Retractable seat belts - BT7

[750hp]

Hi,
I have recently bought a BT7 that is on it's way from NY to Australia. I have just joined this excellent forum and am working my way through all of the older posts. I have searched for information or photos for installing retractable seat belts into 3000 Mk11 models, but I can't find anything.

Has anyone installed retractable belts? Was it much trouble?

Here's my car (which I am keen to actually see in person...!)

 

[BigGreen]

Congratulations with the new car, looks nice.
Most belts I have seen were fixed
There is not much room for something else
Sure others will chime in ...

Hans

 

[jstmorris]

Good Day; That looks like a gorgeous MkII Tricarb. My first Healey was a later Tricarb than the one I have owned since 1984. Once you get it, do enjoy the driving; its great. And unless you know what you are doing, do not play with the carbs. Once set, leave them alone except for topping up with damper oil.

Here is a link to an Austin Service Journal bulletin regarding seat belts in these cars.
https://www.healey6.com/bulletins/Seat%20Belt-ASJ.pdf

Have fun
--Scott

 

[HealeyRick]

British Car Specialists https://www.britishcarspecialists.com/ carries retractable belts.

 

[kindanice]

Hi. I live in Queensland and in the process of reassembling a BT7 after a major restoration. If I can be of help in any way, please feel free to contact me.
Lyall

 

[750hp]

Thanks for the welcome Hans. The photos look OK, but I am expecting there will be a few areas of the car that will need attention.

Scott - thanks for the bulletin link. My serial number is beyond the range that the bulletin references, but I am sure the dimensions and measurements will be the same. At the risk of upsetting a few people, my car actually has a 289 Ford V8 under the hood. My Dad owned a BT7 centre shift, tricarb back in the 70s and 80s, so that's what got me hooked on Healeys at a young age. This car has been given a fairly extensive rebuild, so I'm happy that it exists as a complete and modified Healey rather than remaining an incomplete but original basket case.

Rick - thanks for the link. It's not the greatest website to navigate around, but they have an excellent range of products!

Lyall - thanks for the offer. I was at the Nationals in Noosa the other weekend (2 days before I bought my car), so I didn't realise that I would need to be looking at details like seats. I'm going to join the Healey Club so that I can pick everyone's brains over the coming months! Dad was involved in the club back when it started, so it was great to catch up with a few familiar faces up at Noosa.

 

[HealeyRick]

Don't know if you got my PM on Club Cobra, but first thing to change is that Edelbrock triangular air cleaner. Lots of stories of them going up in flames and taking the rest of the car with them.

 

[750hp]

Rick - I got your warning, thanks. My Dad's big block Arntz is also running that filter. Removed it the other day and saw that the underside of the foam was partially melted and brittle. Definitely will be taking your advice. My engine bay looks like a bit of a crime scene at the moment, but the plan is to make the V8 install look "factory". I'll throw the current air filter, rocker covers and ignition boxes over my shoulder, then concentrate on the wiring.

It hasn't even arrived yet and I'm planning to tear it apart...!

 

[Johnny]

Nice car, wouldn't of known it was a modified Healey. Never seen one with original painted wire wheels and without a rollbar.

Retractable seatbelts don't work to well in a 4 seat Healey and they take up to much room. Some have mounted them down low though but it would make getting in and out of the back seats difficult, :smirk: but then who sits in the back anyway.