Author Topic: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL  (Read 4550 times)

westview95

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Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« on: March 19, 2014, 16:16:36 »
Hi. Can anyone help me try to locate the transmission tunnel seat belt anchor point? My car had seatbelts at one point, and I'd like to re-install them. I've found the other two points, but can't seem to locate the transmission tunnel one. This is the passenger side, with the seat far forward.
Thanks,
Bill
Serial number is WDB11304412018633

westview95

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2014, 16:18:40 »
My question is (from the picture) do I need to go higher on the transmission tunnel, go closer to the front of the car, etc. to find the hole/nut? I'd rather not have to take the seats out.
Thanks,
Bill

WRe

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2014, 16:45:17 »
Hi,
the points for the belt buckle on the transmission tunnel are near the end of the seat slides and ca. 10 -15 cm higher.
...WRe

westview95

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2014, 16:59:52 »
Thanks very much, WRe. I will try to find them there.
Bill

westview95

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2014, 00:48:43 »
I found the holes for the seat belt anchors on the transmission tunnel. Can someone tell me how far into the tunnel the bolt can extend before it hits something it's not supposed to? For example, can I use a 1.0" bolt or a 1.5 " bolt, etc?
Thanks.

WRe

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2014, 08:45:16 »
Hi,
I don't know how long they could be but normally these bolts are used: 7/16" - 20 UNF / 8.8 / 0.8-1" long.
...WRe

Shvegel

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2014, 15:10:24 »
Normally they would be a special shouldered bolt that would allow the belt to swivel even if the bolt is tight. I would strongly suggest locating the proper bolts.  If you lock the position of the mounting tab and it differs from the angle of the belt in an accident you will load one side of the webbing and not the other which could cause the belt to rip in an accident.

westview95

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Re: Seat Belt Anchor Points - 1971 280SL
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2014, 15:34:05 »
I understand. Thank you both, WRe and Shvegel.