Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi everyone

I’m having huge problems fitting inertia reel seatbelts to a two-door Morris!

I was assured by the supplier that the belts would fit a two-door with its top mounting points between the ‘B’ and ‘C’ pillars.

However, I’ve found that with the reel fitted vertically (as is required with inertia reels) in the manufacturer’s original lower mounting points at the base of the ‘B’ pillar, and the top mounts in the original location between the ‘B’ and ‘C’ pillar (see top pic), the belt is pulled from the reel at an angle.

This means it snags when rewinding on the reel and, more importantly, concerns me that it could prevent the belt operating properly in an accident.

When the top mount is fitted in an alternative position on the ‘B’ pillars, just below the level of the window and directly above the reel (see bottom pic, the belt runs over my upper arm and chest – rather than over the shoulder as it is supposed to – which would not give proper restraint in an accident. I am six feet tall but I don't think the belt would fit shorter people any better.

Has anyone had similar experiences?

Perhaps I should refit the static belts, which were fine.

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These work, haven't crash tested them

Where do you get that the reels must be vertical? I have never heard this. The reel locks when the inertia from winding out quickly acts on the mechanism...
Line the reel in the direction of the upper mounting point.

For further examples, go yank your seat belt in a modern car while at a standstill.

My factory TR-7 belts had to come over my shoulder (convertible). The only suggestion there, is fitting them near the roof between the b and c pillar. Otherwise, you have to compromise on the safety of the new system.

Hi guys

Thanks for your comments.

The manufacturer's fitting instructions say the reels must be mounted vertically. I did experiment by turning the reel in the direction of the top mount but the belt just locked.

I found a post from the Mk1 forum (thanks Tim), which confirms this:

"Yes, they need to be vertical in two planes. The inertial sensor is usually either a little pendulum or a ball bearing, when they aren't level they behave as though the car is under heavy braking (or rolling on its side).

"There are adjustable ones that can be mounted at an angle, then corrected."

cheers

Paul

As long as the belt is fitted smoothly and not jerked over the shoulder then nearly vertical will do. (see photos)

Oldmogman wrote:Hi guys

Thanks for your comments.

The manufacturer's fitting instructions say the reels must be mounted vertically. I did experiment by turning the reel in the direction of the top mount but the belt just locked.

I found a post from the Mk1 forum (thanks Tim), which confirms this:

"Yes, they need to be vertical in two planes. The inertial sensor is usually either a little pendulum or a ball bearing, when they aren't level they behave as though the car is under heavy braking (or rolling on its side).

"There are adjustable ones that can be mounted at an angle, then corrected."

cheers

Paul

Interesting, thanks. Now I want to go to the local scrappers and try some factory belts...

Modern belts are fixed to the seats so no good for Minors

That L bracket looks most unsafe - in an accident it will just fold over.....and the fixing bolts are less than impressively sized......

I agree with Bmc on both counts.

I would suggest that all bolts and nuts used in the fitting of seat belts should be of a suitable diameter and manufactured from high tensile (HT) steel (of at least 8.8 strength (usually stamped on the bolt head)) and be used in conjunction with suitable strengthening plates behind the body work.

I am just upgrading the seat belts on my Minor and the manufactures fitting instructions state that each lap and shoulder anchorage points must be capable of accepting a static load of 3500Lb/1590kg!

The L bracket is totally inadequate - I dare say the two little bolts will not shear - but the threads may strip through! And the body section where they are bolted through is no-where near strong enough either........

Where do you get that the reels must be vertical? I have never heard this.

Really?

Many belt reels have a pendulum to activate the catch - this will keep the belt locked when the car is on it's side / upside-down / braking heavily etc..
On these belt the intertia catch is only ever needed if the pendulum is faulty! There are belts available with an adjustabloe pendulum to suit applications like the 2dr Minor.

The belts shown by the OP are not fit for purpose in a 2 door saloon.
As for the L-bracket I have to bit my lip here.. and understand why it has been questioned.

Some time ago I asked a similar question as I has bought a pair of inertia belts to install instead of the static ones I currently have and a member called Declan Burns posted some very helpful pics and explanations which I thought I had saved for a later date to check on when I was ready to fit the belts but two years on and I still haven't fitted them so you have just kicked started me into requesting much the same so if your reading this post Declan would you be able to up load the pics and explanations once again please

Just use the search facility http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=38751

Ignorance is bliss....or is it a terrible thing

Thanks for your comments, everyone; they seem to confirm that the belts I have are unsuitable.

I've now spoken to the supplier who is happy for me to return the belts to them for a full refund.

In the meantime, I'd be interested to hear the make/source of inertia reels that might be suitable for a two-door.

cheers