Author Topic: Retractable Seat Belts (Read 19539 times)

StevenF · « **on:** November 22, 2015, 22:48:57 »

Does anyone know where to purchase retraceable seat belts (3 point) that utilize the same mounting areas as the original.

I do not want to have to cut holes or weld...

Mike K · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2015, 21:09:37 »

I purchased mine from SLS:http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/91-Seats/Seat-belt-autom-12cm-lock-Seat-belt-autom-12cm-lock.html
Job done in about 30 mins. using existing holes etc.

Best,

Mike

66andBlue · « **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2015, 06:06:15 »

Quote from: Mike K on November 23, 2015, 21:09:37

Job done in about 30 mins. using existing holes etc.

Hi Mike,
I am curious how you did this.
Did you double up the end of the long belt and the retractor?
The three existing holes (1 tunnel; 2 transverse beam behind seat; 3 top of B-pillar;) are designed for static 3-point belts. But automatic belts need four attachment points! See photo.

Paul & Dolly · « **Reply #3 on:** November 24, 2015, 09:04:11 »

These people are excellent, know our cars and ship worldwide
http://www.fdts-seatbelts.co.uk/

My picture here shows the attachments, but it is a bit difficult to see, as the seats and belts are black

Paul

StevenF · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2015, 13:47:25 »

Mike,
I am bit confused. I reached out to this company directly: Their response is below --they said retrofitting may be necessary.
I do not want to dril,cut or weld into the car. Did you have to do any retrofitting?

Dear Mr.

thank you for your email.
Belts: 3-point seat belt are not scheduled in the body and therefore an individual retrofitting.
There are several vendors proposals with advantages and disadvantages, it may be necessary bodywork.

Best regards
i.A. Stefan Neubauer

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Questions about this product? 299972 - Seat belt, autom., 12cm lock (22-Nov-2015 23:42)
From: <sjfreifeld@gmail.com>
To: service@sls-hh.de

> Do these seat belts fit directly where the original seat belts mount or do
> you have to drill new holes or weld ?
>

mbzse · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2015, 17:17:13 »

Quote from: StevenF

.../...[fit] retractable seat belts (3 point) ..../...I do not want to have to cut holes...

The "standard default" method is to fit mounting points (plates with 7/16" thread) below the B pillar each side, to attach the seatbelt roll. A sturdy and safe attachment.
The rolls then become hidden below the rear wooden covers (parcel shelves); installation looks neat.
See pics attached. Part No for the anchoring plate from M-B is A110 610 0211. (pic "seatbelt5")
/Hans in Sweden
.

Mike K · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2015, 20:00:41 »

My seat belts fit differently to those described by Hans.

To supplement Hans' post and to answer Alfred's question above, I've also attached some pics below.
1st pic is the old seat belt before removal, located behind the panels at the B pillar- 1st fixing point in here.
2nd pic is where the belt comes out of the panel, behind the seat- my car already had the slit cut into the panel- 2nd fixing point for the guide is here.
3rd pic is where the tab is bolted to the body behind the seat- 3rd fixing point.
4th pic is the catch located along the transmission tunnel- 4th fixing point.

In my case I used the existing holes. My car is a 1971 280SL and judging by what I found when I opened up the B pillar panels, i.e. the condition of the belts & inertia reel, I suspect these belts were fitted when the car was delivered 44 years ago?

Steven- what model is your car?

Best,

Mike

66andBlue · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2015, 01:10:03 »

Quote from: Mike K on November 24, 2015, 20:00:41

In my case I used the existing holes. My car is a 1971 280SL and judging by what I found when I opened up the B pillar panels, i.e. the condition of the belts & inertia reel, I suspect these belts were fitted when the car was delivered 44 years ago?

44 years ago? That is very doubtful Mike.
Probably a few years later since it looks like the MB recommended installation:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/uploads/Interior/SeatBeltInstallation.pdf

In any case it needed the cutting of holes under the parcel shelf that StevenF does not want to do.

StevenF · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2015, 02:51:05 »

Mike,
Thank you for your email but I have checked with just about every out there--including the ones overseas. I spoke to 2 vendors in the UK this AM.
From the research I have done, the only way to install retractable seat belts is by drilling/welding--which I do not want to do.

My Kangols are original and in excellent shape so I have no issue with them--I just wanted to see if I can put the Kangols in storage and use retractable---
Because I can not achieve my goal, I will have to pass on the retractable for now.

Best Regards
Steven

66andBlue · « **Reply #9 on:** November 25, 2015, 04:10:29 »

Steven,
which model do you have, 230SL, 250SL or 280SL? And do you have head rests?

StevenF · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2015, 14:07:04 »

71 280sl with head rests

66andBlue · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2015, 20:36:15 »

The main advantage of automatic seat belts is that you can move your body forward while buckled up but the static Kangols should give you the same protection as long as you keep them tight. That together with head rests and attentive driving is not a bad safety package.

Harry · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2015, 13:33:51 »

Can you elaborate on the Kangols? I have a 1966 230SL with only lap belts and I would love to also have the shoulder harness. Thanks!

Raymond · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2015, 15:55:58 »

Steven, I put retractable belts in my 1968 without cutting or drilling. Your '71 should have all of the hard points already installed. The retractor mechanism bolts to the hard point in the body behind the seats near the floor. Mine were covered by the carpet but that is an easy fix. The retractors stop the seat from moving back about 40mm, but that isn't a problem for me. The bolt holes for the shoulder guides and the lap belts and buckles were already occupied by the non-retractable style belts that were in it when I bought the car. If you search this forum, you'll find more than one aftermarket solution if safety is more important than originality.

StevenF · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2015, 18:01:09 »

Ray,
Which ones did you purchase?
Can you send me the link.
Regards
Steven

wjsvb ✝︎ · « **Reply #15 on:** November 30, 2015, 02:11:10 »

At a car show over the weekend I looked at a 230SL which had retractable lap and shoulder belts from a 114, presumably a coupe. I am going to try to run down a set to try. Looked like a safe(r) and presentable option. Any experience out there? Jon

StevenF · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2016, 12:26:10 »

Back in July 2015, Al (66andblue) and I were discussing mounting options for 3 point retractable seat-belts
Al wrote:
I still think your mechanic is using a hole/nut that was not installed by the factory. I hope you do post a photo of this mysterious anchoring point.

My mechanic sent me pics yesterday and I wanted to post them for the group to see.

Regards
Steven

PIP1947 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2016, 14:43:52 »

I like the look of Hans' solution, but wonder how it is possible to attach the mounting plate for the reel behind the bulkhead? Is it possible to do this without cutting a hole from the underside of the vehicle?
Pip1947
1968 280SL

mbzse · « **Reply #18 on:** October 26, 2016, 14:56:01 »

Quote from: PIP1947

.../...how it is possible to attach the mounting plate for the reel behind the bulkhead.../...

This is done via a 35mm dia hole, afterwards covered with a plug. See pics attached

StevenF · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2016, 15:28:46 »

My mechanic is mounting the spool behind the seat on the floor--no drilling!

PIP1947 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2016, 00:40:08 »

Thanks Hans. I currently have my reels mounted behind the seats, as Steven F is proposing to do, but would prefer to adopt your solution, thereby reclaiming the lost seat travel. I did wonder about that large grommet. I guess the trick is, to not drop the plate into the void! QuickFit Seatbelts, UK offer a huge range of belts, in all colours, for classic cars.
Pip1947

mbzse · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2016, 09:13:11 »

Quote from: PIP1947

..../...reclaiming the lost seat travel../...

Yes, this is nice, to be able to push back fully

Quote

../... to not drop the plate into the void.../...

This is sure to happen. One uses a flexible magnet tool to simply fish it up again.
Also true for the metal filings after the drilling. Do spray some protective wax in there as well, now that you have the access
/Hans

Harry · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2016, 13:23:02 »

Hans - I also prefer your method for my 1966 230SL. I would also need to buy the seat belts. Can you share which belts/manufacturer/supplier you chose? Thanks very much!

Harry

StevenF · « **Reply #23 on:** November 23, 2016, 13:38:18 »

I bought mine from:
http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/WSCH14134C-6.html
I would recommend buying the short receiver (6 inch)
Regards
Steven

mbzse · « **Reply #24 on:** November 23, 2016, 15:29:19 »

Quote from: Harry

..../.... the seat belts. Can you share which belts/manufacturer/supplier you chose?

I bought from vendor dbdepot in Germany. I chose "W113 Pagoda" in the menu
http://dbdepot.de/index.php?nav=4&lan=2&
There is a variety of colours to choose from

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Author Topic: Retractable Seat Belts (Read 19539 times)

PIP1947

PIP1947