1:12 Willans racing harness question

[Nacho Z]

I am currently working on an original Tamiya 1:12 1978 JPS. The kit did not come with any type of racing harness. I took a 1:24 Detail Master PE racing harness set, laid it on a photocopier and doubled the size. I then used that as a template to make the hardware out of sheet stock. It looks just about right to me. Many years later Acu-Stion had a PE set for the car and I bought it. The hardware looks HUGE. It just looks to darn big for the seat. However, I would think they know more about the subject than I do.

Does anyone know of a correct set of a racing harness for this car or any car from that period? I have my eye on a MFH set but have not bought it. I would also be happy to know the dimensions of the 1:1 belts from that time. They may be the same as now, I am not sure.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me out!

[vypurr59]

You could try a manufacturers website. The only one I am familiar with is Simpson http://simpsonraceproducts.com/

My belts from back in 1979 were 1 3/4 inch wide. I think that size is still available, although different locking mechanisms.

[935k3]

You could contact Tamiya America at 1-800-TAMIYA for the etch parts and belts that come with the re-Issued kit. Here is a pic of the Photo Etch parts

Edited February 10, 2014 by 935k3

[Nacho Z]

Thank you for the help Jeff and Dale, I appreciate it. I pulled out my calipers and measured the I.D. of the buckles. It comes out to just over 3 scale inches. I have three books on this car and I don't think the shoulder belts are 3 inches. If I had to guess, based off the books, the shoulder belts are 2 inches and the lap belts may be 3 inches. Any ideas? I looked at Willans web site and you can get both sizes. I just don't know what they ran back in 1978......sigh.

I'm still open to suggestions, links, photos, etc. that might help solve this mystery .

[vypurr59]

I found 2 pics of the harnesses in the JPS

Could be a 3 inch wide belt, looking at the driver strapped in.

[Kaleb]

I use two and three inch tape on a daily bases, that looks like three inches to me.

[Nacho Z]

Thanks for the help Jeff and Joshua. The Lotus I am doing is from 1978 and driven by Mario. I believe the car you posted pictures of is a 1979 (?) I don't know that the belts would be any different. I should just go with the PE buckles but there is just something about them that I do not like. They just look too darn big. I am going to compare my PE set with some that one of my modeling buddies has and make the decision then.