TR2/3/3A TR3 Seat Belts

[Wmhutson]

I need to install seat belts into my TR3 (otherwise my wife won't ride in it). My preference are 3 point belts. Any guidance on what belts to buy and how to install?

 

[mctriumph]

I have seen the third point added to the convertible top sticks with a long screw. Suggest a jamb
nut to hold the adjustments of the top.......
Mad dog

 

[bobhustead]

Use provided anchors for lap portion. I attached tag end of shoulder belt through rear fender well supplemented by VERY BIG flat washers inside and out. Top frame bolts are 1/4 x 20 and not suitable for the anticipated load.
Bob

 

[mctriumph]

Bob , I hate to break it to you there is ZERO strength in a Tr3 upper cockpit. So any anticipated
load is too much regardless of where it is attached. Also NO door intrusion beams ect.
Mad dog

 

[Gerald_Gordon]

Quickfit Seat Belt Specialists in the UK (> Seat Belt Repairs | Seat Belt Replacement | Seat Belt Refurbishment Quick Fit SBS Ltd <) made a period-correct three-point (UK: "lap-and-diagonal") set for my 1961 TR4 (that already had anchors for the shoulder harness) that was excellent in every way, including the customer service from their Pawel Podchorodecki.

 

[CJD]

Then...so long as your car doesn't roll over or your steering column impale you...you are securely held in! Sorry to be graphic, but although I did add seatbelts to TR's previously, I decided against them on my current TR2. The chance of a front end collision or roll-over is better than 50/50, so I look at driving the TR as being closer to driving a motorcycle than a real car. Adding a roll bar would change that equation, making seat belts a solid positive addition!

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

When I was looking to add seat belts to my TR3B many years ago, I found a article that said that shoulder straps should not be mounted below your shoulder because in an accident the belt would tend to compress your spine and cause more damage. I went with just belts.

 

[Wmhutson]

Thanks for everyone's feedback on this. I figured that if a collision were significant enough or the car rolled over a seat belt or 3 point would not save me from death anyhow. As one writer pointed out, a TR3 isn't much safer than a motorcycle. Seat belts are in and my wife enjoys the ride all while appreciating the risk.

 

[CJD]

I actually rate the motorcycle safer! You sit higher, are more maneuverable, and see better.

 

[Graham H]

When these cars were new and we were 19 or 20 years old, we had no fear of getting injured, however, you would be better off getting thrown out in a rollover. As mentioned above fitting a roll cage is the only way you would want to be strapped in otherwise you would get ground down to about waist height, I hope I haven't put you off seat belts.

Graham

 

[mctriumph]

I suggest in modern traffic to "pretend" you are a motorcycle , invisible to most of the idiots.
Anticipate their next stupid maneuver , and stay clear. I have personally seen a driver hit a firetruck
WITH lights and sirens ,60 feet long ,fluorescent green. One can only surmise he would have never seen
a Triumph
Mad dog