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Static seat belts - which to buy and how to anchor?
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Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Static seat belts - which to buy and how to anchor?
At some time during my project I'll have to be worring about seat belts, and I figure since it's the most boring part of any Mini, best get it out of the way. But as usual, it has me a bit stumped. I've trawled through the extensive back catalogue of old Ausmini seatbelt threads, but am still a bit in the dark.

1. How are the stalks attached at the centre tunnel for mid-60s Minis? I can't find any good pictures. Mine's an English car, but I'm guessing it'll be the same for Australian Minis. Here are the holes I have:

Image

They're all just holes in the sheet metal - none have any thread or captive nuts. And here is the only item that was attached to the floor when I got the car:

Image

That was in the centre hole in the top picture. It doesn't really look strong enough to anchor two seatbelts, and presumably there's some other part that goes to the other four holes to the rear. Is that thing even meant to be there? What should it all look like? If anyone could post a picture that'd be great.

2. What are your opinions about the best seatbelts to use? Currently I have one set of static 3 point belts with metal clasps - may be original, but probably not, and can't be used since there's some vital part of the tensioner missing and anyway are badly frayed. Also have one set of TRW retractables which were in my previous '76 Leyland van but which don't fit this car, and anyway many people have previously suggested the early upper mounts aren't strong enough for the extra load from the retractable belts' pulley effect. So what's the best option for buying new? And would new belts come with whatever's needed to anchor the stalks? I suspect not...

Thanks for your thoughts...
Author:  michaelb [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi,

Check out Hempco
I had some made for my 69 Cooper S.
They have a range of colours and should be able to assist with a fitting kit.
I would use the holes on the side of the tunnel with big washers for reinforcing. The bracket on top of the tunnel looks really dodgy.
Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Michael,

I'll contact Hemco tomorrow and see what they have to say. I just had a look at their website, looks like it'll do the job.

Does anyone else recommend Hemco? Or any alternative, e.g. Klippan?

Also if anyone has any photos of the centre tunnel (from above or below), I'd really like to see what things are supposed to look like.

Colin
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
I put Klippan statics in the wife's S replica (since sold), and Klippan inertia reels in my `70 Matic.
Both are good belts IMO.
Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Doc. So it sounds like either brand (Hemco or Klippan) will be good belts - I just need to figure out what to do with the tunnel mounts.

Out of interest, does anyone know what those four very small holes in my first picture would've been for? There are two near the (probably) seatbelt holes and two near the handbrake cables.
Author:  bnicho [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Up until the mid 60's sometime there were two brackets or "handles" welded to the centre tunnel on UK spec cars. The seatbelt was sewn to this. Often the original belt has been removed and a normal belt bolted to the bracket. In your case (and equally on my traveller) someone has removed the brackets and drilled holes in the tunnel instead.

Forgot to add, I have used Hemco for my JDM import Corona and can thoroughly recommend them. Fast service and cheaper thany buying Klippan off the shelf.

Cheers,
Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
That's interesting. I had a look, but couldn't see any sign of any handles having been welded to the tunnel. Just behind the holes in the first picture there is an odd looking circle spot welded in, although it's driver's side only, so I don't think that's what you're talking about:

Image

I'm now pretty sure that the bracket shown above was just the fixing point for the stalks, with long anchor brackets running back to the other holes. A pity I wasn't left with the long brackets. I'll see what Hemco suggest. Mine's a Traveller too, by the way, so interesting it had the same modification as yours.
Author:  Timbo [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Early UK belts had two holes in the mounting plates attached to the short end that bolts to the floor. The two holes next to each other would be about the right spacing and location for them I reckon.

Tim
Author:  bnicho [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
My Traveller is full of stuff, so I can't take a pic at the moment. But on mine you could see the grinder marks where the bracket was removed from the tunnel.

I've seen a few cars where this bracket was removed. A friend's 66 Austin still has the bracket intact.

For anyone with the book "Original Mini Cooper and Cooper S" by John Parnell, there is a picture of the bracket/handle sticking through the carpet on page 47.

Cheers,
Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hmm... I certainly have no sign of grinder marks. Tim could be on the money I think, based on the indentation in the metal around the holes. Either way I suppose it doesn't matter since I can't get it back to original - will just go with whatever's safest. Hopefully won't have to drill yet more holes.
Author:  scotta_74 [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
HI Simms, I just recently fitted retractable Klippan belts to my 850 and they are sooooo much more comfortable then the static belts I had in it. My mounting for the stalks was in the side of the tunnel with a giant big washer on the outside (underneath) the tunnel. It looks rather similar to the one in your pic. If your not looking for concourse, I would highly recommend retractable's.
Author:  Simms [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hey Scotta

A few years back there was some discussion on this forum about fitting retractables to early cars - apparently they don't have as much bracing in the B pillar, so there may be problems given the extra load from retractable belts. (Search on snatch or pulley effect.) That's the reason I was steering away from them.

Having said that I'm still considering them. I agree they're much more comfortable, plus I already have a perfectly good set that I might be able to make work.

I hope I haven't made you uneasy about using your new belts. I expect they're safer than originals. What did you use as a fastener at the giant washer? Just a normal bolt and nut? Lock washers? Nylocs?
Author:  scotta_74 [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Simms wrote:
Hey Scotta

A few years back there was some discussion on this forum about fitting retractables to early cars - apparently they don't have as much bracing in the B pillar, so there may be problems given the extra load from retractable belts. (Search on snatch or pulley effect.) That's the reason I was steering away from them.

Having said that I'm still considering them. I agree they're much more comfortable, plus I already have a perfectly good set that I might be able to make work.

I hope I haven't made you uneasy about using your new belts. I expect they're safer than originals. What did you use as a fastener at the giant washer? Just a normal bolt and nut? Lock washers? Nylocs?


Yes i remember the old "Great seatbelt" debate of 08/09! One of the truly epic threads of Ausmini :D I figure If I get hit hard enough and with enough force to buckle the B pillar, I will have a lot of other things to worry about. In terms of fixing, I used the bolts and spaced washers that came with the retractable belts and got some nyloc nuts for the bolts. I guess if you really want to be sure, get it passed by and engineer and fitted at an authorised seatbelt fitting stating.
Author:  MiniKit [ Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
I believe this is what you bolt to that bracket you have....

Image

And here's the back view..

Image

The other holes are for standard clubman seatbelts, I don't currently have a photo of those though. If you want I can get you one tomorrow.

If you want the one in the photos let me know.
Author:  miniDave [ Mon Jun 28, 2010 7:18 am ]
Post subject: 
You need to put these brackets on the underside of the hump:

http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/285997-2 ... mounts.jpg

To fit you put the seatbelt bolt through and tighten, then drill two 1/8" holes either side and then rivet on. When you remove the bolt the bracket stays in the correct place.

Most seatbelt places sell them for $5 each (made to conform with Australian standards. There are photos in a few gallery projects (Micks Cooper resto?)
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