I'm really not an expert on such things, but I'd be a little concerned about the rear seat mounts (as in the rear of the front seats).

If you have a head-on collision, the back of the seat is lifted up by the weight of the occupant moving forwards. That's why most seats bolt straight to the floorpan at the back, and to a bracket at the front.

The style of seatbelt makes a big difference, and with those seats it looks like the belts will be running from the actual seat. If this is the case, I would be very concerned, because if that bracket breaks the occupant (along with the seat) will be free to hit the dash/windscreen.

I could be wrong or misinterpreting somewhere, but I just thought I'd mention it.

I reckon you should at least make a couple of tabs that go to the center seatbelt mounts on the exhaust tunnel. I have to agree with Irish Yobo I don't think those seatbelt mounts will be strong enough to hold a person back.
The way I see it the 3 point seatbelt mount will evenly distribute the force of a body moving forward in a crash, relying on only 1 per person in the car will give you 1/3 the strength needed to stop you flying out the windscreen.
I'm no expert on seat mounts or seatbelt mounts but from what I have read in the ADR's I'd be surprised if that current mounting system would pass in a road car. Now consider this is a race car where everything should be safer and stronger than a road car, I just don't think it's safe enough.
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be harsh or critical it's just in my opinion I don't agree with it.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

if your actually going to race it, id invest in some racing seats anyway, love the rest of the build though, and straightening the tailgate out its one of those little things that makes or breaks a ute conversion

First of all thanks Dean,cant wait for your new build

Irish yobbo and Kennomini, Hi guys thanks for your imput guys and your absolutely right

The bar that goes accross is bolted to the seat belt holes on the inner sill
but as you suggest kenno i'll make a mount to the floor / seat belt tunnel bolts
Those tabs on the bar are for the rear of the seat not for seat belts, we
will be running harnesses and will be mounted from the floor

Again thanks for the imput ten eyes are better than two
Cheers Hallsey

Be very careful how you mount the seatbelts. If you mount the back to the floor and run it up over your shoulders with too much of an angle, in a crash it can pull you down crushing your spine. Maximum downward angle of the rear belts should be about 15deg.

This will be very hard to accomodate in the ute body that you are building, so think about how you can mount the belts directly behind the seats using some of the framework you build for the rear panel of the cab. This may make you rethink your gussetting and triangulation.

Also, if you are already in there welding, properly bracing the seat mount bar should be done. I would definitely not be relying on even four bolts into the sheet metal. Again proper gusseting and triangulation to ensure the load of a crash is spread evenly through the structure.

Extra weight of the reinforcing is not a problem because you have cut out a lot of heavy glass and steel and dropped that motor in it

cheers
michael

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

Sweet Mick,It is going to be difficult for the rear mount and i have taken this into consideration, we'll have to wait till we get the belts and put on the thinking cap

Cheers Hallsey

Not much been happening ,we've both been on holidays

Started on a bit of wiring, what a mess



And bought ourselves a nifty start switch



Cheers Hallsey

Oooh - An Engine Start button! Shiny...

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-Alan
I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.

Been doing a lot but doesnt look like much, been making lots of little brackets Eg alternator,radiator etc

We got the fuel tank,surge tank and fuel pump this week (no pics yet)
so just have to make up the fuel lines ,do a bit of wiring (LOL) and we should be able to fire it up shortly, crossed fingers





Not much to look at but progress is being made

Cheers Hallsey

Any progress is good progress Hallsey.

I for one am impressed with the speed you get things done!!

Keep up the good work Ol' Sock!!

Cheers,
Tricky

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

This is gonna be one hell of a machine.
Nice work, keep at it!

My Oath!!

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

A little bit of progress

Got a fuel cell and surge tank and some pumps



Got some of the dash got done







And got one of the wheels on so we can trim the gaurds



Also put the pins on to hold the fibreglass front on and the drivers door





looking a bit like car

cheers Hallsey

It is looking like a car! I love the look of a mine ute...




What's wrong with the mower?

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If you want more inches, stroke it
Life's a garden.... Dig It!
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20746

Steve me Ol' Mucka,

What are you doing with regards to the roll cage??

Just wondering as CAMS says the cage has to be inside, or integral with, the passenger cell, as does FIA.

Did I miss something or is it still to come???

Cheers,
Tricky

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"