Rear seat belts.

Post by **smh582003** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:04 am

Does anyone know of a garage or fitter that is able to fit rear seatbelts in my morris in the Swindon or Wiltshire area please.
Thanks
Steve

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:00 pm

Do you already have the belts ? If so - it's not a difficult job. Just drilling a few holes - but be sure to rustproof/paint the edges of the holes before you fit the belt anchors.

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:31 pm

Well, there's the reinforcing plates too, which complicates things a little
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Post by **jonathon** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:36 pm

Don't rely on the small plates that come with the kit. we use 4mm 4" diameter plates or better still weld or bolt in a wide box section across the parcel shelf. Remember a child at 30-70mph weighs a terrific amount should you brake heavily or heaven forbid,crash, the standard plates will be next to useless and easily pull through the thin plate in the fixing area.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:24 pm

I seriously doubt the standard plates will pull through the sheet metal - unless Mr tin worm has been to visit! But of course - absolutely no harm in adding additional strengthening.

Post by **smh582003** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:44 am

Thanks for all the info. I think just to be on the safe side I will book it into bristol to be fitted properly.

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:59 am

Before you book it in ask what they do regarding the fixings. If they only use the standard parts and you are happy with this then save your money and do it yourself. I'd strongly advise the route we take as the panel you are fitting to is not designed with this application in mind.

Post by **smh582003** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:27 am

I have bought the whole kit , seat belts and plates so I will get them to fit it all. The main reason I am taking it there is because they deal with minors all the time so they should know what is safe and what is not and it shouldnt take them long as they have fitted 1000s I expect . The plates are 55mm x 55mm sq so do you think they would be ok?

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:38 am

Personally, no,I don't. thats why we add a strengthening bar or much larger diameter plates. The parcel shelf itself is the issue as its only panel grade steel i.e thin, not chassis grade/strength. Just look at the standard front sill mountsfor the front belts, thick chassis plate doubled up.
Its up to you but I would not have rear passengers subjected to the standard kit offered. Its your choice.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 11:24 am

The force to pull a 55 x 55 plate through the parcel shelf will already have crushed the chest cavity beyond hope. I doubt the whole parcel shelf will detach - but in many cases the seat belt mounting is intended to deform and so absorb the forces. Look at the mounting provided for a two door front belt upper restraint - it's just the little side panel below the fixed window !! Very much less strength than the rear shelf.

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:36 pm

Well I'm not going to argue the point here. Suffice to say that some folk fit a particular suspension kit to the rear of the Minor which is bolt on. Its sold as fit for purpose, yet how many of these have eventually ripped through the boot floor, a slightly thicker guage steel than the parcel shelf.
We build cars professionally everyday of the week for the last 15 years, so I think we are able to suggest reasons for certain improvements from a position of knowledge rather than blatant bravado and hope.
Even if the rear passenger has its chest crushed BM the front occupants might rather not have their rear passengers fly into the back of them. But hey ho !!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 1:39 pm

I certainly agree about the rear suspension Jon!!
We can agreee to differ on the belt mounts.