Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys and gals I know the topic of rear belts has been covered alot, but has anyone any thoughts about the feasibility of roof mounted three point belts Currently my van has a 3/4 R&R bed with one three point belt on the side by the window and one lap belt. I want to replace the lap belt with a three point belt (kids safety) but the cupboards on that side block the upper mounting point. Many modern cars (like my Mazda6) have the inertia reel mounted in the roof so you can have a three point belt in the middle seat. Has any body done this mod to their vans and if so how????



Mark

i`m pretty sure there is not a roof brace rearward of the rear seats other than the tailgate mount panel. you could possibly mount to that. i`ve got a van with the headlining out in the garage atm so i`ll have a look and post back.

lee.

ok the rear inner panel that the tailgate mount to is big enough to mount a belt retainer to but i dont think its strong enough really. if you made a thicker steel mounting panel with a captivated nut and then welded it in to the panel that is already there then you may be ok.

do you have a overhead locker like the westy. cause if you do then i dont think it would work that way.

lee.

..lee.. wrote:ok the rear inner panel that the tailgate mount to is big enough to mount a belt retainer to but i dont think its strong enough really. if you made a thicker steel mounting panel with a captivated nut and then welded it in to the panel that is already there then you may be ok.

do you have a overhead locker like the westy. cause if you do then i dont think it would work that way.

lee.

Ta lee for that..thankfully I have no rear cupboard in the way, but I think it wound have to be a special inertia belt that could be mounted horizontally on the ceiling?? mmmm

if you`re serious about trying this i`d look for a belt in the scrappies first to see whats available. ie mounting position and length. the retainer also needs to be quite long as you are probally aware due to the fact it mounts a little way down below the seat height.


lee.