Retractable Seatbelt Buckle question

[StevenF]

As part of my restoration, I am planning to install new seat belts--see below
http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/WSCH14134C-6.html

The question I have is with regards to the length of the buckle/receiver.  I do not want it to "stick out" to high above the seat.
I found this pic on our site --it looks like the buckle is longer than 6 inches http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/pagode.info/2004111141755_seat%20belts.jpg

What would the 6 inch receiver be too short?

Thank you in advance
Steven

[Tyler S]

What you need is a buckle with a flexible cable or webbing. The buckle in your link is rigid and wont mount correctly to the holes in the trans hump. They are angled inwards twards the console. As far as length, you should measure from the mounting hole while the seat is in your prefered driving position. The further up the seat is, the longer the buckle will need to be. You dont want it so long that it buckles across your abdomen. Hope that makes sense.

[114015]

Hello Steven,

That is a question of personal preference.
A 6 inch buckle receiver should do just fine.
However, as Tyler just mentioned, a flexible cable is much more recommended.
Or ... if yours is stiff, get it bended and a bit angulated towards the seat cushion.
Mine are 22 cm (= 8.6 inches) long, and I personally find them a bit too long. But they're flexible and that is definitely a plus.

Good luck

Achim

[Tyler S]

Achim, Thats a beautiful console. Refinished original?

[Jowe]

Here is another option: http://www.dbdepot.de/index.php?nav=4&lan=2&

I have installed these myself and they work very well.

[StevenF]

Tyler,
Thank you for your response.  I understand what you mean by the angle but if the receiver is mounted like the pic below, wouldn't it work? (the link is not from a 280sl)
http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DSC_1355.jpg

Regards
Steven

[Tyler S]

Personally, I dont think there is any way to safely mount the buckle to the seat frame itself. Should be mounted to the transmission tunnel. Have you seen the size bolts that hold the seat to the body? Their tiny.

[StevenF]

Tyler--I apologize if I wasn't clear---I used the pic in my previous response for the angle only.
I agree with you 100000% ---the receiver must be mounted using the existing points. 
I was googling a 6 inch receiver and that pic showed the angle...

[Tyler S]

I see what you are saying. The buckle bracket is offset. But then again it is rigid and mounted to the seat frame. Travels with the seat frame. So flexibility is not needed. Think you should stick to a flexible buckle. Just M.H.O.

[66andBlue]

.... I do not want it to "stick out" to high above the seat.
I found this pic on our site --it looks like the buckle is longer than 6 inches http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/pagode.info/2004111141755_seat%20belts.jpg

Steven,
I bought these retractable 3-point belts in the photo on our web site from the German vendor (pagode.info) and they did not stick out too far. Once you have the seat in you'll see that they need to be higher than the seat cushion. They are not completely rigid but a bit flexible and the angle (about 45 degree) is adjustable. How far they stick out depends on the angle of the receiver whip, forward or backward position of the seat, that is, the available space, and what the person in the seat prefers. See photo showing two positions.

The optimal length of the receiver buckle depends of course on your frame size. The ones shown might be too short for a 350 pound defensive tackle! 
I would not buy the ones with a short flexible webbing from the vendor in your other link because you'll constantly search between the tunnel and the seat for them. If you prefer the softer webbing then go with the original much longer 3-point static Kangol belts
Before you buy any belts make sure that they are DOT approved or EU approved!

[66andBlue]

Steven,
in response to your PM here is a photo of the belts from Pagodenteile.de (http://www.pagodenteile.de/37.htm) that I installed in 2006 (http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11765.msg79011#msg79011). Note that this retractor was opened up because a smart installer thought he could reverse the webbing and respool .   
Had to buy a second one. Ouch!!
I do not know whether his current ones are the same since EU regulations may have changed.
Current EU retrofit belts are either ELR or ALR, but usually for a Pagoda vendors sell you ELR belts.
http://www.faschingsalzburg.com/en/sicherheitsgurte-2/komponenten/elr-retractors/