You got to be kidding?

[keith ohanesian]

Originally Posted by Johnny Gray

I wonder how much it costs to be NHRA "approved". This reminds me of mufflergate. Drag racing was going to be shut down. I guess race cars aren't loud anymore. Did something happen to bring this rule about. Can we screw the collectors on as long as we have tethers on the screws. I've lost a collector off the Nova and Camaro because the tabs break from being taken on and off, I put springs on and eliminated the problem.

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.

[442OLDS]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

I'll have mine welded I'm not paying for that. Probably have to be replaced every 2 years lol.

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

[Toby Lang]

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

[older racer]

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!

[600ci]

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

[Toby Lang]

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?

[SSDiv6]

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.

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Toby Lang

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

No. Especially on a Chevy II

[older racer]

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?

[buzzinhalfdozen]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

I'm no fan of scott lemen but you can't blame him for trying to make a buck. There's now a need and he's the first to offer an NHRA accepted tether. If you think you can do better, get them NHRA accepted and sell them for less, have at it.


http://www.dragraceresults.com/fulls...id=4965&type=2

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.