Retractable Seat Belts

[jackwarnock]

I have searched site for information on availability of retractable seat belts for my 1973 Fairlady 240Z - but no real luck.

Can someone guide me to a source for a set of new retractable belts to suit this car. I have tried Australian suppliers, without success. The main reason for wanting to fit them is for better safety and comfort.

I was able to fit them to my 1953 Chevrolet about 15 to 16 years ago!!

I look forward to some help. Thank you.

Regards, Jack

[=Enigma=]

Don't know where to get em new, but here's an interesting article on using the belts from a 260Z to add a retractable should belt. Doesn't your 73 already have a retractable lap belt? I know the late 72 & 73 HS30's came with them.

http://www.automedic.org/smzcc/tech_tips.htm

And a link to a place that does repairs.

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

[BRE-240Z]

I spoke to a Z owner named Jim Morrison about his retracting belts. He was using aftermarket belts from a company called Seat Belt Pros.

http://www.gotbelts.com/re12pubuendl.html

He used their item WSCH324P in 100" overall length (without shoulder mount) and with 12" sleeve. Cost $140 for both belts.

[Montezuma]

I spoke to a Z owner named Jim Morrison about his retracting belts. He was using aftermarket belts from a company called Seat Belt Pros.

http://www.gotbelts.com/re12pubuendl.html

He used their item WSCH324P in 100" overall length (without shoulder mount) and with 12" sleeve. Cost $140 for both belts.

I got mine from this place: http://www.wescoperformance.com/ I love the belts they mount in real well. The service from Wesco is great, I ordered them one day and the belts arrived the next.

Hardtops and Convertible 3-Pt. Retractable Seatbelts

Click Here

To Enlarge Photo!

If you want to purchase a 3-point (both lap and over the shoulder) retractable seat belt, and you have a convertible that has a standard or large size back seat or if you have a hardtop, then you can purchase our I-3207 seat belts below. These seatbelts extend to 120 inches and are designed for an auto that does not have a door post that goes higher than the bottom of the side window of the car.

Important: All belts should be fastened to vehicle achorage points provided by the vehicle manufacturer. If your vehicle has never had 3-point seat belts installed, then special retrofitting procedures must be taken before installing these aftermarket seat belts.

What is a Hardtop? Click Here

What is a convertible? Click Here

Click Here to see installation instructions!

All of our seatbelts are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) #209 & #302 safety approved and work in either driver or passenger side positions. The price shown is for one seatbelt for one seat / passenger. Optional hardware kit includes 1 Angle Bracket, #212 Bolt Kit Mounting Hardware, 1 Shoulder Bolt & 1 Mounting Plate as seen on our Seat Belt Hardware Page.

Want to see where the shoulder anchor attaches in the interior of the car?

Click Here Link not working? Click Here

Click Here to view a photo of the type of end that you get with the "Bucket Seat" option. Link Not Working? Click Here

Click Here to view a photo of the type of end that you get with the "Bench Seat" option. Link Not Working? Click Here

Hardtop or Convertible Three Pt. Retract. i-3207

Item # i-3207

Color: Black-02Blue-03Burgundy-04Charcoal-07Lt Grey-12Tan-21Red-28Orange-26

Style: Choose OneBucket Seat 11 inch SleeveBench Seat 20 inch Floppy End

Add Mounting Hardware: Yes(+$9.95)No Thanks

[BRE-240Z]

Montezuma, do you have photos of your installation?

[Montezuma]

Montezuma, do you have photos of your installation?

No I am so lame with the ol digital camera, I have many around the house and have not taken the time to take many pictures....but I will...I will try to get them this weekend. Believe it or not southern Cali is expecting rain this Saturday so I will try to do it on Sunday and I post the pictures on this thread. I really like my Wesco Performance belts, they work so great unlike the factory set that would always lock in place. I think you will like the way they look in my car too.

[bartman]

I used the 260Z (or early 280Z) retractables on my 73 240Z. It works great, but it's a little bit of a hastle putting them on with one retractor on the lap belt and a different one on the shoulder belt.

[boyblunda]

I have always thought that new seat belts being fitted to older vehicles are a great investment.

I considered putting new retractable seat belts into my car but have elected instead to fit four point harnesses. I am a large guy and find that the retractable belts lack and do not retain a firm fit and do not hold me in the seat when cornering.

My previous experience with four point harnesses is that they are more secure and more comfortable than a retractable belt. This might not be your cup of tea but they are worth a thought given the nature of the driving you might have in your location.

Some listed on ebay at the moment from Sydney seller with $89 starting bid for a pair.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-X-UNIVERSAL-4-POINT-HARNESS-RACING-SEAT-BELT-BLUE_W0QQitemZ280059584920QQihZ018QQcategoryZ43809QQcmdZViewItem

Regards

Dave

[beandip]

If you do make this installation . Think strongly of a roll cage as will . With out one if you roll the car , you will be held in a upright position while the roof will collapse on you .

[jackwarnock]

Thank you all for your comments. I have taken them on board. I look forward to more feedback from Montezuma which may help me.

I would prefer the three point retractable belts for comfort. I have no intention of racing my 240Z anyway, so probably would not look at the full four point harness.

I will continue to review comments. Thanks very much.

Regards, Jack

[SteveJ]

I took a chance, based on David's post, and ordered the 120" seatbelts from Wesco. When I mounted them, they did not have enough slack to allow me to move. The company is really good about exchanges, though, so I swapped the belts out for the 140" belts. I just received those yesterday, and I'll be mounting them soon.

(History note: When I got my 73, it did not have shoulder belts. I got those from Autogator in Sacramento. I attempted to fit in some 74 seatbelts into the car, but the retracting mechanism would not fit into the pocket on the floor. Later, I bought the non-retracting seatbelts from Courtesy Nissan, but my wife didn't like them, and I wasn't crazy about them, though I thought they were better than 30+ year-old seatbelts.)

Observations:

It is good to have spacers on the shoulder mounts to allow them to swivel. Otherwise, the belt will not move easily.

The belts are designed to have both ends anchor to the floor. I'm not sure if the early 240Zs with non-retracting belts have two anchor points on the floor. I mounted the retracting mechanism on the outer anchor point since it allows for a more vertical alignment for the retracting mechanism.

I'll take pictures after mounting.

[Mckrack]

There is a set right now on Ebay up for auction.

McKrack