9 replies to this topic

[cheesebadger]

Hi,

 

I am currently stripping my mini ready for some bodywork repairs, it is a 1965 MY. Yesterday I took out my seat belts, which are currently 3 point inertia style.

 

From what I know/researched the mounting in the inner sill and b pillar are from the factory, along with the holes on the tunnel.

I think this is because in 1965 the car was supplied from the factory with the ability to fit seat belts at the dealer, but it was not a legal requirement for the manufacturer to fit the belts, but only have the ability to fit the belts. Therefore the 3 point fixings are factory, but the inertia fixing would have been added later. Please feel free to add or correct this information.

 

Here come my problems.

My inertia fixings are differnet left to right, and appear to have been fitted with spreader plates bolted in using any old scrap the previous owner had lying around...

 

 

Could anybody make any suggestions as to how these should be fiited?
Any photos of anybodies setup?

How should they be from the factory on later minis?

 

I am planning on keeping the 3 point inertia as although not original, I think they are the best option for my use.

 

Cheers,

Rich

[cheesebadger]

P.S. There is also a holes with a large penny washer fitted on the passenger side rear bin, although it doesn't do anything. Maybe this could be the correct fixing point for the inertia assembly?

 

[minidaves]

factory ones bolted to the floor

[cheesebadger]

factory ones bolted to the floor

 

Anybody got a photo please...

[Tupers]

Most dealer fit belts were static so they only need the 3 mounting that are present on early cars. 

 

Inertia belts would have normally been mounted through the floor as pictured bellow. 

Attached Files

•  hpqscan0001.jpg   64.35K   29 downloads

[sonikk4]

My 74 clubby had them fitted to the companion bin but on the side

 

You can see the mounting holes, one large hole with two locating holes. Not exactly strong so i have modified the mounting point by adding a strengthener inside each bin

[Tupers]

My 74 clubby had them fitted to the companion bin but on the side

 

 

You can see the mounting holes, one large hole with two locating holes. Not exactly strong so i have modified the mounting point by adding a strengthener inside each bin

 

 

My '74 saloon had the same style belts fitted. 

 

[sonikk4]

My 74 clubby had them fitted to the companion bin but on the side
 
 
You can see the mounting holes, one large hole with two locating holes. Not exactly strong so i have modified the mounting point by adding a strengthener inside each bin

 
My '74 saloon had the same style belts fitted. 

 

Yep those are the very same ones Tupers. No strength there at all hence the 3mm plate to add a little something.

[cheesebadger]

Thanks for the replies guys! I love the look of those Kangol Reflex belts, although finding some for sale is difficult...
 

So are you all suggesting that as long as I fit them somewhere sensible with suitable strengthening, I should be fine. I think I will weld up the existing holes in my companion bins and drill some matching ones with new spreader plates.

 

Thanks again!

 

[sonikk4]

Dont think that will be an issue but defo weld a spreader plate of some form or another. I will be sending my belts away for overhaul. Nearly 42 years old so time for a refresh.