Seat Belt options

[Wander]

My IIa has no seat belts currently. It also has some funky bucket seats from a 69 Firebird, but that's another story....

I need to put some belts in. I'd like to have a 3 pt in the truck but I'd also like to take the hard top off an use a soft top when the weathers good. That would rule out the pillar mount for the shoulder belt. What other options are there for a 3 pt. I'm also thinking about using something like a Simpson lap or 3 pt belt. I've found a few that have a nice vintage look but are also modern. What did you install and how?

[amcordo]

Hello! Are you married to your seats? If not, an option is to swap them out with Chrysler Sebring Convertible seats (1996-2008) from a junkyard. They feature integrated inertia and lap belts. All you need to do then is anchor them securely to the frame if possible. The metal work will have to be clever, but shouldn't be too difficult.

My IIa has no seat belts currently. It also has some funky bucket seats from a 69 Firebird, but that's another story....

I need to put some belts in. I'd like to have a 3 pt in the truck but I'd also like to take the hard top off an use a soft top when the weathers good. That would rule out the pillar mount for the shoulder belt. What other options are there for a 3 pt. I'm also thinking about using something like a Simpson lap or 3 pt belt. I've found a few that have a nice vintage look but are also modern. What did you install and how?

[Wander]

The Firebird buckets don't fit the Rover very well. The seat bottom is too long so it interfears with your legs. I am planning to put in Rover seats-the plain square style. I'm hoping to sell the buckets to a Firebird collector (they are in excellent condition) to help pay for the Rover seats (most likely from our sponsor). I wish the buckets did fit as they are pretty comfortable.

[Cutter]

I was scheming about making an internal roll bar type frame on my 109 to attach the shoulder belts to as well as a mount for other goodies like cabin lights and speakers. I don't much care about roll protection as much as the structure to function for the seat belt. Maybe somebody has done something similar.

[Bertha]

This company carries what I think is a very period looking seatbelt for a reasonable price :

http://www.gotbelts.com/rechlilelaps.html

I must warn you that if you want to use a 3 point harness in a soft top you have 2 options-a properly mounted roll bar(secured to you frame-not the rear body) in which to attach the high point of the belt or a custom made bracket that elevates the shoulder point above you shoulder. Failure to do this may result in a broken shoulder if you were ever in an accident.

[Wander]

I was afraid of that, I guess lap belts it is. I saw those Beams belts too-they look like the ones you see on airplanes.

[siii8873]

looks like a filson cruiser in your picture

[jac04]

I would touch base with Bill at www.tntlr.com. At the very bottom of the 'accessories' section of his web site, he lists some Series 3 soft top seat belt parts.

http://www.tntlr.com/accessories.htm

Here is the main bracket:

http://www.tntlr.com/database/products/MRC190.jpg

I would assume that you would need to tie this bar into the chassis and run supports back to triangulate the bar as well. In the end, you would end up with a seat belt set-up similar to my Series 3 Lightweight:


Brackets attaching bar to chassis:

[Wander]

looks like a filson cruiser in your picture

You are correct. After wanting one for years I finally used some Christmas money this year and bought one, I love it but i have to admit that living in eastern NC will limit it's use. It's part of what I call my "lifetime kit" that is items you get for the long haul and/or are things you've planned and saved for. When I wore it out the first time I told my wife to take a close look as this is how I'll look as a grandfather-plaid shirt, khaki pants,boots and the Filson. My grandfather passed down his old Red Head upland bird coat along with his LC Smith 16ga double and I plan to do the same for my grandchild.

You lightweight is looking nice Jac04 and I like that set up. I'm not sure I can swing that right now so maybe I'll put some competition style lap belts in and then add the 3 pt later (along with the support).

[jrd51ox]

Matt,
I like that term "Lifetime Kit". Funny this came up in a seat belt thread. But not so rare that it came up in a series forum. Easy to see the connections between the two.

After sometime of deliberation I just made an addition to my "Lifetime Kit" this weekend with a Filson Tin Cloth Field Coat.

Now that I think of it, "Lifetime Kit" essentials could be great thread.

[Wander]

Good choice! -Your right that would be a good thread. I think I'll start one in th e appropriate section.

[allende]

Notice the military gun holders in your photo. Recently acquired a pair. What's the purpose of the bolt in the very rear top of the bracket? Yours look new - are they?

[cgalpin]

If you don't mind I have a few questions on this topic too.

1. What is the ideal length for the female side strap, and is a soft webbing or hard 'stalk' style preferred (and why)?
2. Does anyone have a picture of the brackets that mount on the side of the seat box and the floor that the spool would mount to (lap belt)?

thanks,
charles

[Les Parker]

Soft top

I can send some pix of the Def 90 soft top seat belts I recently fitted.
Uses the same as the 88" without the triangular bracket at the base of the seat box/rear body.

[cgalpin]

Thanks Les that would be helpful. I do have a D90 to compare to but I'm not sure what you did based on your description.