Retractable / inertia 3 point seatbelts for Roadster

[Cutter 54]

I recall reading of someone swapping the standard Simpson harnesses for retractable, but cannot find that link. Anyone recall that or have a link? Thanks.
Early build stage Mk 4 Complete kit.

[i.e.427]

Dan Ziol (car name Plum Loco) did that with his Mk2. He hasn't been on the forum for years. Search screen name bwdziol on the other forum and you might find build pictures.

[progmgr1]

Here is some old info I saved that may have been for a Hot Rod, but might still be viable for your Roadster: I also deleted the silly 5-point race harnesses as I believe they have no business being in a street car. Got a $140 credit for that - and put that into a very nice set of 3-point retractables that look and work spectacular. I got the three-point retractable belts with aircraft buckles from Wesco (Racing Accessories for Drag and More, Seatbelts & Tiedowns!). I fabricated mounts out of some thick steel I had lying around. For more detail, see my build thread on the other site (Eric's 33 Build #583.) Pictures of retractor mounting here: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18842-Finished-Seat-Height-on-33-Hot-Rod&p=217418#post217418 and link to Wesco: http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/3pt-roadster-seatbelt-bucket-help.html

Some other possible leads: I bought a set from Seatbeltsplus.com 3 Point Retractable Seat Belt, End Release Button, 22" Cable. Make sure you get the 22" cable so that it is long enough. I mounted the retractor to the outer FF5 floor brackets and the cable to the inner FF5 floor brackets. I fabricated brackets to slip around the roll bar to attach the shoulder harness. I used 1" ID o-rings above and below the brackets to keep them in position. The cable with the latch must run inside http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/255738d1464955828-seat-belt-hotrod-93-.jpg http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/255746d1464955845-seat-belt-hotrod-90-.jpg
Alternative 4 belt seatbelt with retractor: http://corbeau.com/other/harness-bel...ness-belt.html $109.
I have Schroth's Profi II ASM FE a four point system with their proprietary system (they call it ASM) to prevent submarining with just four belts. Recommended to prevent crushing intestines in crash.

I plan to go kart my car with the FFR provided belts, but always had in my head that someday I might have to change to a 3 point belt. Good luck with your car, and hope there is something useful here for you.

Keith HR #894

[Cutter 54]

Dan Ziol (car name Plum Loco) did that with his Mk2. He hasn't been on the forum for years. Search screen name bwdziol on the other forum and you might find build pictures.

Thanks for lead. No luck so far.

[Cutter 54]

Here is some old info I saved that may have been for a Hot Rod, but might still be viable for your Roadster: I also deleted the silly 5-point race harnesses as I believe they have no business being in a street car. Got a $140 credit for that - and put that into a very nice set of 3-point retractables that look and work spectacular. I got the three-point retractable belts with aircraft buckles from Wesco (Racing Accessories for Drag and More, Seatbelts & Tiedowns!). I fabricated mounts out of some thick steel I had lying around. For more detail, see my build thread on the other site (Eric's 33 Build #583.) Pictures of retractor mounting here: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18842-Finished-Seat-Height-on-33-Hot-Rod&p=217418#post217418 and link to Wesco: http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/3pt-roadster-seatbelt-bucket-help.html

Some other possible leads: I bought a set from Seatbeltsplus.com 3 Point Retractable Seat Belt, End Release Button, 22" Cable. Make sure you get the 22" cable so that it is long enough. I mounted the retractor to the outer FF5 floor brackets and the cable to the inner FF5 floor brackets. I fabricated brackets to slip around the roll bar to attach the shoulder harness. I used 1" ID o-rings above and below the brackets to keep them in position. The cable with the latch must run inside http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/255738d1464955828-seat-belt-hotrod-93-.jpg http://www.ffcars.com/forums/attachments/factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/255746d1464955845-seat-belt-hotrod-90-.jpg
Alternative 4 belt seatbelt with retractor: http://corbeau.com/other/harness-bel...ness-belt.html $109.
I have Schroth's Profi II ASM FE a four point system with their proprietary system (they call it ASM) to prevent submarining with just four belts. Recommended to prevent crushing intestines in crash.

I plan to go kart my car with the FFR provided belts, but always had in my head that someday I might have to change to a 3 point belt. Good luck with your car, and hope there is something useful here for you.

Keith HR #894

I guess this mod is pretty rare. Thanks for reply and ideas. I will look on the other forum for Roadster owners but good ideas here.

[PG_Cobra]

I did it a couple of years ago on my Mk1,
Added a passenger side roll bar. Brace for the belt reels goes transversely behind the roll bars so all the load is against them. Seat belts are for an MGB/TR6.

[BradCraig]

Out of ignorance, I'll ask this: Do the 5-point harnesses provide better protection than a 3-point in these cars? In the absence of modern safety features and airbags my assumption has been yes. The street car vs race car debate seems irrelevant IMHO since accidents on the streets are more common and a lot of times more severe.

[Bob Cowan]

Out of ignorance, I'll ask this: Do the 5-point harnesses provide better protection than a 3-point in these cars? In the absence of modern safety features and airbags my assumption has been yes. The street car vs race car debate seems irrelevant IMHO since accidents on the streets are more common and a lot of times more severe.

A properly installed 5 point harness will give you much better protection in a crash. If that were not true, you would a 3 point in a race car.

BUT..... how many people actually USE the 5 point harness. Most do not, and only use 4 of the 5 points. In a frontal crash, you could slide out from underneath the lap belt.

The shoulder straps need to be mounted ABOVE the level of your shoulders. If you have low back seats, in a frontal crash your upper torso will bend forward, the shoulder strap will compress the torso and rupture a disc or cause a vertebral compression fracture.

[BradCraig]

Thanks Bob, good info. I do use all 5 points, but def have a concern about the height of the belts. With low-back seats. wow would one fix that? I spoke with Gordon and he mentioned a horizontal bar on the rollbar hoop.

[Bob Cowan]

Thanks Bob, good info. I do use all 5 points, but def have a concern about the height of the belts. With low-back seats. wow would one fix that? I spoke with Gordon and he mentioned a horizontal bar on the rollbar hoop.

That's exactly right. There are a number of companies that make them. This particular one come from Finish Line. I would probably just make my own.

https://www.**********accessories.com/images/Product/large/Roll%20Bar%20X-Member.jpg

[i.e.427]

Thanks for lead. No luck so far.

I do have Dan's contact info. I can get in touch with him and see if he's OK with passing that on to you.

Frank

[Nigel Allen]

147474

This is how I did mine. By putting the retractors in the centre of the car, you get more shoulder height.

[Cutter 54]

I do have Dan's contact info. I can get in touch with him and see if he's OK with passing that on to you.

Frank

Sorry for late response. I forgot you planned to reach out to Dan about my original question. I gather you had no luck!! That's OK. I have mixed feelings anyway about the 3 point belts. Likely I will upgrade to a "quick release" 5 or 6 point harness to fit my Kirkey drag seats. I bought them for their thinness and leg room they offer. Stay well. EK