I need to install 3 point retractable seat belts in my 1965

[bryhart]

New to bugs and looking for some help on seat belt install.

I just purchased a 65 with all new interior and the previous owner chose to not install seat belts. I want to install 3 point retractable in the front and possibly lap belts in the back. I have researched and reviewed several threads and I am still confused about my options and the mounting points.


I am attaching a picture of the interior during the restoration. Can someone who knows try and explain:
1. Where the mounting points are?
2. What parts/options are available?
3. What special installation instructions are available?

[/img]

Any help is much appreciated.

[56Cabrio]

John Henry has a great how to on his site.
Scroll down and click on page 10.
http://www.thebugshop.org/goresto.htm
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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
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[bryhart]

[Sharp64]

Duplicate post

[Sharp64]

Outside rear mounts utilize the seat mounting bolts for the seatback. I do not believe 65 had a lower B pillar mount. Fronts used the tunnel, outer pan and B pillar mounts. Thus the "3" in 3 point.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=654120


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[bluebus86]

i installed 1974 Bug seat belts in my 1965 bug some time ago, direct bolt in. besure to get the buckle bracket that mounts on the tunnel, it is part of the system.

good luck, stay safe.
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[bryhart]

[bluebus86]

[bryhart]

[panicman]

For the rear, outer belt mounts, be safe and use the body-to-chassis mounts indicated by the picture below (green arrow, lowest to the left in the picture).

Using this location, you have a large chassis bolt that is threaded directly into part of the chassis and makes a very suitable anchor point.

Using the rear seat back mounting bolt isn't as secure. The bolt is threaded into unanchored sheet metal.

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[Sharp64]

[bluebus86]

ps if i were to convert to three point, id consider the want ads and search for a vw vendor that might sell repro seat belts just ask for one to fit the 68 up bug. you might need to source the tunnel bracket and such used.

the other option I had in an old 67 Bug was I had some generic seat belts in it, much nicer than the stock. these may have been from a 80s toyota or si ular compact car. good reel mechanism mounted on out side floor, loop type hoop that belt moves thru up top on piller, and the lap belt end mounted to stock tunnel belt mount holes, belt was maybe foot or so long from tunnel bolt to buckle.

so aftermarket can work too.


early stock belts I do not believe self retracked, you had to size them both lap and shoulder for each sized rider, very snug and secure, little ability to move as it is not on a retract. later ones had a retract mechanism. so be aware of that, and if you do want the retract mechanism tyty, co sider old used ones may not operate well, may need rebuild , lube, or just be worn out. a new non stock type if available may be most practical, new reel, new webbing, etc and it bolts in pretty easy. if you want period correct stock, consider the differances thru the model years in the three point mechanisms and styles, they were not all the same.

also you want clean pretty metal on that tunnel bracket it is pretty visable, make sure ylu dont end up with an ugly rusty one that was from a junk pile unless you want to sand and paint it. same goes for used old buckeles is the chrome shinny or pitted with rust? if the plastic fadded, cracked, gouged, if the release knob nice and bright colored, or fadded to pink, and turned gooeey, ks the webbing clean and soft, of stiff, dirty, sun damaged?


stay safe, three point belts are a great safety upgrade!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[Scott65Beetle]

BTW a good bang for your buck regarding 3 point belts is to purchase Humvee seatbelts on Ebay. i have purchased two sets for cars and they are very nice for the price.

[panicman]

[Sharp64]

Im using 3 point non-retractable. I did move the outer bottom back to the chassis bolt as I agree its probably more secure and oriented the metal part of the belt so it puts the belt out of the side of the seat in between the seat and door panel. While probably more secure, I wonder if something happened if it wouldn't just pull the seat belt and twist the metal attachment?

[Bala]

[panicman]