Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: stickandrudderman on April 24, 2025, 15:34:22
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We're well used to installing intertia reels in normal 113s but we've been tasked with installing them on a California Coupe and this is presenting something of a challenge.
The B post has the threaded insert at shoulder height but because the B post is different on a coupe the mounting point is at 90 degrees to the thrust line of the car rather than the usual 45. This in itself might not be too much of a drama but where we would normally weld in an anchor plate at the bottom of the B post so that the reel is hidden under the bench it is not possible because the inertia reel sits too high so as to prevent the rear bench seat from fitting into place.
Has anyone come across this before or better still got any photos of such an installation?
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Let me go a step back and ask about the regular W113: Do you install the reel under the rear cover behind the seats? Has anyone ever done the factory recommended installation inside the B-Pillar?
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Here are photos and supplies that I used, thanks to the guidance of fellow member, Steve Freifeld
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And here's the parts list I used
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Thanks GM but that looks like a normal convertible installation to me, not California coupe.
Have you got any pictures of the finished installation?
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I got distracted by
Let me go a step back and ask about the regular W113
The belt from the reel slides between the wood shelf and the B pillar
Hope it helps.
Gary
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Stick,
I installed mine on my normal convertible installation per the Mercedes Install recommendation. I think you are saying that the California coupe's bench is lower so the reel will not fit hidden underneath it.
If that is correct then IMHO the only alternative would be to install the reel behind the seat. The only down side to that is the seats would not go as far back. The seat adjustment would be limited. As I recall there have been posts regarding behind the seat install.
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Mine is installed behind the seats, you are only giving up 1” of seat adjustment. Unless you have really long legs this position for the reel is not a problem.
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Indeed, under the bench is where I normally install them but that doesn't work for a California coupe.
The customer is 6'4" and doesn't want to lose the leg room.
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The original Mercedes Benz Service Bulletin describes a method to install the reel inside the B-Pillar. It is quite involved, but I guess doable for a pro with a shop
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La note MB service information de Mai 1989 ref n° MBNA 91/15 donne des informations pour l'installation de ceintures rétractables. Il n'y a pas d'information pour le modèle California
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Which translates to:
The MB service information note of May 1989 ref n° MBNA 91/15 gives information for the installation of retractable seat belts. There is no information for the California model