3 point seat belts for classic cars

 Installing 3-point seat belts in classic cars can greatly enhance safety while maintaining a classic aesthetic. Many older cars were originally equipped with lap belts or even no seat belts at all. Installing 3-point seat belts (which include both a lap and a shoulder strap) can make the car more modern and safer.

Here are some points to consider when adding 3-point seat belts to classic cars:

1. Seat Belt Mounting Locations

• Front Seats: The shoulder harness of the 3-point belt needs to be anchored to the car's body near the top of the side pillar (B-pillar). This can require some modification or reinforcement if the car didn’t originally come with provisions for this.
• Rear Seats: If you want to install seat belts in the back, the same principle applies. For some classic cars, retrofitting rear 3-point seat belts can be tricky if the structure is not designed to support them.

2. Choosing the Right Kit

• There are several aftermarket seat belt kits designed for classic cars. Look for one specifically tailored for your car model, or a universal kit that includes all necessary hardware like bolts, retractors, and shoulder straps.
• Some kits include a retractor mechanism that allows the seat belt to automatically retract for a cleaner look and easier use.

3. Materials and Style

• Modern 3-point seat belts often come in various colors and materials, but it’s a good idea to choose something that matches the interior of your classic car. You can find seat belts in different finishes (like chrome) to keep the aesthetic in line with the vintage style.

4. Installation

• DIY: If you're comfortable with car modification, you may attempt to install them yourself. Ensure that you have proper tools to drill into the body of the car if necessary and reinforce the mounting points if needed.
• Professional Installation: If you're not experienced, it's advisable to hire a professional to ensure the installation is done safely. Incorrectly installed seat belts could be dangerous in the event of an accident.

5. Safety Considerations

• Seat belt installation is not just about fitting them physically in the car. They need to be securely fastened to the car’s frame or floor with high-strength bolts and reinforcement. You may need to have a professional assess the mounting points to ensure they can handle the stresses in the event of a crash.
• It's important that the belts meet safety standards. Even though the car is classic, using modern seat belts that meet or exceed current safety standards is important.

6. Legal Considerations

• Check your local regulations. Some areas may require specific types of seat belts for vehicles on the road, especially for modern registration and inspections.

Brands to Look Into:

• Sabelt: Offers a range of seat belts for classic cars, with retro designs that suit vintage vehicles.
• MGB Seat Belts: There are many manufacturers that make seat belts specifically for classic cars, like MG, for example, that offer retrofit kits.
• Seatbelt Planet: Offers custom and universal seat belt kits that can be adapted to older vehicles.

Installing 3-point seat belts is a great way to modernize the safety features of a classic car without compromising its authenticity too much. Have you considered installing them yourself, or would you prefer to have it done professionally?