HANS installation tech

[Adam Ginsberg]

Since a 38.1 certified head and neck restraint will be mandatory on 2 June 2008, I thought it would be helpful for those considering a Hubbard and Downing HANS unit see how simple it is to fit it to your existing helmet. I did a write up nearly 3 years ago on corner-carvers, and updated it this morning when I added the new "Vision Advantage Plus" tether.

I know many drivers in our group already use a HANS, but there are several that don't - this writeup is for those first time buyers.

Big thanks to David Donovan for giving me the chutzpah to order my unit so long ago. I won't drive the car without it.

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This is a model 20, Economy, medium, original tether system ( Vision Advantage info at the bottom ). You can now order a HANS with the VAP tether already installed.

Installation -

Step 1: Open box, take inventory of items, RTFM, and examine the components:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-1.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-2.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-3.jpg

The installation hardware:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-hardware-1.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-hardware-2.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-hardware-3.jpg

You must mark the helmet for the fittings. First, use tape to protect the finish of the helmet, and allow it to be marked. Find the center line of the helmet first with a careful eye, then measure from each pivot point of the face shield to that centerline. Once you've determined absolute center, mark it with a straight line. Then, measure up 1.5" from the top of the rubber edging, and make a cross. That is center at the rear of the helmet:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-marking-1.jpg

Then, measure 6" to the left, and 6" to the right, and up 1.5" on each side. Those are the locations for the hardware:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-marking-2.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-marking-3.jpg

Measure several times to make sure it's 100% correct. Move the inner padding out of the way so as not to damage it when drilling. Then, drill the required holes:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-drill-1.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-drill-2.jpg

Once that is done, remove the tape, and test fit the hardware to make sure the threads don't bind up, it fits correctly, etc. Once you're assured it all fits correctly, use the supplied blue threadlocker to secure everything:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-install-1.jpg

Adjust the side bolts so they are parallel with the ground - they should look like so:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-installed-1.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/hans-installed-2.jpg

Once that is complete, put your helmet on, and test fit it with the HANS. I've never have any problems hooking or unhooking the clips, take several minutes to familiarize yourself with the "feel", especially with driving gloves on.

FWIW, I didn't buy the quick-disconnects, as I felt H&D were a little too proud of them. Never had a problem disconnecting the original tethers from the helmet. With the new VAP tether, I don't see the need for them at all any longer. However, YMMV.

**NOTE** After installing the hardware on your helmet, be sure to test fit everything while inside the car. It's likely the harness will need to be adjusted - according to the Quick Start Guide (http://hansdevice.com/core/media/media.nl?id=188&c=337809&h=16a214c755b08247895c&_xt=.pdf), the adjustment buckles CANNOT rest on the upper portion of the actual HANS. They can rest on the lower portion, or just below the edge of the HANS:

Green = Section by harness bar.
Red = Pull down adjusters to tighten the shoulder harnesses. (These are the ones that can’t be resting on the upper portion of the HANS).

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/harnessadjuster.jpg

Now for the updated Vision Advantage Plus tethers:

I ordered my parts and they arrived yesterday. This morning, I installed the everything. It's about a ~30min job, and that was taking my time.

Remove the old posts from your helmet:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-1.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-2.jpg

New washers get installed inside the helmet:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-4.jpg

Clean and check the threads with the new washers:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-3.jpg

And, reinstall with the supplied HANS wrench, and an 11mm open end wrench. Be sure to use the included blue thread locker:

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-5.jpg

Once that's completed, remove the old brackets and tethers, install the new brackets and the new single tether, and test fit. The screws used to secure the new brackets are to be tightened by hand. They admonish the end user not to over tighten.

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-6.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-7.jpg

http://www.shrackracing.com/hans/vision-8.jpg

Make sure the longer part of the helmet post faces rearward, and that the slot is parallel with the ground.

I played with it this morning, and there is significant improvements in the range of motion. $87.81 shipped to my door ( includes TX sales tax ).

BTW - yes, I know I spelled CONTACT wrong....no damn spell checker on my labeler..... ;)

[AI#97]

Thanks Adam for the info and DAMN glad to see that your head wasn't in the helmet when you drilled the holes! ;)

[AllZWay]

Adam... I used your tech from Corner-Carvers when I installed my Hans. Easy as can be.

[Rsmith350]

Man....you're gonna be 41 soon! LOL You're gettin old but try and B+



ok sorry I'm really bored at work!

[Adam Ginsberg]

Thanks Adam for the info and DAMN glad to see that your head wasn't in the helmet when you drilled the holes! ;)

It wouldn't have done much damage.....

[Jeremy Gunter]

Ross,
FYI... That guy you just called old is the one that has to pass you off for your Comp license. Ohh and his son is a famous TV star... I would be careful what you said to a guy with that much pull... :P

[AI#97]

It wouldn't have done much damage.....

Dull bit?! LOL!!!! :lol:

Oh, and Jeremy, Adam is the type that would probably fail someone who was kissing his ass faster than someone who could hang a couple of zingers on him in goog fun!!! ;) He seems to like the abuse and is sort of weird that way! :P

[jeffburch]

I did my tether update Mon nite.
Simple Simon. Thx PST.

The 1st time I ever wore my hans was at MSRH in Feb '06.
I spun off and landed on the left of the launch.
At that connecting road with the cones I hit recently.
I'm trying to re-enter the track but was at too acute of an angle to the track. Looking to my right, I couldn't turn my head far enough to see far enough down the track. I backed up with the wheel left so I could see. This has only happened this one time. Of course, that was the last time I spun LOL! Not.



jb

[Rsmith350]

I'm sure mr. ginsberg has a sense of humor. Thanks Matt. Good info to have though. These Hans devices are mandatory? or they will be?

[AI#97]

I'm sure mr. ginsberg has a sense of humor. Thanks Matt. Good info to have though. These Hans devices are mandatory? or they will be?
Will be as of June 2, 2008.

[Al Fernandez]

Very nice writeup Adam.

[AJ@PST]

Very Nice Adam.

I will be offering my services for free on HANS installations and setup. There are some specifics that users need to pay attention to when using the device in their car. If you have any questions or would like some reassurance stop by my shop and ask during the MSR race. I have been formally trained by HANS and will be happy to put it to use regardless of where the device was purchased or who is asking!