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Seatbelt mounts for Bugeye

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drooartz

drooartz

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I'll be putting lap belts in the Bugeye, and was wondering what the best mounting points are -- I realize that Bugeye's never had them from the factory.

Penny had belts at one point, and there are holes drilled in each side: one in the outer floor and one in the transmission tunnel (see photo). Are these decent points to use? They'll need to be reenforced a bit but they could work, and it's easier to use what's there than to patch and drill new holes. Thoughts?

seatbeltmounts.jpg
 
Drew
Take a look at Gerard's Garage Tech tips. The dealer would use the prop shaft cover and the sill for seat belt installation.
Paul
 
How about if you want to mount retractable shoulder belts on Rear Wheel Well to mount. I think MOSS sells some sort of Kit? Any pics?
 
I'm not a big fan of shoulder belts in a Bugeye -- with no roll over protection, no head rests, and no really good mounting point that's high enough behind you. Only so much you can do with what's there, though I'm sure folks do it and are happy.
 
Sounds like the mounting holes I have should be adequate for the job. One less thing I need to change, that's a good thing!
 
Looks fine... with big fender washers underneath. These are obviously the INSIDE bolts near the tunnel; outside ones look similar. seatbelt center bolts - unpainted.JPG I never could figure out Gerard's "dealer installation" drawings (to make full use of them). I eventually, painted those washers/bolts.
 
The holes you are proposing to use are very similar to the ones I used for belts in my non-belt 100/6.
Fit well and were comfortable enough just glad they were never tested. Bob
 
Bob Claffie said:
The holes you are proposing to use are very similar to the ones I used for belts in my non-belt 100/6.
Fit well and were comfortable enough just glad they were never tested. Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks, Bob. Hope to never test mine too! I figure at least a lap belt keeps you from sliding around, not that a guy my size (6'1", 210#) slides around much in a Bugeye. :grin:
 
Make sure the seat belt bolts sticking into the inside of the tunnel are short enough as to not interfere with the driveshaft.
Scott in CA
 
Drew
That steering column doesn't collapse and if you stop really suddenly you could get really uncomfortable really fast!
Shoulder belts give you a tiny bit more safety in that most common of accidents (frontal).
BillM
 
That's exact my thought . There is a large metal spear I do not want to encounter with my chest cavity. Speaking of which anyone ever put a collapsible column in a BE. I have a spare column from my '68 Sprite and IIRC thread size on the column matches tgat of a BE. Cut the lock part of the column off, wonder how close of a fit I would get?
 
Billm said:
That steering column doesn't collapse and if you stop really suddenly you could get really uncomfortable really fast!
Click to expand...

With the Bugeye in particular the issue is that there isn't really a great mounting point for the shoulder belt -- too steep of a downward angle over your shoulder can cause spine injuries from the downward pressure. Pick your injury I guess. I wholeheartedly agree that the big, solid spear pointed right at your chest isn't much of a safety feature! Makes you pay attention, though. :grin:

Had shoulder belts in my old MGB (solid steering shaft as well) and they were great, but then again that car had factory mounts for them in decent locations. Ultimately everyone does their own risk calculation and proceeds accordingly.

Jim_Gruber said:
Speaking of which anyone ever put a collapsible column in a BE. I have a spare column from my '68 Sprite and IIRC thread size on the column matches tgat of a BE. Cut the lock part of the column off, wonder how close of a fit I would get?
Click to expand...

I'm sure the later collapsible column could be made to fit with a bit of body and dashboard cutting. Tubs aren't *that* different, though there are differences. Can't remember offhand when the steering racks changed, so don't know if the collapsible column works with the Bugeye rack. Might, just don't have the references handy.
 
I've advocated getting rid of all the safety feature's that have been mandated over the last 50 years and replacing them with a big chrome spear in the middle of the steering wheel. I think the gene pool would be greatly improved!!:highly_amused:

Kurt.
 
'68 was the first year for the collapsible column and '68 rack and 'BE rack are the same. Change to Triumph rack occurred in '72. Might be an interesting engineering possibility when I get the old rack and front end apart to see how similar the rack and column is.

I don't see any difference in mounting a 3 point belt between a BE and later Spridgets. At 5'6" I am the only driver and would not have the same concerns as a taller driver with a longer trunk. If I was a foot taller worrying about shoulder mount placement would be a greater concern.

kurt there are days when I would endorse your efforts to thin the herd.
 
Boink said:
Looks fine... with big fender washers underneath. These are obviously the INSIDE bolts near the tunnel; outside ones look similar. View attachment 30994 I never could figure out Gerard's "dealer installation" drawings (to make full use of them). I eventually, painted those washers/bolts.
Click to expand...

Mark,

I'm not sure what you "can't figure out", but you could also look at the threaded bungs used in later cars. They are located in the lower rear inner sill, lower rear props haft tunnel, and for should belts, upper rear wheel arch.

On the steering column, the upper footwell is formed quite differently, and has significant mounting points both there and under the dash.upper footwell. Making that swap would probably be easiest by swapping the entire footbox from a later car. Alignment and positioning would be important as there's not much leeway to line up with the rack, though an early rack would be usable. Also, the collapsable column is significantly longer due to the bulkier dash and column shroud on the later cars, so shortening of the column would be necessary too, and most likely at both ends.
 
Gerard said:
Mark,

I'm not sure what you "can't figure out", but you could also look at the threaded bungs used in later cars. They are located in the lower rear inner sill, lower rear props haft tunnel, and for should belts, upper rear wheel arch.
Click to expand...

I think it was more that it looked a bit like over-kill... and I thought I was missing something. :fat:
 
Jim, if you were a foot taller you would probably be looking for a larger car instead or worrying about shoulder belt placement.:highly_amused:
 
Agreed, a Spridget is "just right". Hey but even people like chuck Christ he of lower case fame who at 300 lbs and 6'+and who is now known as the Former world's largest Sprite Driver could manage to get hinself into his '59. I never witnessed in person but sources have testified as to the validity of that claim.
 
Jim_Gruber said:
Agreed, a Spridget is "just right". Hey but even people like chuck Christ he of lower case fame who at 300 lbs and 6'+and who is now known as the Former world's largest Sprite Driver could manage to get hinself into his '59.
Click to expand...

6'1" 210# here, and I do fit. Just. Can't say there's any extra room, but there is just enough for me. The MGB was a much better fit, but it just wasn't a Bugeye...
 
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