TR2/3/3A layout for lap type seat belt

[deuce]

Hello all.... I am going to install lap belts in my 1960 Tr3a. Two questions.. I got belts from Moss (short). Are these correct ? The originals were longer. Where should the buckles locate when in use?
OK, three questions. Can anyone give me the anchor locations for the hook type attachments? That is what was original. TIA

 

[charleyf]

What was original--Interesting question! Have you found any large holes in the body where the previous anchors were located? Likely not or you would not be asking this question. My answer is that I am not sure when Triumph or the dealers started putting seat belts in, but my 1960/1961 TR3A did not have any when I got it in 1962 or 1963.
I just finished a restoration of a 1959 TR3A which was preceded by 2 TR4 restorations. The late 1962 TR4s did come with seat belts. So on the TR3, I tried to duplicate where the anchor points were on the TR4.
The anchor points should not change between the bolt or hook type.
I have included 3 pics of the anchor locations that I determined to be best. This is on a 1959 where the rear shelf may be different than your car. So the center anchor would be more forward. The third pic is the view inside the rear wheel well.
I believe the buckle should be to the center and the adjustment should locate the buckle at the center of the passenger. Check your new set to see if they are long enough before you try to install them.
You said you had an original set of belts. Maybe so and maybe no.
Charley

 

[ckeithjordan]

As the early TRs did not come equipped with seatbelts, Standard Triumph issued instructions for retro fitting. See attached.

 

[CJD]

Keith, I am impressed! I have seen the template for 2-point mounting many times, but I did not know about the factory bulletin for 3-point.

Deuce, something to think about is that many TR accidents envolve a roll over, since the track of these cars is so narrow. I put seat belts in my TR3A, but did not in my TR2. My fear is that in a roll over without a roll bar, your head is vulnerable. So, while seat belts will help in non-roll over accidents, I think they will be worse in a roll over. Plus, it would be a bonus to be able to move to the side of the non-telescoping steering column in a forward collision to prevent being shish kabobed. Just food for thought.

Also...with the factory belts, they tend to fall out of the car and get slammed when the door is shut?!?

 

[JHaydon]

Also...with the factory belts, they tend to fall out of the car and get slammed when the door is shut?!?

Yes, yes they do. And they make a heck of a racket when the door opens and the buckle hits the sill plate on the way down.

PO installed plain lap belts in my 59. I have a set of retracting belts from Moss waiting to replace them.

 

[deuce]

Thank you all for the input, layout diagrams, etc. The way I read it, Ohio requires all vehicles to have front seats to have belts... so now I have them. Almost ready for the maiden voyage.. after 8 years restoring this beast.. 30 years since it has been on the road. Waiting for things to dry out here with snow, rain, gloomy weather for weeks it seems. So, thanks again all.
George

 

[Tropical TR]

Hello All,
Saw this thread which is exactly what I'm pondering now: where to mount 2-point lap belts. I have the same two ST instructions which Keith posted. My inclination is to follow Standard guidance, but they seem in conflict with each other. The first (somewhat confusing) uses wheel arch and tunnel for mounting while the second uses only the rear kick panels. With the kick panel solution it appears anything stored behind the seats would get in the way of the belts, or visa versa.
It looks like deuce used a combination of both. Charley also used the floor. Would be interested in your thoughts.

Regards,
Walter

 

[mrv8q]

Here are a couple of shots that might be helpful. These are the original mounting points when I got the car. I am 6 foot; I wouldn’t mind a few more inches of backward seat travel, but the seat would probably hit the rear bench.

 

[Tropical TR]

Thank you, Kevin. Looks like floor mounts work OK. Much appreciated.

Walter