Seat belts

[Ramblingman]

I seem to have convinced myself that I really should fit seat belts to my ’62 Rambler wagon. Following previous discussions on the dangers of lap belts it looks like a 3 point belt is the way to go but I don’t want them to look too modern and out of place so would like chrome catches etc. Also as the car has a split front bench seat I would prefer to have webbing rather than stalks for the receiver part.
Had a look at the following but any other suggestions or recommendations?

www.gotbelts.com (http://www.gotbelts.com)

www.quickfitsbs.com (http://www.quickfitsbs.com)

www.fdts-seatbelts.co.uk (http://www.fdts-seatbelts.co.uk)

www.securon.co.uk (http://www.securon.co.uk)

One site (gotbelts) is in the USA so where do I stand regarding legality? Also are the chrome style of catches legal? I know that my car does not require seat belts by it’s age but if fitted they need to comply with current standards I believe?
Also is the only webbing option the modern shiny type or can you get (legally) the aircraft type finish (more matt)?
Lastly (!) some sites make an issue of the angle for retraction – is this very difficult to get right or is it better to use the non-retractable 3 point type?

All help and opinions appreciated as always.

[kapri]

Hi Ceri, I can thoroughly recommend :-

http://www.fdts-seatbelts.co.uk/

I've had several sets made and am very pleased with service and technical back up. They have sent samples of material when I've explained what I'm after and have a wide variety of latches and pull through plus bolt finishes.

For the purposes of MOT the seat belt should have a BS label stitched in. Webbing is legally acceptable for MOT on a bench seat as well (checked that over for my own ). However on newer cars with seperate seats they must be stalk fittings for one handed use.

Angle of retraction dictates how smoothly the belt will pull out and also affect it's operation in a crash. I'd go with retractables everytime ( where possible) as belts hanging around on the floor get grubby ,marked, knicked and it's pain having to readjust when you change from your cardigan to driving coat ;):D

[weemark]

try some of the VW places like VW heritage http://www.vwheritage.com/vwh/VW-Beetle-Parts/Interior/Seat-Belts/?templateID=vwh

[plumpcars]

FDTS no question. Went out of her way to help and with the materials that you need.

[Petemate]

The ones I have in our 'A' are from the rear of a Rover 827. They looked to be unused; while I admit they have come out of a scrapyard, the car in question was not involved in an accident, just rusted away underneath. The rear looked as if it had never been sat in. The belts are beige and match the interior perfectly, but as the stalks were a bit short, I obtained a pair from a Rover 214 in similar condition and just swapped the plastic covers over. They are fairly discreet and very comfortable to use and wear. Cost? A fiver plus the fiver diesel for the trip to the yard.

[Ramblingman]

Thanks all for the replies – very much appreciated.

Kev – you seem to have covered all the points there – I will get in touch with them and see if they can meet my exacting standards ;)

[Dig these feet]

Just a quick point, I don't think the chrome aircraft style catches are recommended if you're thinking of fitting a child seat.

[kapri]

Ceri's 42 and got a license and everything !:eek:

[Ramblingman]

thanks Kev but you should have added no kids so no child seat issues either:) but thanks Jez it was a good point and would be an issue for some.

[kapri]

thanks Kev but you should have added no kids so no child seat issues either:) but thanks Jez it was a good point and would be an issue for some.

I should have added " and he won't fit in a childs seat " ;) As you said though ,good point for those 'looking in' .