price for two pairs of the 4 point harnesses with 2" lap belt (the 3" stuff seems to be really expensive?)
Thanks very much for this!
I would be very interested to get a price on a pair of monacos in black with e30 subframes if possible and whilst im at it, a price for two pairs of the 4 point harnesses with 2" lap belt (the 3" stuff seems to be really expensive?)
Thanks very much for this!
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JimmyC
- E30 Zone Squatter

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£15 difference on the harness between 3" and 2" based on current deal
if he holds the prices I can save you over an extra £50 on the 2 monacos, an the evo is over £100 cheaper than retail
I'll do my best
if he holds the prices I can save you over an extra £50 on the 2 monacos, an the evo is over £100 cheaper than retail
I'll do my best
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m-dtech
- Unapproved Trader caution
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i had cobra clubmans in my car, with 4 point harnace.
i made a bar and bolted it to the rear seatbelt mounts, welded it also.
i drilled this bar through the bar and body and bolted my belt inline with the seat.
what you think of these?

i made a bar and bolted it to the rear seatbelt mounts, welded it also.
i drilled this bar through the bar and body and bolted my belt inline with the seat.
what you think of these?

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northloop
- E30 Zone Regular

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I have a couple of red Cobra Monaco's in very good condition let I will let go for £100. They are the wide body variant........
Gary
Gary
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salami
- E30 Zone Newbie

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northloop do they have mounts with them? and where are you cheers
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northloop
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No mounts, you will have to buy them.
They are situated in Billingshurst which is sussex I think.
They are situated in Billingshurst which is sussex I think.
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oldroydsr4
- E30 Zone Squatter

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Also have pair of black monacos, no mounts. Also £100
located herefordshire
located herefordshire
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paulg390
- E30 Zone Newbie

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I'm always one to jump on a pssing bandwagon !! So would be very interested in a pair of "3 inch" 6 or 5 point belts but cant see the prices in the post ? Is my PC playing up ??
Could someone tell me how much they are please....
Could someone tell me how much they are please....
White 318iS, 2.7 conversion, LSD, H&R cup kit, ARBs, F&R strut braces, full cage, kevlar buckets, wilwood 4 pot brakes, braided hoses, 6pt harnesses, f/glass bonnet, Toyo 888's, scorpion, polybushed, carbon cards and boot lid.
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oldbimmer
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Hi guys,JimmyC wrote:Monacos are a good trackday seat, sub frame comes with mounting holes for the lap belts too
I would look at a 6 point harness though, monaco's can take them
Biggest concern would be how and where you fit the shoulder straps without a cage, you may be safer with 3 point inertia belts rather than a poorly mounted harness
Just my 2ps
I too am looking to fit some decent seats into my trackday car...
Can anyone please advise if it would be possible to use the standard inertia reel belts with a seat like the Cobra Monaco???
Ultimately, I will fit a cage and harnesses, but to do everything at once will be a bit expensive. Any advice appreciated..
Cheers.
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agent006
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You'll have to re-mount the buckle, as it's part of the seat.oldbimmer wrote:Can anyone please advise if it would be possible to use the standard inertia reel belts with a seat like the Cobra Monaco???
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oldbimmer
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Thanks.agent006 wrote:You'll have to re-mount the buckle, as it's part of the seat.oldbimmer wrote:Can anyone please advise if it would be possible to use the standard inertia reel belts with a seat like the Cobra Monaco???
I presume you would re-mount it to the new seat subframe?
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m-dtech
- Unapproved Trader caution
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this time round im going to do it in this order.oldbimmer wrote:Hi guys,JimmyC wrote:Monacos are a good trackday seat, sub frame comes with mounting holes for the lap belts too
I would look at a 6 point harness though, monaco's can take them
Biggest concern would be how and where you fit the shoulder straps without a cage, you may be safer with 3 point inertia belts rather than a poorly mounted harness
Just my 2ps
I too am looking to fit some decent seats into my trackday car...
Can anyone please advise if it would be possible to use the standard inertia reel belts with a seat like the Cobra Monaco???![]()
Ultimately, I will fit a cage and harnesses, but to do everything at once will be a bit expensive. Any advice appreciated..
Cheers.
1. cage
2. belts
3. seats
pointless buying seats when the belts really need to be mounted on the cage.
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northloop
- E30 Zone Regular

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Personally I think the Cage, belts and seats should all come at the same time. If you do them individually they all have their own dangers.
Gary
Gary
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oldbimmer
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Well in that case, maybe a re-think is in order... Perhaps some M-Tec seats will suffice for the short term...
However, I feel another problem may be lurking:
CAN YOU FIT A CAGE TO A CAR WITH A SUNROOF?? or do you have to remove the cartridge and weld it up?

However, I feel another problem may be lurking:
CAN YOU FIT A CAGE TO A CAR WITH A SUNROOF?? or do you have to remove the cartridge and weld it up?
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Lloydie38
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I think Custom Cages do one that fits with the sunroof in.
I bought my OMP one and I've had to remove the sunroof mechanism which was a nightmare job and messed the roof up - see pics
My advice would be buy a cage but one that fits without removing the sunroof - end of!
[img][img]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r117 ... tedish.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r117 ... emoved.jpg[/img][/img]
I bought my OMP one and I've had to remove the sunroof mechanism which was a nightmare job and messed the roof up - see pics
My advice would be buy a cage but one that fits without removing the sunroof - end of!
[img][img]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r117 ... tedish.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r117 ... emoved.jpg[/img][/img]
The Isle of Man: No National Speed Limit, No Gatso's, No Nanny State, a disused airfield track 1.5 miles long, the best mountain road to drive on...Come and Play!

