Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT

[Dean Feiock]

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.

[Ed Wright]

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.

[Rob Petrie E395]

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.

[Rich67stang]

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.

[C and W Racing]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

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.

I don't know about the rest of the Manufactures, But the ones that keith Fulp has on the approved list, KFM, have tags on the cables as well, He was one of the first one out with them. Clamps and tags are lazer etched with his logo. I've had mine since Reynolds and am very pleased with them
Chuck

[Bob Gullett]

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.

[Bill Marshall]

Well said Bob

[Jim Wahl]

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


.

[voltdr]

OK, IMO here is the main reason for the collector tether requirement.

1. At some time NHRA got sued for a collector coming off a race car.
2. The insurance company made NHRA institute a policy to stop this from happening.
3. **POOF** Collector tethers were born.
4. I still believe we should be able to make our own.
Remember back when the big stink about aerosol spray cans at National Events erupted? NHRA creates a program, threatening fines, etc. to make sure the EPA thinks we are doing things better.
Unfortunately, it is the cost of doing business (racing).
At least the tethers don't expire every two ears.
Dan

[ken robinson]

My car and Bobs car has aways had its collectors clamped to the trans cross memeber for years , and never got a second look going thru tech in or out of div. before or after the accident/injury.....But to be legal and collect money for W & R-U just got my collector thethers.com set up in the mail friday .