Seat Belts

[peterg]

Does anyone in the south east have a 401/3 with front seat belts that I could have a look at?

I'm particularly interested in the brackets needed for inertia belts with the unit mounted under the rear seat platform by the B post.

Thanks in advance, Peter.

Just had my wood work refurbished by Myrtle in Kent and they have done a really good job of matching missing bits of veneer and making them look the way Bristol's made them (rather than the highly polished finish used on later cars).

[GREG]

Here you go ...

http://www.quickfitsbs.com/gallery_bristol.php

[Bobbyweaf]

Hi, I see a 401 photo of a seat belt fitted using the semaphore post. If this is to be used it is actually in two pieces. Without considerable strengthening, in a serious emergency breaking situation the post will undoubtedly fail.

I have had my seat belts for more than two years but have still not had them fitted. I have been offered alternatives by the Bristol Car repair people in Bristol 1) strengthening the pillar and fitting my belts as in other vehicles about £2,000 plus or 2) fitting them the reverse way using the transmission tunnel, which also need a bracket on the back of each front seat, for about half the price.

Sadly I've got to the age were I can't do this kind of work any more but every time I get into my 401 I instinctively reach for belts which are not there! One day they will be fitted.

If you find a solution I could do with your information - please!


Bob W

[GREG]

One of the pleasures of driving an early Bristol is no seat belt for me ! I remember me and my three sisters all sat in the front , along with my dad driving, on the bench seat in dad's Ford Zephyr 6 ! :-)

I know the arguments but sometimes it's nice to have a day off from the PC health and safety world and not make a lovely car look naff !! Although it's a different story if my grandsons in the back...

I believe the company I posted is the one that BCL send cars to for belts fitting -- they don't do it themselves !! And they will also sell the kit / give advise.

I suppose that even if you make a crap job of fitting them, the new lack of MOT requirement makes it irrelevant ! NASTY ..

[peterg]

Thanks Greg, but it is the flesh I am after. I need to get a fairly exact idea of where and what brackets are required to be able to fit them.

As Bob said the costs of fitting them can be considerable which is why I need to be able to see and measure what is required. Quite reasonably Quickfit was cagey about giving details for work that was going to be performed by others.

[GREG]

Yep, see what you mean - maybe try contacting Securon direct for a generic answer

[Bellerophon]

I think I was the first to fit seat belts to my 401 some years ago, and this was fully covered in an article in our magazine. However, I would be pleased to offer help and members would be welcome to see how it was done as I live in the S.E. in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. By the way Securon of Amersham who make reels 40% smaller than other makes will not deal direct, you have to go through a dealer.
Alan Blackwood

[Stefan]

I've always had full aircraft style harnesses from the 1950s fitted to my 2 L cars. They come over both shoulders from the floor and/or transmission tunnel and would appear to give more protection in a rollover than a shoulder harness.

[peterg]

Thanks Alan,
I'll get in touch but am a few degrees under at the moment and wouldn't want to infect you.
Regards, Peter

[BRIANTRW]

I have a 403 with Seat Belts fitted (F & R). I live in Tonbridge, Kent. If you would like to see the car it can be seen at all reasonable times.

[peterg]

Thank you Alan,
I've just ordered a pair.
Regards, Peter