Retractable Seat Belt Mounting Issue Options

[914dtla]

Hi everyone! I recently acquired a late 72 914 and I decided to install retractable inertia reel seat belts since I have already removed most of the interior to fix other issues.

I got these 914 seat belts from Seatbelt Planet but I have an unexpected fit issue. The adapter plates, which I think are used for taking shear loads, don't seem to fit properly.

The plates are circled in red:


The basic problem seems to be that the plates extend below the actual retractor and they interfere with the radius below the mounting hole. The radius is circled in red (not my car...I forgot to take pictures this weekend...):


This means the plates don't sit flush with the firewall keeping the mounting bolt from going in square. I went through a bunch of old seat belt threads and these are the most recommended aftermarket seat belts and no on else seems to have this problem. Is this a known issue with '72s? I'm thinking about just removing an 1/8" off the bottom of the adapter plates but I would prefer not to if there is a better solution.

[914dtla]

I was thinking about putting these very belts in my car as well.

Not really sure what the plates are?
I'm surprised the belts need these plates as they supposed to be manufactured specifically for a 914.

Did you call Seat Belt Planet? What was their response?

I called Seatbelt Planet and they said the plate is to make sure the the retractor gets installed vertically and isn't necessary as long as I manually make sure the retractor goes in vertically. I don't know if I fully trust the response. I'm fairly convinced that the plates would be useful in a side impact or roll over scenario.

Hey that's my picture! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I recognize my dad's garage from way back when (2002?2003?) lol

Anyway, I would use a bolt and nut to secure the adapter to the belt body outside of the car in the correct position it will sit when installed. Scribe a line on the adapter plate for the 'extra' material and then disassemble and cut the adapter plate along the scribe/sharpie line.

Then your adapter matches the belt body.

Thanks for the advice. My solution will likely be to cut an 1/8" to a 1/4" off the end of the plate to get a proper fit. I figure that leaving more material can't hurt. I'll post updated pictures once I have made the modification.