Retractable seat belts, please, educate me Options

[thieuster]

My car came with three fixed seat belts. But I don't trust 42 y/old seat belts with unknown history. So I want to change over to retractable seat belts. My MY 73 model already has the bolt holes behind the rear padding where the reel should be placed.

I think it's not wise searching for NOS & period correct seat belts. More modern aftermarkets items are my first port of call. But before I hand over the cash, what are the do's and don'ts.

As said: please educate me!

Menno

[screenguy914]

Here is the one most folks have been going with.

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-an...ts/232/view/125

I think I'm going to spring for a set here shortly. My only hang up is that there isn't a cover on the reel. But we've bee using 4pt harnesses for about 10 years. They're a PIA.

I called and asked about the difference between their 914-specific and their generic 3pt harnesses. They told me their 914 belt has approx. 90" of webbing. Their generic retractor contains 110", so I don't see much difference there. Then they say the retractor assembly is of higher quality. The difference is about +$30 per harness.

Next, their 911-specific harness sets are $40 more than for the 914. From all info I've read, 911, 924 and 944 harnesses will work on a 914. The only difference might be the length and format of the receiver (cable, flat metal, buckle, end release, sleeved or not).

There's a case to be made between OEM Porsche harnesses that appear in good condition, but are possibly 10-30 years old with unknown history and new harnesses. There's also a case to be made between vehicle-specific and generic harnesses. Save for the receiver type (buckle, end release), do 911s, 912s and 914s require special belts? Vehcle-specific is a nod toward OEM authenticity, and/or it could be simply another example of the Porsche tax. Many seat belt sources claim their generic harnesses meet US safety specs (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 209 and 302). Some also cite SAE J386 specs. BTW, J386 - paragraph 5.4 states, "The color black is preferred since it is least affected by exposure to ultraviolet light."

There are generic harness sets available on the internet for $20/seat. At some price point, there could be some compromises in design, materials, manufacture and whose safety specs. There's also something to be said for US-made/assembled products.

This website seems to have a lot of b.g. information on terminology and installation tips (no affiliation)
http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/seatbelts.html

Sherwood