Better seat belts for 70 911t

[Fastdog911]

Hi.. new to the forum…just obtained a 1970 911T. Here is what I am trying to find out.. The seat belts in the 1970 911T are terrible. I feel better off not using them.. Is there a car model ( 72 etc ) in which I could buy retractable seat belts so it works like a more modern car? Is there a place that would sell new ones that retract? What would be involved in the installation?? Many thanks in advance..

[coldstart]

A good safe alternative are the seatbelts from peparts.com . They are not cheap (~$150 per side) I bought them and they work great but do not look like the original stock seatbelts.

Make sure to do some research and determine if your seats are stock. If so, specify the year, make and model and follow their instructions. It is important to install them properly for safety reasons.

EDIT: peparts.com website indicates that they are no longer supplying belts. Too bad!

[Grady Clay]

Fastdog911,
First WELCOME to Pelican
You will find a lot of help here.

Congratulations on your ‘new’ 911. Many happy miles to you.
Pictures please.
First order is to see what you have – seats and belts; coupe or Targa.

There have been dramatic improvements in seats, belts and anchorage of both since our cars were new.
Before investing in anything, get your existing belts to adjust properly.
Using them as intended is far better than none-at-all.

If your seats are stock, pay particular attention to the two screws on each side of the seat back to the recliner mechanism.

I think some of the ‘watershed transitions’ for seats occur in about 1974 and 1990.
The belts became anchored to the chassis again starting in 1974.
It is possible (but not always easy) to fit the newer (and safer) pieces to your car.

There are interior pieces and retractable ‘inertia’ belts from later 911s that fit and can appear original.

I recommend you look-over all the possibilities and make some informed decisions.
We can help.
Where are you located?

Again, welcome.

Best,
Grady

[Fastdog911]

Thanks for the info Grady…. I have the OEM seats that the belts are attached to the seats and you have to tug and pull the lap part and the shoulder part to make them work. I am planning on getting a set of Monte Carlo seats from GTS Classics as my seats are shot. The car I just bought is a 1970T 108,000 miles fully documented from day one. Car has zero rust and has never been wrecked. Dash has no cracks and body had a repaint 10 years ago. Car has original carpets, headliner ( just needs to be cleaned) and just a small tear in the drivers seat. Car is getting a Seine Systems shifter, tune up, seat belts! and the Monte Carlo seats. I left the last owner a note on his windshield 10 years ago to call me if he ever wanted to sell. Friday I got a call from him and bought it at a VERY good price. Really excited to get working on the car and it is nice to receive a warm welcome from you and the forum. Here are the photos of the belts and a few of the car. Window tint will be removed soon. Dan

[Grady Clay]

Nice!

It may be that all you need are the rear quarter upholstery from a late-’70s through about ’89 coupe and the inertia-reel seat belt mechanism and belts.

Some of the difficulties (that I can’t answer) may be:
The exact fit of the upholstery may need slight modification – easy for a pro.
You probably must use the set of latching pieces. You can’t just add the shoulder part.
You need to decide to continue with the seat mounted set-up or have reinforced mounts in the chassis.

Post the link for the Monte Carlo seats so we can see what you are considering.

Your stock seats look in reasonable (repairable) condition.
Consider having them repaired and reinforced.
They would look (and work) nicely with leather and houndstooth.
Whatever you do, keep them with the 911.

Best,
Grady

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

If your seats are stock, pay particular attention to the two screws on each side of the seat back to the recliner mechanism.

I think some of the ‘watershed transitions’ for seats occur in about 1974 and 1990.
The belts became anchored to the chassis again starting in 1974.



Best,
Grady

My 1973.5 has the seat belts anchored to the unit body

Grady - was there a time period in which the belts were anchored to the seats?

[Grady Clay]

Randy,

See ... my lame memory (and not double-checking).
It must be '69-'71 has the seat belts to the seat frame. (not '74 transition)
Since you quoted, I can't edit.

Best,
Grady

[RWebb]

if you want to edit, I'll do the quote (but your post above should do the trick)

[Fastdog911]

My OEM Seats look good until you sit in them. No padding. I am looking at the above seat for long haul drives and overall comfort. thoughts suggestions welcome.. I will be saving anything that I take off for the next owner… that seat might change how I do the belts. I much rather have the belts welded or bolted into the chassis vs current method. If I go that route will most any belt work? I really don't want to drive this until I get this fixed and I am getting really impatient!

[Brandon-FL]

With PEParts no longer in the seat belt business, here is another source you might consider:

Welcome to VintageSeatBelts.com

They can reweb original hardware and can fab repro "tags" for the year of your car.