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:
The installation hardware:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Adjust the side bolts so they are parallel with the ground - they should look like so:
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, 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).
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:
New washers get installed inside the helmet:
Clean and check the threads with the new washers:
And, reinstall with the supplied HANS wrench, and an 11mm open end wrench. Be sure to use the included blue thread locker:
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.
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.....
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Originally Posted by AI#97
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