Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
This information comes directly to me from someone who attended the recent Div 5 Tech Inspector Training. I also thumbed through the booklet with my own hands that described the procedures and acceptance. But for this conversation consider it as " I heard if from someone, who heard it from someone, who heard it from someone".
Header tethers were a major topic of discussion. AS PER DIV 5, QuarterMax tethers are the only ones that meet the criteria. While there are many on the accepted list, Quarter Max are the only ones with markings on the cable AND clamps. The Quarter Max cable has a dog tag and the clamps are engraved with their name. With several photos and examples to view at the meeting, Lokar was the worst with no marking on the cable or clamp. Div 5 IS NOT going to consider color codes or proprietary designs to be a indicator of manufacturer. Quite frankly, there are going to be counterfeits and home made versions, so they need easy to identify markings to ensure compliance ( Engraved or Stamped Brand). The bottom line is, it must bear the manufacturer name on ALL components. And a related note, on low slung door cars or any car that may be hard to access the tether, put the tether on so it's most visible. If tech cannot see it, you may have to take it off for them to inspect it. Again, take this for what it's worth. I will wait to buy mine, until I know more. |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I have tested collectors enough that I know what it likes. I'm firing up my TIG welder. I don't need to take them off anymore anyway. I can cut the welds if I ever have to. They can slide a mirror under mine and see the welds. Looks like they are going to need a mirror on a stick for checking these things anyway.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Well if this is the case. The ones I bought (and I got their good version) are not legal. At least the clamps are not. Cause the only markings on the clamps are the name Ideal. Which is the company that made the clamps not the company that made the tethers. And the really crappy part of it is I cannot get the clamps back off without cutting them off because they are wedged between the tube they are on and the 3 other primary tubes. It was a nightmare getting them to slide down no way are they coming back off with out cutting them or ruining them.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
This whole tether issue is a wasted exercise. The welded tabs with grade 8 bolts are not good enough, but ss clamps with wire is? Stupid. I will never put those useless money making tethers on my car. My tabs are inspected all the time for cracks, etc.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
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Chuck |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I have no problem with a collector restraint system and I don't be-grudge any of the manufactures of them. What I do have a problem with is that we as racers can install our own chassis and suspension components, weld in our own roll bars or cages, install brakes etc. etc. etc. Some racers are ASA certified technicians, welders, or as in my case being from Canada a federally licenced auto mechanic and we are not qualified to manufacture our own restraint system. A cable and 2 clamps. How hard can it be to make this or bolt an exhaust pipe hangar to the frame or floor boards with a muffler clamp to the collector. Just my opinion.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Well said Bob
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I would suggest doing what I have done. I have a copy of the receipt for my tethers in the glove compartment of the race car. If that and the approved manufacturer's tag affixed to the tether are not good enough I will ask for my entry money back and race elsewhere. Jim
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I'm not sure how the D5 info was presented, but any of my customers can be assured that ones purchased from my company are NHRA approved and easily identifiable...all parts.
To contact me with any questions just google search my name and look for my information or PM me on the forum. Not advertising...for sure, just don't want my customers to get nervous from wrong info. Thank you, Keith Fulp |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
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However, currently............ IN DIV 5.......per Bob.......... Only those systems with etched and/or engraved clamps AND cables will be accepted. Clamps, such as the ones in a Lokar kit, which are labeled Ideal, will not be accepted. Like I said, this information can be discarded if you wish. I'm just trying to keep my fellow Div 5 racers from showing up at their first Div 5 race and then told their system is not acceptable. I wouldn't be one to suggest you flood Bob's office with phone calls or emails. But if you have ever been through tech in Div 5, you'll know it's better to follow the rules than ask for forgiveness. |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I have sent an email to NHRA tech to have them clarify this latest info. That is where the question should be directed. I will post the reply as soon as I receive one.
Dan Foley SC4698 |
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Thanks Scott
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Yeah...thanks Scott!
Keith |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
This whole deal is a bit bizarre. Whether you think the rule is BS or not, it's a rule. There's lots of BS rules, ie: belts every 2 years. Moreover, we all pay $310 to enter a race that pays $1500 to win. You want to talk about retarded?
I bought mine from Collector Tethers. Yep, $149 each, and I needed 4 sets. Good times. But you know what, its a very nice product and they stepped up to pay contingency money. I don't plan on even running points meets this year, but just the fact that they are supporting us made the decision an easy one for me. With all of the money that we collectively light on fire, we're going to get all in a knot over this? I can bitch a lot harder about lots of other things! And if you'll excuse me now, there's snow that needs to be plowed, lol. |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I have no problem with a collector restraint system and I don't be-grudge any of the manufactures of them. What I do have a problem with is that we as racers can install our own chassis and suspension components, weld in our own roll bars or cages, install brakes etc. etc. etc. Some racers are ASA certified technicians, welders, or as in my case being from Canada a federally licenced auto mechanic and we are not qualified to manufacture our own restraint system. A cable and 2 clamps. How hard can it be to make this or bolt an exhaust pipe hangar to the frame or floor boards with a muffler clamp to the collector. Just my opinion.
__________________ well said BOB. BS rules (again)! |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
We will find out down here in Div 2 in about 10 days as our season kicks off at Orlando. I am sure tech will be a zoo with this new rule. I ordered mine from KFM last week. Still waiting for them to be delivered. Keith will most likely be at the track so he will be able to answer any questions that the tech people might have with his product.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Very true Mr Fletcher. And as a rule I will try to comply to it 100% like any other rule in the book. But what sucks is I bought something that was supposed to be a legal NHRA accepted part to comply with the rule. And now if what was in one of the first posts of this thread is correct. Now that NHRA legal product I just got a couple weeks ago may NOT be legal after all. Because the clamps were not engraved by the manufacturer. Hopefully they will make it right if they are not legal. This whole thing is a mess. Paid for them on Dec 17. Was told next day shipping. Was sent a tracking number next day. Then for Three weeks or so I have to fight with them to get them to tell me whats going on. Because everyday when I track the tracking number it just shows the shipping company received notification that they would be shipped but were never dropped off. Finally after a post I put on facbook about the whole deal they decided to get in contact with me. And I get told excuses like. We are on Vacation, its the holidays, Its our suppliers fault. All after being told the day I ordered and paid for them that they were in stock ready to ship same or next day. At the time I thought it was a scam. I did eventually get them but now they may or may not be legal. The fact that I could have made them myself is irrelevant. The whole deal pisses me off a little. Sorry for the Rant.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Dan, The fight over the cost of the tethers was fought a while ago. I think the point of this thread is that whether you paid $500 a set or $49.95 a set, you were buying them from an NHRA approved manufacturer who NHRA listed on their site as approved and legal. Now, literally days before the season starts an NHRA official (D5) changes the specs and makes 90% of the previously approved tethers unacceptable. This is wrong! This is BS! I really hope Glendora will straighten this BS out. As I posted before, My tethers were bought from an NHRA listed manufacturer, has the required tag and I have the receipt in the race car. If that isn't good enough, I will request my entry money be returned and I will race elsewhere. Jim
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I seriously doubt anyone will be turned away who shows up with tethers regardless of engravings or tags. If your set is in the rule book and approved and on the car it would be asinine for any tech to turn you down. NHRA had plenty of time to cypher all this out...all this last minute bull is unacceptable by anyone's standards. Anyone who dicks me around over something like this will get an earfull and I will take all my marbles and go race NMCA. ;)
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
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In my case it was NOT you guys. |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I just double checked mine bought from KFM.... Tabs and clamps are stamped with his logo..... These have to be legal even in Div. 5......
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
This was my question to NHRA:
My tethers have a tag on the cables but no markings on the clamps. Is this a requirement to be accepted? Just don't want any surprises at my first event. Can you advise? Here is the email reply from NHRA: Dan, If you have a set of tethers that have a tag that illustrates Collector Cables as the manufacturer you will be allowed to race in Division 4. Thanks for your question, Jim Anderson, NHRA South Central Division Tech Director Phone 936-856-8682 Cell 936-499-3065 |
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You are legal were ever you go. Isn't that cool? After you do well in Orlando, you can go on a US tour! Thank you, Keith Fulp (......):-) |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
While I plan on getting Collector Tethers for contingency, I'm still trying to figure out how they expect my collectors to ever come off the car in the first place without a reciprocating saw or preferably a pair of wrenches. :rolleyes:
http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/500/555/555-30630.jpg |
Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
This whole deal is a joke........ and a total lack of common sense ! Am I against teathers ....... no! I do see the need . Had a friend get hurt . But let's do this another way.... set a few different guide lines or methods has to how to install a back-up securing teather. And make the tech guys do their jobs and inspect. If it dosent pass..... bounce their butts.......
I and anyone out there can buy the same hardware as the approved kit supplers at a much less price. I don't get it ! My son is on the list of approved chassis builders, and he can't build me a set of tethers, I don't get it ! I sent in a pic of a set of collectors that had 1/4 button head bolts and nuts installed , one for each tube, and plus the orginal tabs and was told that this method would still need tethers. Really? and this was a NHRA Engineer . Where is this going to go ? I dont get it ! I have a vinyl lettering biz........ guess I need to submit to NHRA and get on an approved list ........ Then all you racers have to buy from me ! Another note, more info might be coming ..... Rick |
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Its called preventive maintenance, tethers are not truly needed. Some cars are sadly run with neglect to the basics. Just my 2 cents.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
My question is what incident occurred to start this whole tether requirement? Sounds like to me the powers that be are treating the sympton and not going after the root cause. There are better more economical ways of dealing with this issue.
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I think it was a long string of incidents that finally brought it to a head...been hearing of this for nearly 15 years now.
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Sad that so many maintain their cars so poorly that the rest of us have to pay.
I'm not paying. Just welding. Screw it. |
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Well, I suppose you could say the pot has been stirred. I just received a private email from Collector Cable with a pdf of my original invoice and text simply suggesting that having that copy available during tech could head off any hassles. I might add that I purchased my tethers online 1/23/14 and received and installed them 1/27/14. I am extremely happy with both the product and the service received. Installation was seamless and I'm completely satisfied with the finished appearance and thankful for a reasonably priced item that doesn't appear either cheap or Mickey Mouse.
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Michael, I've seen plenty of this style rust from the inside out right at the 3 bolt flange area. Flanges stay bolted together and collector falls off.
Probably only a D6 problem up here in the Northwest???? |
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
Generally a "piece of paper" approving something hasn't held much sway with tech. Just sayin'
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I'm thinking NHRA didn't tell these manufacturers that they needed etched I.D. proof on every piece of the tethers. This deal certainly isn't the fault of the tether manufacturers. Once again we have seven divisions with seven different ideas of how one rule should be implemented. It's the computer age guys! Lack of communications strikes again! Jim
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Re: Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT
I have to believe that, "every" manufacturer seeking approval submitted a sample of "every" model to NHRA for approval and that NHRA, subsequently, issued the approvals based on the samples submitted. I further doubt that "any" of the approved manufacturers would then, on their own, deviate from the approved sample that they had submitted by altering the product shipped to their customer. Following that logic only leaves the possibility of a lower level official adding his or her own interpretation to the approved description and none of us have ever even heard of that happening. LOL
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