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 just installed these last night on my 75'. Was debating the need for the plate but upon further inspection you will note that the two raised tabs on the plate mate to the back of the unit and stop it from rotating. I had to massage one plate as well but think they are much more stable installed with them. Now I have to figure out a solution for the receivers as the ones from Seatbelt Planet interfere with my Renegade seat side bolsters.

I wouldn't install these without the plate for that reason. Bolts are not meant to take large shear loads because there is always gap between the head and the engaged threads.

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If you pushed sideways on the bottom plate in that diagram, you would cause the bolt to experience shear and also bending. The tabs on the seat belt plate should help take that load.

As I said earlier in this thread, the person I talked to at seatbelt planet said the tabs were just for alignment and I didn't really need the plate so I would take what I am saying with a grain of salt. However, when it comes to safety equipment, why take the chance?

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Looks great. Nice work.

Thanks. I wish I had more time to work on the car but I really only get weekends!