21 replies to this topic

[Wil_h]

I have checked the MOT manual and am rather shocked to find that the operation of the inertia or deceleration operated locking mechanism is not actually tested, which makes that part of the MOT rather pointless. I would prefer my MOT tester to pull them to check them properly, whether required to or not. Safety is what matters, and whoever wrote certain parts of the MOT testers manual seems not to be very clued up about that.

It sounds like you think the MOT is not fit for purpose?

You need to consider what the MOT is trying to do and what is reasonable to check. I personally think we all should be responsible for our own safety, the MOT is a good basic check of roadworthyness (on the day of the test at any rate). Who is really responsible for the safe operation of your seatbelts? or any other part of your car?

You can't really blame the goverment, or the garage (assuming the MOT was correctly done). the reality is that you could inspect a tyre, and 2 miles later it could explode and cause an acident. The test is what it is, it has limitations, but should in most cases identify safety related faults.

[WolfsMinis]

Hijacking a bit. But the mini I bought doesn't have seat belts, neither can I find any traces of prior fit belts (Drill holes etc.)

Were there actually minis (or any car for that matter) from the 1975 - 1977 era that came out without seat belts? And if so which do you suggest I order (easiest for fitment and safety)

Many Thanks,

[Bungle]

a 70's mini would of come with belts in the front

[WolfsMinis]

Thanks Bungle.

Mine was assembled in South Africa so God only knows what else I'm going to find...

[Ethel]

That's very likely your answer, but if the shell was made in the UK I'd be surprised if there are no mountings. It would be easier to put them in all shells and not use them. Then again, there were SA specific bodies with round noses 'n Elf/Hornet bums, so I'd expect a local body plant.


The pedal would only be half the necessary surfaces to test friction, though I reckon the objective is to identify rubbers that are so worn down they could split and become detached if you pressed the pedal hard.

Isn't an inertia mechanism so simple that it's unlikely to fail, and like an airbag, replicating meaningful test conditions impractical? A visual inspection that the thing is likely to stay intact under crash loading is about all you can do.

[sonic72]

well thats sorted me right out cheers folks

[tommy13]

It's always interesting to hear the outcome of these type of posts. Perhaps you could let us know what you intend to do, or have done and the outcome regarding the seat belts.