Thread: Series III top chassis modifications

I can't speak for WA, but the only problem I can see is the upper seat belt mount. Changing this will probably require engineering approval.

John

Pre '78 with low upper seat belt mounts (not inertia reel) is the go otherwise you'll probably need engineers ticket for top mount. look for dual brake circut, don't know what year this came in
Brett

I dont know if this helps or not....In the late 90's upto 2000 I had a 74 swb SIII truck cab. every weekend mates and I would pull the roof, door tops and back window frame etc and crusie the coast. Eventually I bought a genuine soft top and frame and had it as that for a while, but still removed it all on the weekends. we did this for 2 solid years and not once was I pulled over regarding that in Qld or NSW.

cheers,
Serg

PS dont forget to apply sunscreen.....peeling your forehead off in a couple of sheets of skin isnt as cool as it sounds

Gunther,
as said via message it will be ok in WA. As stated the only issue will be dependant on where the seat belt mount is located. Can the pillar be left in place to retain the belt. It may be as simple as putting in a roll cage to retain it or a roll cage with seat belt mounts but that may require certification. You could also possiblly look at going 4 or 6 point harnesses instead of seat belts. Find a decent RTA centre and have a chat with an inspector. Personally I would go the harness way.

if you have the top seat belt mounted to the tub bulkhead then you can remove the doortops and roof assembly with no dramas, If you have the pillar mounted top seat belt mount then you need to get it engineered if you fit a roll bar or similar.

you can remove the door tops regardless.

If you go with a harness it can only be a 4 point and must be push button (like a normal seat belt) release not a rotary release. This is because apparently rescue services can't work out how to undo anything else. Also if you have a harness there are requirements for the angle of the shoulder straps, they must rise above the shoulder before going down to their mount (15deg by memory), but also cannot rise too vertically. The easiest way to achieve this is to have a cross bar around base of skull height for the webbing to pass over before going down to the floor with a head rest/flat padded panel (unles you have high backed seats (mazda 626 will fit and be narrow enough), then make some mounts off the chassis hard against the floor, either 50x50 sq or 75mm round is the CAMS spec (again by memory, and that's for a steel floor which is why I say mount it back to the chassis). Any roll bar will be too close for a harness to adjust short enough to mount horizontally. Harnesses (FIA/ACO/CAMS etc approved) also have expiry dates so you can pick up very good harnesses which can no longer be used for racing but are fine on the road. The CAMS manual has specs and can be found to download. NSW RTA defaults to these requirements. Also I'd be using a harness with least 2" webbing, pref 3". It seems huge but is far more comfortable.

He's asked about cruising in a car and you want to pull a racing harness in ??? Yeah that's real cool, and prcatical.

Originally Posted by uninformed

PS dont forget to apply sunscreen.....peeling your forehead off in a couple of sheets of skin isnt as cool as it sounds

good one Serge !!!!!