Just fitted 3point retractable seat belts

[wayne R]

After owning and driving my 65 230SL about seven months,thought
i would feel safer getting rid of the old original  lap belts.
New from US for about $120,and matching colour, and finally fitted they are marvelous
and i feel alot safer now when driving.
Very easy to fit,but a few cautions how and where to mount etc,
used the original mounting hole in floor,and new approved  7/16 bolts
and backing plates, for Australia.
Anybody wanting help in fitting etc, i can give more information
and photos.

[MikeSimon]

Wayne:

Very interested in pointers about where to buy and installation instructions. I have a 1970 280SL, German spec which never had ANY belts.
I know there are points for lap belts, but how to install a 3-point retractable with a shoulde rbelt eludes me.

If you don't want to clutter the forum with stuff everybody else knows already:

mike.simon70@yahoo.com

Much obliged!

Mike

[Garry]

There are several ways to fit 3 point retractable seat belts written up on the forum.
And don’t throw away your old Kangol belts, they can be rebelled and some are always looking for them.



Here is some
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6728.msg42108#msg42108
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14833.msg106231#msg106231

[wayne R]

No problem  Mike,  flick  you  more photos in 3 hours, regards Wayne.

[Pawel66]

Wayne:

Very interested in pointers about where to buy and installation instructions. I have a 1970 280SL, German spec which never had ANY belts.
I know there are points for lap belts, but how to install a 3-point retractable with a shoulde rbelt eludes me.

Mike

Mike, I think the idea of retractable seat belts in W113 is a very good idea and it can work, as Garry pointed.

I used Kangol retractable belts from the era (they were available on e-bay, NOS). Terribly expensive...

The challenge is location of the retractor so that it does not take too much from the seat travel backward. I made a solid steel bar extension to bring the retractor up over the rear floor. May say it is not standard, but i am sure it is still safer than lap belts. So it is a bit of fitting job, but brings good results.

Then my wife took these belts from me for her 190SL, so I ended up with regular 3-point Kangols...

Wayne - looks great! I think it was great decision to go this way!

[wayne R]

Hi Pawel,  yes you are correct re the retractor, i am only 5ft-10inches tall, and i still have
2inches  clearance between retractor and rear of seat, so anybody over 6ft tall ,may not
be suitable ,as they would require the seat to go all the way back.    thank you.

[mbzse]

.../...would require the seat to go all the way back.../...

If you prefer not to restrict the travel of your seat, here is a suggested three point retractable belt installation method described.
See Post #6 and on:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=23486.msg167988#msg167988

[Pawel66]

I think what Hans is showing is much more professional installation than mine.

I just took a 12-15cm (I do not remember) steel bar and elevated retractor above the wooden floor. You just need to be aware of angles the retractor is placed vs. horizontal and vertical - retractor works in some range only.

[wayne R]

The reason i  fitted these is safety, and very real for me and my wife.
Back in 1992 when we lived in Sacramento,i was a member of the Buick Club of America
owned many classic Buicks ,one great car i owned a 1965 Riviera,only lap belts fitted from  factory.
About 80 buicks left Sacramento for a trip to Bodego bay---yes from movie the birds , for
a weekend trip.
Only about 3 miles from the small costal town, one of my best Buick club friend and wife were hit from a side street
by a small eightys isuzu japanese pickup and were instantly both killed in there 1966 Buick Electra convertible,
yes only lapbelts, and you know how big a 66 Buick is.
Most reports from that awful accident and others realized that retractable belts may have saved them.
Soon as got back to Sacramento i changed out my 65 to retractable belts ,and we have never forgotten that day.

[MikeSimon]

I have seen some installations that placed the retractor under the wood boards in the back. Needed to make cutouts though.

Wayne: Thanks for the info via e-mail!!!!

[mbzse]

I have seen some installations that placed the retractor under the wood boards in the back. Needed to make cutouts though.../...

Yes, if you look at the posting i just made (#7) and open the link, that is what you can find there

[MikeSimon]

Yes, if you look at the posting i just made (#7) and open the link, that is what you can find there

I am one of these annoying guys who keep asking questions instead of using the search function for answers that have been given before and who does not click on links to find my way through other posts in search of wisdom. You may call me lazy too.