Late BJ8 Seat Belt Mounting Points

[WHT]

Hi again,

I have a question about late BJ8 seat belt mounting points and I have not been able to find any information in my three workshop manuals, internet searches or archived forum thread searches. So, while feeling a little foolish, do these pictures show the seat belt mounting points for a late BJ8?

I was expecting different looking mounting points after looking at AH seat belt fixtures on BCS and elsewhere.

Any help information be appreciated.

Thanks.

Regards, Bill

 

[vette]

I’m certainly not a concours expert but I believe the threaded bossed hole at the rear of the Trans tunnel is consistent with many years. That’s what my BJ7 has. And I believe the inperiod seat belts had a flat plate on that end of the belt which had a hole of appropriate size. The bolt that threaded into the boss was shouldered near the head so that it could not be tightened to pinch the plate there by allowing the plate to swivel. The point on the outside of the seat was also a threaded hole into the frame. It could have a flat plate with shouldered bolt or it might have an “eye” bolt threaded into it which was the point where a hook on the end of the belt was attached. On my BJ7, the outside frame rail has on its inside edge a plate weld to the frame with a hole which is used to attach the belt. I have no idea if this is original but it worked fine so when I restored the car I left it that way.

 

[WHT]

Hi Vette,

Thank you very much for your information (probably the best description of BJ8 seat belt attachment points I have found). This information is also (apparently) one of the best kept secrets in the Austin-Healey community. Our car was restored with a Jule frame and we do not know if that makes a difference.

Finally saw some vague information on page 356 of the Factory Service Manual that discusses BJ8 seat belts. Unfortunately, the manual does not detail exact locations or show pictures. I was hoping someone on the forum would have pictures from BJ8 restorations and/or seat belt installations documenting exact locations.

The threaded bossed hole in the propeller tunnel is certainly the inside seat belt attachment point as you say. Unfortunately, I have not found the outside attachment point between the seat and door sill yet. But, I have not removed the carpet either since it is apparently glued to the floor and I hated to rip it out. There are no holes in the floor other than the seat rail holes; and my best guess was it is (i) located in the sloping area behind the seat which would be threaded into the frame and would not show from below, or (ii) it is threaded into the sill. Have been probing carefully (and unsuccessfully) with an awl to try and locate holes.

The bolt in Picture 2 and 3 is in a "boxed" area behind the seat and it is also goes through the frame. I have seen some pictures where owners have used this bolt to fasten a seat belt retractor for a 3-point harness. Not sure if it has any other purpose.

Thank you again.

Regards, Bill

 

[WHT]

Hi Vette,

Wanted to thank you again.

There is obviously not much interest in the thread. However, I wanted to end it by saying your information steered me in the right direction. I ran a chaser, non-cutting tap into the propeller tunnel mounting points this morning and confirmed 7/16-20 threads. Then, found period correct, shouldered seat belt mounting bolts as needed. Will use the standard AH swivel mounts for the outside seat belt mounting points.

Also, found 3-inch wide plastic seat belt mounting shields to protect the belt as it goes around the emergency brake.

Should be good to go.

Regards, Bill

 

[GregW]

The bolt in your #2 and #3 pictures is for the radius arm.

 

[GregW]

The outer seat belt mounting point on my BJ8 was a reinforced hole in the floor.

 

[WHT]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the information and picture of the outer seat seat belt mounting point and bolt in Pictures 2 and 3. It is really appreciated.

I just crawled under the car and traced the bolt back to the radius arm; and should have done that before.

Looking forward to having a lift installed so I can examine everything on the underside of the car.

Regards, Bill

 

[CraigC]

Read this thread for info, pictures and illustrations ---> Seat Belts

BTW, I don't think your first picture is of a seat belt mount and you have already discovered what the bolt and nut are for.

 

[WHT]

Thanks for the link. And yes, the first picture does show the correct inner seat belt mounting point.

Regards, Bill