Can I legally use FIA approved harnesses on the road in the UK?
Yes, harnesses must be either ECE 16 or FIA approved for road use in the UK. Track day harnesses are not approved.
Can I use HANS only FIA approved harnesses on the road?
No, they are only approved when used with a HANS device.
I have a roll bar fitted to my car and would like to wrap the harness around the bar. Is this possible?
Yes, the harness can be fitted this way with the parts supplied as standard.You will need to order the standard length shoulder straps not the short shoulder version to ensure enough webbing is available.
How long does it take to deliver my harness?
Every harness is made to order to the exact specification selected. Your order will take about 7 days to manufacture. Please therefore allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.
Will I receive a Safety Hammer and Webbing Cutter with my order?
Yes, a free Safety Hammer is included with every order.
Will I receive tracking when my order is dispatched?
Yes, tracking is sent for every order including all overseas deliveries.
What is the difference between the standard version and the short shoulder version?
The only difference is the short shoulder version has shoulder straps that are 50cms shorter than the standard version. This ensures there is not excess webbing when installed into a two-seater car.
What is the difference between SFI Approval and FIA Approval?
SFI Approval is an American Motorsport Approval. It only lasts for two years. FIA Approval is now considered to be the best in the world and covers products for five whole years minimum. Willans simply offers FIA as this is superior and covers everything SFI does and for a longer period.
Can I order the webbing in different lengths?
We cannot offer this service I am afraid. All the sizes are published, and these are the only ones available. They have been well researched over the years and should be suitable for the vast majority of applications. There is a short shoulder version for two seater applications.
I would like to check the sizes of the harnesses to be sure they are right for me. Is there anything I should be aware of when I do this?
Yes, please make sure you measure what you think would be ideal while sitting in the car seat. We believe all the Willans harnesses are suitable for virtually all applications.
Will Willans harnesses be Legal in all countries?
FIA approval is recognised throughout the world therefore all FIA approved will be fine. Road Approval is shown but this applies to the UK. For other regions please check as we do not have information for every country.
Are there different types of webbing used to manufacture harnesses?
Yes, some manufacturers use Nylon webbing. This is cost effective but far inferior to Polyester webbing that is used in the manufacture of Willans harnesses. The whole Willans range uses Military Specification webbing. US manufacturers tend to use Nylon webbing which also has poor resistance to UV light and to water absorption.
Are Willans harnesses made in the UK?
Yes, all Willans harnesses are manufactured by hand in the UK.
How do I choose the best harness for my requirements?
If you need a harness for racing it will need to be FIA approved. Choose from the Single Seater harnesses (one range for use with HANS device and one for use without). For Saloon and Sports cars again choose a FIA harness. For Road use select Road or Road and FIA use harnesses. For Track Day it is simple to select Track day harnesses. Finally for Caterham, Westfield, or Mazda MX-5 cars go straight to harnesses for these applications.
Can I return my harnesses if I change my mind?
All Willans harnesses are made to order and therefore cannot be returned. If there is any mistake or manufacturing issue of course we will arrange collection and delivery of the amended item at our expense.
Is VAT removed on export orders and orders to the Channel Islands?
Yes, this is automatically done at checkout.
I can see the carriage charge to the UK Mainland is Free of Charge but what is the cost to other parts of the world?
We publish fixed carriage charges to all the Counties we deliver to.
What is the origin of Willans as a harness manufacturer?
Willans was formed after the founder, Major ‘Dumbo’ Willans, came across safety straps in a Formula 1 car driven by Jackie Stuart in 1967. After developing the idea, a vastly superior product was produced and eventually found its way into many Formula 1 cars of the era. The rest is history. Willans harnesses are now renowned as one of the very best in the world. No classic race car, whether single-seater or saloon would be correct without them. Also, a new breed of customers with modern cars such as Nissan GTRs, Mazda MX-5s, performance Hondas and Toyotas plus the vast majority of Caterham and Westfield drivers choose Willans, for their safety of course, but also the great look and iconic brand.
I have a Mazda MX-5 and would like to wrap the harness shoulder straps around a roll bar. Should I order the standard or short shoulder version?
If you are wrapping the shoulder straps around a harness bar, then we always recommend going for the standard length straps, even in a 2 seater vehicle. Please have a look at our range of MX-5 specific harnesses that use a wrap around fitment on the shoulder straps as standard. We can also offer a harness bar for the Mk1 and Mk2 MX-5.