front lap seat belt mounting points

[jedwards]

Can anyone give me some advice on where to mount front lap seat belts?
I know there is debate and differing view on whether lap belts are wise or not, but my wife will not go in the car with me without seat belts.
So I would like to install static lap seats belts in the front, but not sure where the best mounting points are.
Can anyone help?
thanks
jeff

1953 Series 1 80"

[1950landy]

I have lap sash fitted in my 80" . [bighmmm] I will get some photo's latter today & post them up.

[JDNSW]

You probably should check legality - it is likely that they will need engineering approval. Depends on the state rules.

If this is the case, an engineer will need to tell you where to attach them.

[QRS40]

Pics arnt great but hopefully this gives you a rough idea of where seatbelts can be mounted.. This is on a 53 80"- 3 x lap seat belts.

[1950landy]

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They are not very good photo's but best I could while tub is in storage while working on rest of LR. I have 3 Lap Sash belts with large backing plates against the alum panels. In the 4th photo the belt buckle in the rear of the tub is for the dog's belt [smilebigeye]. These belts may not be league in the eyes but are better than not having any at all. I think the only way I could improve on this would be to install a roll bar to attach the upper bolt to, but what I have is the same set up as my MGBGT had were the upper bolt anchors below shoulder height in the rear of the vehicle. Before I bolt the tub back on I am going to look at installing inertia reel belts. Again wont be league but better than none at all & the ones I have at the moment are difficult to adjust. [bighmmm]

[gromit]

You probably should check legality - it is likely that they will need engineering approval. Depends on the state rules.

If this is the case, an engineer will need to tell you where to attach them.

I'd agree with John on this.
It's all very well putting them in yourself but what are the State regulations ?
You can claim they were there when you purchased the vehicle but will it pass a roadworthy ?


Colin

[jedwards]

Thanks for the images guys. Very helpful.
I'm not sure what it like in other states, but in WA, the vehicle does not need seat belts because of its age (pre-ADR). As a result, they are entirely optional. I'm more concerned with safely than the boys in blue, and feel that any seat belt is better than none. But if I can going to go to the expense and bother of fitting them, I'd be happier to have them as right as I can get them. As my 1953 vehicle does not have any "official" mounting points , I'm just looking for advice on the best and strongest locations to bolt onto.


regards and best wishes

Jeff

[gromit]

I'm not sure what it like in other states, but in WA, the vehicle does not need seat belts because of its age (pre-ADR). As a result, they are entirely optional. I'm more concerned with safely than the boys in blue, and feel that any seat belt is better than none. But if I can going to go to the expense and bother of fitting them, I'd be happier to have them as right as I can get them. As my 1953 vehicle does not have any "official" mounting points , I'm just looking for advice on the best and strongest locations to bolt onto.



The problem is that because they didn't have any "official' mounting points you can't (in theory) just go putting them in without getting it 'engineered'.

I'm sure others have got a way with it in the past but you are getting into a 'grey' area.


Colin

[JDNSW]

I can't speak for WA, but as I understand it this is the NSW situation. Seat belts are not required for vehicles of that age, but if fitted must be worn.

If they were installed before design rules as implemented in state regulations existed (about the time seat belts became compulsory in new cars - well after Series 1), they can be used, but if installed during the period these design rules existed, i.e. now, they must be certified by an engineer as complying with these design rules.

I would be surprised if the situation was different in WA, but enforcement may well be variable. If the installation looks old, but sensible and in reasonable condition, you have a good chance of getting away with it, but if it looks brand new, you are likely to be asked for a modification plate or whatever WA uses.

John

[chazza]

Can anyone give me some advice on where to mount front lap seat belts?
I know there is debate and differing view on whether lap belts are wise or not, but my wife will not go in the car with me without seat belts.
So I would like to install static lap seats belts in the front, but not sure where the best mounting points are.
Can anyone help?
thanks
jeff

1953 Series 1 80"

Have a look at the current ADR here Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 5/00 - Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints) 2006 (https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2007C00033)

I found this very useful when fitting seat belts to my 1960 Sunbeam. Pay great attention to the design requirements for backing plates and locations - very interesting!

In WA you do not have to have the vehicle inspected every year, so as long as you keep it licenced and in good order, no one will notice your conversion, but I think lap/sash belts are a much better idea. A roll bar not only provides a good anchor, it provides protection if it should tip over,

Cheers Charlie

[jedwards]

That makes very good sense John, and I can see being applied here in WA as well.

However the chances of gearing "Pulled Over" is probably pretty slim, as she does not go that fast, and will never be used as a daily driver.
So I will most likely fit them as per the images shared by our forum colleagues and at least be fairly sure that I won't fall out!

[Dark61]

There was an article in clr mag re fitting seat belts to an 80 Fire Engine Wagon - happy to scan it for you if you are interested.
cheers,
D