In this blog, we’ll cover the best track-use harnesses for easy installation and removal, explore the difference between clip-in and bolt-in setups, and recommend the best removable harness options for drivers who want the best of both worlds—track performance and everyday practicality.
Can I Easily Install and Uninstall Harnesses Just for Track Use?
A customer recently visited GSM Performance with a common concern:
“I want to use harnesses for track days but still drive my car on the road without them. Can I easily install and uninstall harnesses just for track use?”
This is a popular question among track day enthusiasts, especially those who drive their cars both on the road and on the circuit. While a full racing harness setup provides superior driver stability and safety on track, many drivers don’t want to be restricted to using harnesses for everyday road driving. This raises the need for a harness system that can be installed before a track day and quickly removed afterward—without having to go through a complicated process each time.
The good news is that yes, you can install and uninstall harnesses for track days relatively easily, but only if you choose the right harness type and mounting method. Not all harnesses are designed for quick removal, and some require permanent modifications to your car’s interior, which may not be ideal for drivers who want to retain their factory seat belts for daily use. However, by selecting clip-in harnesses or vehicle-specific quick-fit systems, you can achieve a secure setup for track days while maintaining the flexibility to switch back to standard seat belts for the road.
What Makes a Harness Easy to Install and Remove?
If you want a harness that can be used just for track days and removed for daily driving, you need to choose one with quick-release installation options. The key factors that make a harness easy to install and uninstall include:
1. Clip-in harnesses with Eye Bolts
- Clip-in harnesses feature quick-release metal fittings that attach to pre-installed eye bolts in your vehicle.
- These harnesses can be clipped in for track use and unclipped when switching back to standard seat belts.
- Eye bolts remain in place, allowing for quick reinstallation before your next track day.
2. Harnesses That Work Alongside Factory Seat Belts
- Some harnesses are designed to be used without interfering with your standard seat belts.
- This means you can leave the harness installed but simply tuck it away when not in use.
3. Mounting Locations for Quick Fitment
- The easiest harness setups use factory seat belt mounting points, allowing for secure attachment without major modifications.
- Harness bars or reinforced mounting locations provide a safe and easy-to-access attachment point.
By selecting the right harness type and installation method, you can ensure a fast and hassle-free setup for track days.
Where Should You Mount a Harness for Track Use?
The key to installing and removing a harness easily is choosing the right mounting locations. Most track-day harnesses use four mounting points:
- Lap Belt Points (Side Mounts) – These attach to the factory seat belt mounting points on either side of the driver.
- Shoulder Strap Points (Rear Mounts) – These can be attached to a harness bar, a rear roll bar, or the rear seatbelt mounting points.
1. Mounting the Lap Belts – Using Factory Seat Belt Points
For track days, the easiest way to mount a harness without modifications is to use the factory seat belt mounting points.
- The lap belts can be attached to the OEM seat belt bolt locations using clip-in eye bolts.
- This allows you to easily remove the harness by unclipping it when switching back to regular seat belts.
- Since this uses existing factory points, no drilling or permanent modifications are needed.
2. Mounting the Shoulder Straps – Harness Bar vs. Rear Seat Belt Points
For shoulder straps, you have two main mounting options:
Option 1: Wrap-Around Mounting on a Harness Bar (Best Option for Track Use)
- If your car has a roll bar or a dedicated harness bar, you can wrap the harness shoulder straps around the bar using built-in wrap-around fittings.
- This method allows you to install and remove the harness quickly with no permanent modifications.
Option 2: Mounting to Rear Seat Belt Points (Works for Most Road Cars)
- If your car doesn’t have a harness bar, you can use the factory rear seatbelt mounting points.
- You’ll need to install clip-in eye bolts into the rear belt mounts, allowing you to clip and unclip the shoulder straps easily.
Key Takeaway:
- If you have a harness bar, wrap the shoulder straps around it for quick removal.
- If you don’t have a harness bar, use clip-in eye bolts at the rear seat belt points.
Best Harnesses for Easy Installation and Removal
Bolt-In vs. Clip-In Harnesses – Which One is Best for Track Days?
When choosing a harness for temporary track-day use, it’s important to understand the difference between bolt-in and clip-in harnesses.
Clip-In Harnesses (Best for Easy Installation & Removal)
- Use clip fittings that attach to eye bolts, allowing you to detach the harness when not in use.
- No tools are required for removal, making them ideal for drivers who swap between harnesses and seat belts frequently.
- Best suited for track-day enthusiasts who don’t want a permanent harness setup.
Bolt-In Harnesses (More Permanent Installation)
- Require bolting through the chassis or mounting points, making them a more fixed solution.
- More time-consuming to remove, as bolts need to be unfastened.
- Better suited for dedicated track cars where the harness will always remain installed.
For temporary track use, a clip-in harness is by far the best choice, allowing you to install and remove it quickly without any hassle.
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Best Harness for Temporary Track Use
If you need a track-day harness that can be installed and removed easily, your best options are:
- Schroth Quick Fit Harnesses – The fastest and easiest to install/uninstall.
- TRS Clip-In Harnesses – A great alternative with universal fitment and easy clip-in design.
Choosing a clip-in harness with eye bolt mounts will allow you to remove your harness quickly while keeping your factory seat belts for daily driving.
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of track-ready harnesses, including clip-in and quick-fit designs that make switching between harnesses and seat belts as easy as possible. If you need advice on choosing the right harness for your track car, contact us or visit our showroom for expert guidance.
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