OK I got 2 questions for Y'All, re the fuzz..

Q1. My Mini (1970) has no rear belts. Cars built before Jan 71? or Jan 72? didn't have to have 'em. If I have anyone in there without a belt (I don't anymore, lol) can I get done for it?

Q2. I've fitted a Cobra Trophy seat in this same car, with a 3 point harness. Are these belts legal for road use in NSW (used to be!) or do I have to drive around NSW with the inertia reel lap/sash?

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

re Q1: - Good question. I am fairly sure that if it didin't come standard with them, you don't have to wear one. Otherwise they would make you put some in at every rego check.

re Q2: - Anyone??

re Q1: My thoughts are the same. I had no trouble with my '64 I had to put belts in the front for the rally's but not the rear

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go stop...go..stop..go. stop..go...stop...Damn malls are crowded

Q1: when i got my blue slip (september 2003) the number of occupants possible was 5 (although minis were s'pose to have 4)
so im guessing they can have people without seat belts in the back.
im glad, its so old school, bouncing round in the back without restraints.

Q2: there are heaps of rice boys and girls who sell their cars in NSW with special features like racing seats and three point harnesses... i expect them to be legal, but you just dont know the virtue of these dodgy ricers

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Inconspicuously Conspicuous
Appreciation without Depreciation
forever chasing clearer skies...

I'm concerned, considering they can even book passengers now for no belts.. bloody police state..

Not that I often carried anyone back there before, as it reduces the power to weight ratio..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Q2: in tas we can have harnesses for raod use aslong as they dont interfear with the rear seats, ie if someone was siting in it. if you dont have rear seats then you should be fine. and if there mounted corretly.

Q1 - Standard equipment. It's a real arguement if ya get fined! Well thats the way I know the law here in Vic. It's just like not needing a restraint for the spare wheel in a Mini, it's cause they never had them!

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and revision mirrors, and other stuff like that.
just ask the next cop you see, they should know.

Q2..... as far as I know. yuo can have your racing belts, but you also have to have the original belts.. otherwise you need an engineers.
also from that point of view, I think you can also get pulled up and fined for not wearing your seatbelt even if your got the harness on....

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...its leaking oil... and thats a good sign!
It lets me know that I havent run out yet. -Tzi 4-9-04

My thought on Q2 is, they would have a hard time prosecuting you in court if you're wearing the harness.. what about rally drivers on transport stages?

Doesn't really matter I guess, as most of my my 3 point harness clips onto eyebolts that hold the (non-original) inertia reel belts, which I'll probably keep using for `normal' traffic driving anyhow.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Bit hard to drive round day to day being strapped in like that, you're right. How ya gunna change the cd in ya cd player?!

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Q2 I think the issue with the harness on the road is the fact your strapped in so tight that it's impossible to check blindspots.

If you change any atribute of the original seat belts. ie add rears or gchange mouning bolts for the front you will require a report from an engineer same for fitting harnesses not because of the harnes but to inspect how its been put in. Then I belive its quite legal restraint an engineer will determine if it interfeers with rear passengers etc.
Once again do all your mods then get one report but consult the engineer first.

Q1: I know for a fact that in Victoria if your car didn't come with rear belts that you don't have to fit them and can still carry passengers. I have a 1959 Borgward Isabella Coupe with no rear belts and its totally legal. If you do fit belts though they MUST be worn at all times.

Q2: There is an Australian Standard AS2596 for Harnesses and if the belt is so labelled it can be used on the road. If not it is for RACE ONLY! If the rear passengers are constrained in any way then the fitting of harnesses can effectively make your car licensed to carry only two front passengers.

I would suggest to anyone planning on fitting harnesses to contact their local Roads department (Vicroads etc) for confirmation on requirements BEFORE spending any money. I've found such authorities are much more friendly when you enquire before the event rather than once you are trying to get your car passed.

HRS

It's an RPM 2" club harness, has no AS mark, so I'll clip it on when I get there..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.