Click-it or ticket...78 Midget needs seatbelts!

[lbc_newbie]

OK, the aftermarket seat belts do not work in Midgets (found out after spending $90) since they mount at an angle on the rear fender well. They HAVE to be horizontal to the ground in order to release (they retract well, it's getting the darn belt back out that's the problem). Does anyone have any spare black seat belts lying around that are in nice condition? I could use a pair of them. I see the ones on ebay that are MG specific, but they look a lot like the ones I have and they have no expertise when I ask the question.

 

[jlaird]

Can they be mounted on the top of the rear wheel well or can you make a bracket that allows them to be in the correct position.

 

[lbc_newbie]

I would prefer not to modify them. Brackets and relocation will lessen their effectiveness. They have a rather hearty mount point on the fender well that I'd like not to compromise, plus keep the stock look. From what I've seen on these after market ones, you have to pull the belt out from a vertical position. Right now, I have to loosen the bolt, swing it vertical, pull the belt out, clip it so it does not retract, then tighten the bolt.....not fun. I have to do this for myself and my wife.

 

[jlaird]

Kind of depends how heavy you build or have the bracket built. Mock one up out of card board to take to your favorate shop.

Otherwise go to Moss or such and get ones that fit.

 

[lbc_newbie]

Uh...$235 at Moss is a little spendy... I'll keep an eye on the used market! Just hoping someone out here would have a pair of them lying around...

 

[jlaird]

Wow, what page are you on. I never saw 237$ seat belts.

Wow, found it. Gesh.

 

[lbc_newbie]

I found them at Victoria British for $90. I might just suck it up and get them unless someone offers some up... here is the Moss Motors URL...

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=49407&SortOrder=1

 

[jlaird]

If I was really concerned about the function of the belts i would have new if just for cops to see would take what ever.

Race car belts must be changed by date.

 

[jlaird]

Sent you a PM.

Nice chatting almost real time here.

 

[jlaird]

These belt sets can be retrofitted to earlier MGBs by installing the later mounting boss on the rear inner wheel well. This is best done during restoration, or at least carpet replacement as welding is required.


Is this really what you want or do you need an orginal set (new) which is a lot cheeper.

 

[lbc_newbie]

I just want the originals or bolt-in functional replacements....wife and daughter will be tooling around in Midge, so need to get her safe. Already put the carpet kit in, so welding is not an option.

 

[jlaird]

So then the $335 item is not an option.

What you need is the Standard seat belt at $31 each or the real type at $99 each.

Same page Moss A12.

Don't forget my PM.

 

[jlaird]

I should suggest that sholder belts are not going to be good for anything unless you run with them really tight like the racers as there is no room for slop as the dash etc is right there.

 

[Midget78]

I have a 78 and replaced the seat belts with the after market ones and had the same issue. What I did is went to Home Depo and purchased 2 swivel male and female mounting plates. Screwed the female plate down where the original belt holder was then attached the male to the bottom of the after market belt bottom. Push it in the female side and you got a swivel that will adjust to the needed angle of pulling the belt out and in. The only issue that I really dont know about is if an actual accident occurred. Would the male side pull out on impact? But it works to use the seat belt so the police man is happy.

 

[George Zeck]

lbc_newbie -

I added seatbelts to my 64. 2 point (non-retractable); threw away some 3 points (shoulder harness) on the advice that they pulled from below vs. in a "normal" car they would pull from the top. The danger - could be exagerated - they could really mess you up your back in an accident (more than if you had nothing).

Basically - the pulling from below caused back & spine compression and that these cars just aren't designed to handle 3 point seat belts. 2 points work well and are cheap through JC Whitney.

Fact is - these cars aren't designed for any type of safety. Defensive driving is the best safety mechanism.

Good Luck --

GJZ

 

[jlaird]

Ahh, some one already makes the brackets, your in luck. Make a trip to Home Depot. Sounds like a cheep fix as you already have belts.

So nice when someone can share a fix.

 

[walshja]

be patient, they always pop up on eBay

create an automatic search that will e-mail you when they are listed.

 

[Monark192]

lbc_newbie -

I added seatbelts to my 64. 2 point (non-retractable); threw away some 3 points (shoulder harness) on the advice that they pulled from below vs. in a "normal" car they would pull from the top. The danger - could be exagerated - they could really mess you up your back in an accident (more than if you had nothing).

Basically - the pulling from below caused back & spine compression and that these cars just aren't designed to handle 3 point seat belts. 2 points work well and are cheap through JC Whitney.

I thought some downward slope was ok, as long as it wasn't excessive. SCCA specs allow for no more than a 20 degree downward slope IRRC. The belts on my Midget are mounted to the top of the rear inner fender wells, no doubt to minimize the compression forces as you described, but I still think they would at least go some way to keeping my head off the windshield frame. I will have to take note of the angle next time I buckle up.

 

[jvandyke]

Anyone have issues with seat belts bleeding color onto you? It's so bad in my car I stopped using them! Something I have to address this season. Must be some sort of dye sealant I can treat them with. I gave a ride to a friend who sat on the belt (short hop through a camp ground) when she got out there were blackish strips across her white shorts. She wasn't impressed. I keep a rag in the car to put between me and the belt but that's not a long term solution.
I got pulled over once for no seat belt usage, since a '63 Corvair didn't have them, I was grandfathered in. Cop seemed perturbed he couldn't bust me.

 

[lbc_newbie]

Yo, Sweendog...you have pics of those brackets? Not sure which ones you are talking about....