[TannerTrent]

All,
I've just installed my convertible frame back into my 74 Spider. It's been 6.5 years since I had removed it. The seatbelts that I'm using are new. The model I'm using can be seen at the following link.

1972-1981 Alfa Romeo Seat Belt Kit | SeatbeltPlanet

The problem I have is that the frame hits the top of the retractor when I lay down the frame. It hits on both the Left Hand and Right Hand of the car. It will not fully lay down behind the seats. I've even removed the retractor cover but it still interferes.

It is hitting here.

Does anyone have a proven solution / source? I am hoping to find some new seat belts that can just bolt in.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.
David

 

[Alfafannj]

The 'proven' solution is to get the right seat belt that your car was designed to use. What did the usual vendors say when you called them for a replacement set of seat belts?

 

[alfaparticle]

The 'proven' solution is to get the right seat belt that your car was designed to use. What did the usual vendors say when you called them for a replacement set of seat belts?

Very helpful considering that 74's were fitted with lap belts only

 

[Alfafannj]

Very helpful considering that 74's were fitted with lap belts only

If the vendors have them for sale what does it matter if they are lap belts or not? Calling the usual Alfa vendors to see if the correct 'proven' belt is available is still a viable option.

 

[TannerTrent]

Very helpful considering that 74's were fitted with lap belts only

Ed. That is exactly right. My spider originally had lap belts. I switched to retractable ones. I used the unused OEM mounting location that is on both sides of the rear parcel shelf. I was hoping to find someone that had done the same switch and follow their lead. If anyone is using retractable belts using that mounting location their input would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
David

 

[Jim G]

Your missing the extension bar that moves the reel towards the seat about 8 or so inches.

 

[TannerTrent]

Your missing the extension bar that moves the reel towards the seat about 8 or so inches.

Jim,
Really appreciate the note. That would solve the problem. I will fabricate something up unless someone has a set to sell.
Thanks again,
David

 

[alfaparticle]

Here is the arrangement on my 79 Spider with S3 seats. I am pretty sure that it originally came with lap belts and the PO converted it to 3 point over 20 years ago.

 

[Alfar7]

I have a 74 parts car that had factory retractors. A friend has the same issue as you with the new retracters mounted in the factory holes on his car.
On the parts car the retractor sits several inches lower than where the new one is mounted.

 

[architeuthis]

I have the original extenders available. PM me.

 

[Jim G]

Jim,
Really appreciate the note. That would solve the problem. I will fabricate something up unless someone has a set to sell.
Thanks again,
David

PM sent

 

[alfaparticle]

On page 53 of Chris Rees's "Original Alfa Romeo Spider" it shows a RHD 1750 series 2 with the shoulder belts anchored behind the rear seat cushions in the same area that my 79 retracters are fitted. In the text it states that inertia reel lap belts were introduced in 1973 for US models because in the US roadsters were exempt from the 3 point harness requirements. I can not find a reference to the introduction of 3 point harnesses in the US. Maybe it was '74 but I think that they came with the 1979.5 upgrade. Richard's 1974 may well have been upgraded to 3 point some time after it was delivered.

 

[Mousetrap]

Hi David,

I have a 74 with the same issue. The replacement inertia belts foul the hood when using the existing mounting points. Your choice of belts is limited by the angle of the factory mountings. Normal retractors won’t work in that position.

I added a bar so they could sit lower, but this is far from ideal. So I’m going to take the car to a specialist to add new lower mounting points.

 

[architeuthis]

Two are already packed up and ready to go. $40 shipped in the US mounting hardware included.

 

[TannerTrent]

I have a 74 parts car that had factory retractors. A friend has the same issue as you with the new retracters mounted in the factory holes on his car.
On the parts car the retractor sits several inches lower than where the new one is mounted.

That is really ironic. I told a friend yesterday about this issue as well. 😏
Peace,
David

 

[TannerTrent]

Hi David,

I have a 74 with the same issue. The replacement inertia belts foul the hood when using the existing mounting points. Your choice of belts is limited by the angle of the factory mountings. Normal retractors won’t work in that position.

I added a bar so they could sit lower, but this is far from ideal. So I’m going to take the car to a specialist to add new lower mounting points.

MT,
For now I'm going to add an extension. I would be interested to know how your new lower mounting points fair. Seems like a really good idea. Please give an update on how that turns out.
Thanks

 

[Jim G]

Here are pictures of how they mount.

The 3 point seat belts started on the 1980 model Spiders. Also the pins that the top framework rest on when its folded were moved which is why the top sits higher when folded down on the 1980 and later so the belt would not rub and be pressed on by the top .

 

[BMX]

I had the same problem when I went to fit my inertias supplied by CA, hood frame traps the belt, so I moved the mount to the rear wheel arch and welded in a big spreader plate, works great with the S3 shoulder belt retainers but lets face it safety belts in an old Alfa will offer minimal protection anyway

 

[Mousetrap]

Thanks, that is exactly what I’m expecting to happen. A plate with captive nut will be welded onto the wheel arch.

I would just do it, but would rather take it to a specialist seat belt fitting shop for my and future owners peace of mind.

How much extra protection it will afford is subjective. In a high speed impact I suspect it will be of little value, but at lower speeds I believe inertia belts properly mounted will be better.

None of which is to do with why I want retracting belts. It’s because I can’t stand the way static belts are always in the way. Either you end up sitting on them, or they fall on the floor as you get out.

 

[BMX]

"None of which is to do with why I want retracting belts. It’s because I can’t stand the way static belts are always in the way. Either you end up sitting on them, or they fall on the floor as you get out." With you on that one!, just a PITA