Updating the old floppy seatbelts, what is available, anybody converted to the later ones Options

[nsr-jamie]

Hello, I did a short search and didn't really come up with much. I have a 72 914 with the old floppy belts and the passenger side looks really rough. I would like to replace them with new belts. I like the looks and function of the late model retractable belts. Has anybody done a conversion like this? Do they bolt in? Is fabrication needed or some welding? If anybody has some info would be cool. Thank you so much

Jamie

[Gint]

The early cars (the 70 models at least) did not have a recessed pocket in the bulkhead to accommodate the size of the later belts' retractor assemblies. Doesn't mean the later belts won't bolt up, but the stock backpad likely won't fit if later retractable belts are installed in an early car without modifying the bulkhead or the backpad.

[SirAndy]

The early cars (the 70 models at least) did not have a recessed pocket in the bulkhead to accommodate the size of the later belts' retractor assemblies. Doesn't mean the later belts won't bolt up, but the stock backpad likely won't fit if later retractable belts are installed in an early car without modifying the bulkhead or the backpad.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Later cars have a recess in the firewall to accept the retractor (is that a word?) as well as a reinforcement piece that goes on the backside.
Changing a early car to the later style belts would involve some (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) ...


I like the early belts better anyways, but i'm weird ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Andy

[number6]

The early cars (the 70 models at least) did not have a recessed pocket in the bulkhead to accommodate the size of the later belts' retractor assemblies. Doesn't mean the later belts won't bolt up, but the stock backpad likely won't fit if later retractable belts are installed in an early car without modifying the bulkhead or the backpad.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Later cars have a recess in the firewall to accept the retractor (is that a word?) as well as a reinforcement piece that goes on the backside.
Changing a early car to the later style belts would involve some (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif) ...


I like the early belts better anyways, but i'm weird ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Andy

I think I'm converting to your way of thinking, Andy. The early belts really annoyed me at first, but now that I've logged some time with them, they are definitely growing on me!

As for conversion... there are aftermarket kits (with more compact reels, I assume, to fit w/o modding). AutoAtlanta has one in their catalog (though not online, that I can find). I just got a NOS kit from the good CAMP Counselor but don't recall who made it (I think they are no longer in business). Will snap some pix and scan the instructions to share when I'm next up at CAMP.

Personally, I find the aftermarket pieces extremely aesthetically-displeasing (the retractable conversion kits, that is - all 2 that I've seen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ). They just look cheap, plasticky, and out of place. If I were to convert, I would either make the necessary mods for the factory, later belts...or I would swap the aftermarket kit's buckles and receivers with factory ones, which should duplicate the stock look.

-duc