I know it would be hard to go wrong at only $40. But, being a novice with still a lot of learning to do, is this something I would benefit from at this point? Or, should I maybe get a full season under my belt and try the CG lock next year?

The CG lock is a very simple device to hold you in the seat better... You can get almost the same effect by twisting the seatbelt, but it is not as easy to get it tight.

So, yes it would be a reasonable investment. not having to hang-on allow you to focus on driving.

I agree. Installed CG lock and it helped stabilize me. Being a novice has nothing to do with it (I'm a novice, too).

If you are willing to drill a couple of holes in the car you can rig up a 5 point, 3" racing harness for under $100.

Any suggested brands?

I havn't got my CG lock yet, but I just set the seat back, pulled on the belt to lock, and moved my seat up to where I wanted it (tight as I could stand). The belt stayed locked for a full run. $0 :smile:

Check the Schroth from HMS. Priecy but very nice, no drilling required. I used minifinn's but it is too hard to get the same seat position everytime.
Chris

Good idea Minifinn! I think I will try your method before I get the CG Lock. Chris & I will see you Sunday in Benton Harbor. Hope you don't beat us too bad!!!

Save money (but spend a little)...Buy the CGLock. This is my rookie year and I think it is great. Brian Garfield traded in his shroth for a CGLock and those that know, know that he knows what he's doing.....

what is a cg lock?

A CG lock is a device that attaches to your normal seatbelt. From what I understand it has an on and off position. In the on position it can be tightened so that it almost becomes a harness, in the off position it works as a normal seatbelt. Check out http://www.cglock.com for a better descripition.www.cglock.com

It only becomes a "harness" on your lower body, e.g. the lap portion. The shoulder portion remains the same. It really keeps your rear planted in the seat. For autocrossing the ability to move your upper body may be a good thing (as opposed to the true strapping in you desire in road racing)

It does have the ability to be "on" or "off"

>>Save money (but spend a little)...Buy the CGLock. This is my rookie year and I think it is great. Brian Garfield traded in his shroth for a CGLock and those that know, know that he knows what he's doing.....
Brian is sponsored by CG Lock, so he has other reasons. I have also seen a strap that goes around your torso and the seatback to keep your upperbody controlled.
Chris

You can get almost the same effect by twisting the seatbelt,
.
You Should NEVER twist your seatbelt as the sharp edge can cut you in an accident if your body moves into the twist.

Earl

>>Any suggested brands?<<

Simpson is nice but anyting that is legal and rated will work. Go on to EBay and you will find LOTS of new, close to out of date or used out of date harnesses that can be picked up for around $50. Then go to:

http://www.racerwholesale.com/Mercha...nting+Hardware

for the hardware. The lap belts will hook to the outboard mount and screw into the inboard seat mount. You will have to drill and install eyebolds and backing plates for the shoulder harnesses and submarine belt. None of this is difficult, you just have to get the belts, start looking at the attachment points and think about it for a while. Or look at someone else's setup.

The requirements for HPDE are fast going to 5-point, no Y belts. This means it must have two seperate shoulder harness anchors and a submarine strap. Autox may follow. This makes the Schroth obsolete in my mind even if you can get over the angle of the shoulder straps and the price.

Good Luck!

OK, stupid question, but can't you do the same thing with one of those "H-Clips" that come with child seats? Isn't that what they are designed for?

>>OK, stupid question, but can't you do the same thing with one of those "H-Clips" that come with child seats? Isn't that what they are designed for?
Yes.

>>>>Save money (but spend a little)...Buy the CGLock. This is my rookie year and I think it is great. Brian Garfield traded in his shroth for a CGLock and those that know, know that he knows what he's doing.....
>>Brian is sponsored by CG Lock, so he has other reasons. I have also seen a strap that goes around your torso and the seatback to keep your upperbody controlled.
>>Chris

Brian is also #1/2 (#1 this past Sunday) and very competitive. He would not move to a CGLock (even with sponsorship) if he felt the other harness did a better job...

OK. Wasn't sure if I was missing something. BTW, I have several if anyone would like to pay $40 for them instead!

Did you have to modify your seatbelt in order to fit the CGLock? I was sent a free CG Lock and gave it to a friend and he could not install it on his M Roadster. He said something about the back end of the tongue is angled and this makes it difficult to install the Lock. I checked the MINI and it has the same design.

Any hints on how to install this?

There is a "fix" for fitting the CGLock on the MINI. I called the folks at CGLock and they sent it to me. It is not too difficult to install.

Ok, I was out of town and away from technology so let me give my official stance

The CG Lock is not made to substitute for a harness if that's what you "need". It's designed as an alternative restraint. It locks only the Lap belt, and is DOT approved so is pefectly safe in accidents. The shoulder belt DOES NOT lock.

*I* approached CG Lock (Bruce Mather) after seeing the product and believing it was a good product, I asked HIM for a sponsorship because I believed in it. I have morals and would not accept sponsorship from a worthless product.

My co-driver still chooses to run a harness, but I would much rather use the CG Lock.

It does exactly the same thing as the "child seat clip", that is correct. BUT, to engage a "child seat clip" DOES NOT involve simply getting in the seat, clipping the seat belt, and yanking the shoulder belt. For those of you who have used both, I can guarantee you'll agree a CG Lock is much easier.

You can also slide your seat back, yank the shoulder belt from the pillar to lock it, and slide the seat forward. I did this before my harness, and also in my Miata. BUT, this locks the shoulder belt as well...

Do I think you should run the CG Lock? Not if you don't want to, but the thing sells itself...

Right now, Bruce is in the process of figuring out every different issue for different cars, that's why some people have had problems. The MINI and most BMW's have the same clip which requires set screws and/or a washer in between the moveable part of the unit. The Toyota Celica requires the set screws as well. Bruce has been very helpful (for obvious reasons) and does have a good product. Just make sure you inform him which car you have.

Brian

I also am a novice and I have a CG-Lock. I used it when I took Brian's class and it kept me planted in the seat. I do not have sport seats and my seats are leather, so I would slide a great deal. After installing the CG-Lock and pulling it tight, I no longer slide, well maybe a little bit, but nowhere near the amount that I used to. I use it all the time and really like the feeling of something snug coming across my waist while in the seat. I have installed two CG-Lock as I feel that it is only fair for the passenger not slide as well. I had considered a harness, but when I saw and read about the CG-Lock, I weighted the cost and for $40, how far off could I be. That is just the way I looked it.

Like I stated, I use it all the time. I am a very happy with my CG-Lock.

paddy :smile:

okay guys, I wasn't trying to start a debate here. I really was just trying to find out if this was something that might make a noticable difference in my times.

Being a novice with only 4 races under her belt, I didn't know if I shouldmake this investment yet.

There is no debate here, if you want a CG Lock, get it. If you don't, don't.

It does make a nice investment for a Novice, simply because you don't have to worry about your butt moving, or trying to hold onto the steering wheel instead of letting your hands relax as you maneuver through a course.

I would recommend it to anyone I teach.

Brian