Seatbelts

[WayneE]

I'm new to the classic car hobby. I have a 69 Camaro and want to add 3 point retractable seatbelts.

I have Recaro seats in the car, if that makes any difference. There are currently lapbelts installed in the car.

Are there bolt in kits for this type of conversion?

[WayneE]

Someone recommended this setup - http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt.html

[69TAPoser]

Morris Classic make them:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/714belt-1.jpg

You can get them at Jegs:

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product2_10001_10002_836342_-1?source=home&coll=item714-MCSB-1-BK&pos=8

The use the existing structure/bolt holes in the car.

Phil

[WayneE]

Thanks, Phil. Are you using that setup? Any pics of where the top existing structure/bolt holes are located?

I have a rollbar in my car. I'm worried that area is not easily accessed.

[eville]

double post.

[eville]

I found this picture over at Team Camaro
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/orig-1.jpg

[69TAPoser]

I am not using it but am considering it. It uses the top stock location shown in the pick above. Even if your car does not have the optional shoulder belt, it DOES have the mounting holes underneath your headliner.

The Morris setup is the most popular setup I have heard of from a lot of guys on the Team Camaro forum. Reviews have been very good.

Not sure about rollbar interference though.

Phil

[WayneE]

It looks like that area is accessible on my car. My rollbar is forward of the stock hook mounted on the headliner.

Thanks, guys!

[69sponge]

I just installed the Morris set up in my 69 this weekend..It fits great.Not to mention it feels safer than just running the lap belt only.

[bigvegan]

If you're going to install seatbelts, which is an awesome idea, you may want to check the angles to make sure they'll do their job effectively.

Wesco Performance also sells reasonably priced retractable 3 point belts.
http://www.wescoperformance.com/i-3207-retractable-install.htm

(Here's more than you probably wanted to know about optimum installation.)

From this article in Circle Track Magazine:

http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/nascar_seatbelt_system_tech_inspection/index.html

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/p149772_image_large-1.jpg

"The attachment points must provide the optimum geometry to minimize movement of the belts. Lap belts perform best when they act at an angle between 45 and 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This angle permits the lap belt to react to the upward pull of the shoulder harness. A system installed with a shallow belt angle permits the shoulder harness to pull the lap belt up off the pelvic area and into the abdominal region, which greatly increases the chances for internal injury.

The end attachments of the shoulder harness must also be installed at appropriate angles. The ideal position is anywhere between five degrees below and 30 degrees above the driver’s shoulder.

If the upper attachment point falls significantly below the driver’s shoulder, then a spinal compression injury is likely to occur. In an accident, the shoulder belts pull down and back on the torso as they resist the forward motion of the driver. The resultant restraint force compresses the spinal column and will add to the stresses in the spine already caused by the force of the crash impact.

In the opposite situation, if the trailing ends of the harness are too far above the shoulder (greater than 30 degrees), then two problems can occur. First, tension in the shoulder harness is increased and undue stress is applied to the harness and its structural attachments. Second, excessive angle will cause excessive motion. If the harness belts are too far above the shoulder, they will provide little resistance to forward motion of the driver’s upper torso. The result is an impact with the steering wheel and the possibility of neck injury. The shoulder straps should also be three to six inches apart behind the driver’s neck to prevent slippage off the shoulders."

Here's another picture of optimum seat-belt angles, the one I was originally looking for, as I knew I'd seen it somewhere today. (taken from Simpson Race Products website, put in this thread https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39588 by roadracer55 , and then pasted here.)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Mr Nick]

Why do this http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt.html
and this http://www.wescoperformance.com/i-3207-retractable-install.htm
cost so much less then this http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product2_10001_10002_836342_-1?source=home&coll=item714-MCSB-1-BK&pos=8 ?

Just because it's being sold thru a big retailer? I want to install a 3-point system, and I'll spend the money on the more expensive set up, but only if there is a reason to do so.

Thanks