Re: You got to be kidding?
 

I remember at Atco a few years back a dude got hit in the leg by one. It looked like a 5 foot shark took a bite out of him. A Top Sportsman car kicked it off in the burn out, then ran it over. Not good. But what is next? A four link bar tether? Cause we all would rather drink beer and look at our cars.

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

I think I will go this route also.At least we have all Winter.Lots of welders will be busy.

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

Thing is, if you weld them on, will you be able to get the headers on and off easy?

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

how much weld will be required to please nhra tech? full welds or partial welds? this is nothing more than a rip off to the sportsman racer. mr lemon is lining his pockets, same as the diaper guy. at the racers expense!! enough is enough. those teathers don't need to be SFI approved. thats a crock!

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

I got an idea im working on useing aircraft grade stainless cable and
aircraft clamping system

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

Another thing, even if you do weld them they still might require you have the tethers. Or does the rule say if you weld them they aren't required?

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

There is no SFI Foundation specifications or testing criteria for the tethers.
Therefore, I assume it is up to NHRA to approve any solution for compliance with the rule.

A similar design to the one they offer can use an aerospace band clamp that meets Military Specification MS21920.
There are several vendors for these clamps in various sizes:

http://www.herberaircraft.com/pdf/Ot...20bulletin.PDF

http://www.clampco.com/products/products.asp

As regards to the cable and ends, they can also be procured from a few companies and it would require the swaging crimping tool and gauge.
Some sources for the cable, ends and tools are as follows:

http://www.mcfarlane-aviation.com/Pr...?CategoryID=47

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ntrolcable.php

For guidance on assembling, strength requirements and testing the cable, I suggest checking out the FAA Mechanics Handbook and read Section 2-41 of the handbook and on. The link for the handbook is as follows:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...frame_vol1.pdf

Additional specification, assembly and testing guidance can also be found at the following link:

http://thecableconnection.com/cable-specification.html

I believe if you document the cable assembly, show load testing that meets the FAA guidance and requirements as objective evidence, NHRA should approve it.
Control cable assemblies are used in commercial and private aircraft in a daily basis and I do not believe the threshold is higher for retaining a header collector in the event it comes loose.

They also claim a "Patent Pending", well the concept, system and design is not patentable. A patent search will show many of the same concepts and ideas with patents.

Since it appears that Collector Tethers is a sponsor of this site, I do not know how long this message will last.

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

No. Especially on a Chevy II

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

hi, they claim , they have a patent or getting one. those take about 2 to 3 years to get. they are not givin out on a whim! they have to have a patent lawer do a search , then the patent process can begin. just sounds soo fishy!! nhra can let us make our own! we'd have to give them a kickback prob?

Re: You got to be kidding?
 

I'm trying to figure out why "There is now a need" maybe there's a greater need to keep folks clear of the area. Wouldn't that make more sense? I will not be behind a car doing a burnout period, heck just getting hit by a small stone at 100 plus MPH would leave a welt. I'm amased at the number of people that stand directly behind the burn box at our local track they all seem to be in disbelief when the occasional rock get wizzed at them. It's simple...no one there to be hit....no problem! BTW I weld new tabs on guys headers all the time they do break off at times but you have to look at your car to see the problem.