Kangol Retractable Seatbelt (Reflex) Mounting Opinions

[Tyler S]

Hello All, I have sourced a pair of NOS Kangol retractable seatbelts. The same ones a few of you got from that "old military stock" seller in the UK. My question is more of wanting feedback on where to install the reels. Do I follow the MB installation guide and "showcase" the fact they are Kangols? Or do I go for the under the parcel shelf route and keep the rear tidy? The reels are a shot peened silver color, not too bad looking. My brain is fighting itself on this one. If any of you have installed these either way, let me know your opinions. Pics are great too. May help me decide.
Thanks, Tyler

[66andBlue]

Tyler,
I am not quite sure what you mean with "Do I follow the MB installation guide and "showcase" the fact they are Kangols?"
Mercedes offered 3-point static Kangol belts as a special option but never any retractable seatbelts. See: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/Seatbelts
Initially these belts showed the Kangol label but later ones had the MB star on the buckle.
Obviously, many owners have installed retractable seatbelts and in my view the best option is to mount the retractor spool under the parcel shelf.
Come by and take a look to see how this looks.  

[Tyler S]

Alfred, I was referring to the 1970's MB service bulletin for installing/adapting 3 pt retractable belts. It shows installing the reels on the front or inboard lower side of the b-pillar, leaving the reel exposed. Some have done this with no name brand or later MB belts as well as installing them under the parcel cover. Just was wondering if anyone has installed the Kangol retractable belts in this manner. Maybe I'm thinking too hard about it. I guess basically my question is if the old vintage style Kangol reels would be a good or bad thing to look at.

[66andBlue]

Tyler,
that is interesting, I would like to see what is in the 1970's bulletin. Do you have a copy that you can share?
I only know of the instructions that were issued in 1989 and which are in the Wiki: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/Seatbelts
By most account the described procedure is rather brutal, requiring a lot of cutting and welding.
With respect to your question about the Kangol installation I only know that our Polish members (e.g., Flyair) installed them it but no photos or a detailed descriptions were provided:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17897.0

[Tyler S]

Alfred, Yes that was the bulletin I was referring to. Guess I was a Decade or so off. Referring to the pictures (figures 4 and 5) on the bulletin, it shows them mounted on the bottom front or inboard side of the B-Pillar. You are right. A lot of hacking has to be done. I think I am going to try mounting the retractor on the cross member behind the seat to start with. Using the available threaded hole. Im almost 6' so if it limits seat travel enough I will go ahead and move it under the Parcel shelf cover. I'll get some pictures as I go along