Inatalling Vans Crotch Strap Brackets for Crow Harnesses

[Draker]

In case anyone is getting tips from this thread in 2019, the Crow harnesses have evidently have changed a bit. It looks like older Crow crotch strap attach brackets were somewhat thicker than the 1/8" spacing that Vans calls out in their crotch strap kit, so I built mine 1/4" apart to be safe. And the mounting hole was bigger, causing builders to look for bushings to make them fit. Well, just got my Crows and lo and behold their attach brackets are 1/8" thick and the attach holes fit the AN5 bolt perfectly. Drop-in replacement now! Too bad I went through the trouble of adding extra space between the brackets. Looks like I'll be adding a couple of washers to ensure a tight fit.

[Aero_Octaveus]

I did a fairly in-depth out of the box review on the 2018/2019 crow harnesses noting that they have changed the mounting pieces and the cam lock hardware from older models.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=167112

[rapid_ascent]

Ryan,

It's been a while, but I think I allowed extra thickness for the crotch strap too. I'd be interested in taking a look at your belts. What color and options did you get? I think I want the all black hardware but I was a little confused about some of the other options.

Ray

[Draker]

I got the same ones Garet reviewed (above): KAM LOCK RV6/RV7/RV9/RV14 AIRCRAFT RESTRAINT WITH PADS is the part name on Crow?s site. I?ll be back in town after May 8, happy to bring them by your hangar one day.

[jy757]

I recently bought my flying -7 it has I assume the Van?s 4 point system in it. Can the bracket hardware for the crotch be added?

[rapid_ascent]

I would think you could. The forward seat floor pieces can be removed to get access to that area. Some people put their comm antennae in that area so if the crotch mount isn?t there now that may be something to check out first.

[pilotkms]

I was copilot in a friend?s RV9A. Didn?t have crotch belt attached as we were Flying in smooth air. We hit some unanticipated rough air. My head hit the canopy fairly hard. Connected the crotch strap right away. Ever since I always connect my crotch strap. The thought of becoming incapacitated while flying is not very appealing.

[rvator51]

Originally Posted by jy757

I recently bought my flying -7 it has I assume the Van’s 4 point system in it. Can the bracket hardware for the crotch be added?

I added the RV7 5th point attach hardware to my RV6A no problem after RV6A already flying. Be careful when drilling through bracket flanges to ribs as bracket flanges are pretty soft and right angle drill bit can wander and enlarge hole if not careful. I also clecoed some 1/8 in. Thick Strips between front and rear brackets to maintain the proper spacing and alignment while drilling bracket flanges to ribs, which really helped. It also helped in drilling hole through both brackets for AN5 bolt with bracket not installed.

[jy757]

Originally Posted by rvator51

I added the RV7 5th point attach hardware to my RV6A no problem after RV6A already flying. Be careful when drilling through bracket flanges to ribs as bracket flanges are pretty soft and right angle drill bit can wander and enlarge hole if not careful. I also clecoed some 1/8 in. Thick Strips between front and rear brackets to maintain the proper spacing and alignment while drilling bracket flanges to ribs, which really helped. It also helped in drilling hole through both brackets for AN5 bolt with bracket not installed.

Thanks for the info...

[jy757]

Originally Posted by rapid_ascent

I would think you could. The forward seat floor pieces can be removed to get access to that area. Some people put their comm antennae in that area so if the crotch mount isn?t there now that may be something to check out first.

Thanks, I will check that out before going any further...