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> Installing Retractable Seatbelts, What's involved?
pbanders
post Oct 13 2016, 09:14 PM
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What's involved with installing retractable seat belts? When I bought my 1970, it had no belts at all. I put in some crappy stock non-retractable belts years ago, but they are and always were crappy. I'd like to put in something better. Suggestions? Just lap and shoulder retractable should be all I need.
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SirAndy
post Oct 13 2016, 09:39 PM
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Don't!

I have actually come to really like the non-retractable belts in my '70.

Set them once and forget about it.
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914werke
post Oct 13 2016, 09:42 PM
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Tougher on the early cars as the back wall has no recess for them, but you probably new that.
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jeffdon
post Oct 13 2016, 10:10 PM
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QUOTE(SirAndy @ Oct 13 2016, 08:39 PM) *

Don't!

I have actually come to really like the non-retractable belts in my '70.

Set them once and forget about it.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)


Andy - My 72 has belts that sorta retract. They are a bit balky. Can I make them non retractable? Or are you talking track belts?
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pbanders
post Oct 13 2016, 10:25 PM
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QUOTE(rdauenhauer @ Oct 13 2016, 08:42 PM) *

Tougher on the early cars as the back wall has no recess for them, but you probably new that.


I've got the later back pad with the cutouts in it, I assume that helps. I'd need to remove the back pad, but it's attachment to the firewall that has me wondering.
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SirAndy
post Oct 13 2016, 11:23 PM
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QUOTE(jeffdon @ Oct 13 2016, 09:10 PM) *
My 72 has belts that sorta retract. They are a bit balky. Can I make them non retractable? Or are you talking track belts?

Not talking track anything, the early stock belts don't retract. They are adjustable but stay tight once set.

I very much prefer them over the retractable ...
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cary
post Oct 14 2016, 08:25 AM
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This is what I'm running in my 73 DD.
Which uses the later mounting points. But they should be able to come up with something for you.

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-an...ts/332/view/125
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mepstein
post Oct 14 2016, 10:47 AM
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QUOTE(SirAndy @ Oct 13 2016, 11:39 PM) *

Don't!

I have actually come to really like the non-retractable belts in my '70.

Set them once and forget about it.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) one of those special early car things.
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mramber
post Oct 14 2016, 11:31 AM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 14 2016, 11:47 AM) *

QUOTE(SirAndy @ Oct 13 2016, 11:39 PM) *

Don't!

I have actually come to really like the non-retractable belts in my '70.

Set them once and forget about it.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) one of those special early car things.

Cool, I thought I was the only one, but mine work the same way! Maybe it was installed like that at the factory along with the rust??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)
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RenoRoger
post Oct 14 2016, 11:34 AM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Oct 14 2016, 09:47 AM) *

QUOTE(SirAndy @ Oct 13 2016, 11:39 PM) *

Don't!

I have actually come to really like the non-retractable belts in my '70.

Set them once and forget about it.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) one of those special early car things.


The retractable belts used in VW Beetles might fit.

RenoRoger
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Dominic
post Oct 14 2016, 11:53 AM
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I retro fitted a 1970 with front retractable seat belts from a 944. There were some modifications to make it fit perfect, plus I drilled two holes in the firewall to mount the reels. Not plug and play, but it can be done.
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Elliot Cannon
post Oct 14 2016, 12:05 PM
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Retractable inertia reel seat belts were designed because people are too f**king lazy to buckle and properly tighten their seat belt. They were designed more for convenience than safety. I don't trust them. Some designs will tighten the inertia reel belts automatically when the airbag is deployed. Retractable belts in the 914 however were not. Here's what I use.


Attached image(s)
Attached Image
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pbanders
post Oct 14 2016, 01:10 PM
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QUOTE(cary @ Oct 14 2016, 07:25 AM) *

This is what I'm running in my 73 DD.
Which uses the later mounting points. But they should be able to come up with something for you.

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-an...ts/332/view/125


Perfect, that's what I was looking for, thanks.
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ThunderbirdDrive
post Oct 14 2016, 01:32 PM
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I've replaced my old belts on my '76 with new ones from seat belt planet. Extremely happy with the fit and quality of their parts.
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GeorgeRud
post Oct 14 2016, 04:40 PM
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Auto Atlanta has (had?) some retractable so that bolted onto the upper mount and work pretty well if yo want to go retractable.Attached Image
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Dave_Darling
post Oct 14 2016, 05:32 PM
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I believe that you must modify the firewall in order to fit the 72+ retractors on an 70-71 car.

--DD
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raynekat
post Oct 14 2016, 06:34 PM
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QUOTE(Dave_Darling @ Oct 14 2016, 04:32 PM) *

I believe that you must modify the firewall in order to fit the 72+ retractors on an 70-71 car.

--DD


This is true.
I am in the process of doing this on my 71.
Grafting the recess and reinforced part of the firewall from a newer car that the retractible assemblies will fit into.
Not a trivial process if done correctly.
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pbanders
post Oct 14 2016, 06:59 PM
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QUOTE(GeorgeRud @ Oct 14 2016, 03:40 PM) *

Auto Atlanta has (had?) some retractable so that bolted onto the upper mount and work pretty well if yo want to go retractable.Attached Image


I'll check that out, looks like the simplest solution.
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914 RZ-1
post Oct 19 2016, 10:04 AM
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QUOTE(Elliot Cannon @ Oct 14 2016, 11:05 AM) *

Retractable inertia reel seat belts were designed because people are too f**king lazy to buckle and properly tighten their seat belt. They were designed more for convenience than safety. I don't trust them. Some designs will tighten the inertia reel belts automatically when the airbag is deployed. Retractable belts in the 914 however were not. Here's what I use.



Elliot:

Where'd you get these? What's involved in installing them on a '72?
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914 RZ-1
post Oct 19 2016, 10:08 AM
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[quote name='pbanders' date='Oct 14 2016, 12:10 PM' post='2411181']
[quote name='cary' post='2411104' date='Oct 14 2016, 07:25 AM']
This is what I'm running in my 73 DD.
Which uses the later mounting points. But they should be able to come up with something for you.

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-an...ts/332/view/125
[/quote]

Can you confirm these will fit on a '72? I have the recess in the firewall (what I'm assuming is the later mounting points?). I have retractable seat belt now, but they stick a little and I'd like ones that work and are new.
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