seat belt mod question

[jeffy69911t]

Gentlemen and/or Ladies,

I have a ’69 911T, and just did a seat belt mod by way of upgrading to later model Porsche recoiling belts. The recoiling mechanism bolted on nicely to an already existing nut which was welded to the body. Strange to find a nut there since I’ve never heard of optional recoiling seat belts on a 1969 model car.

In any case, my stock interior trim piece (recoiling seat belt cover) is no longer appropriate since its shape does not accommodate a recoiling seatbelt mechanism. Later model Porsches (1974 and beyond) have the recoiling mechanism mounted in different place to mine so a trim piece from that era won’t work.

I’ve been told that Porsche made a “box” that bolted on to an early model trim piece like mine which covered the recoiling mechanism. Apparently, this box was available on ’72 or ’73 model year cars when the recoiling belts became optional. I’ve yet to seen one. Question(s): Does such a thing exist, and where can I get two? If they are rare, then I’m open to other suggestions. Thanks, jeffy

[PCA7GGR]

I installed newer style, retractable seatbelts in my '70. I believe that I too used the existing threaded mounting hole in the rear quarter side. I also used the newer style side molding with the slot fo the seat belt. It's a bit forward and the belt rubs slightly but it works.

[RWebb]

my '73.5 has rollup belts but no box -- unless I don't understand what you mean by box...

[jeffy69911t]

Thanks for the pic, Sergio. I tried one of those newer moldings (like the one you have pictured) and the belt slot was not nearly close enough to the retractable jobbie. No way it will work. (I don't have a picture handy). This must mean your nut is welded in a different place to mine.

So I guess you've never heard of the add-on "box" I refered to?

[jeffy69911t]

RWebb,

The box, I'm told, was sonething that screwed onto the existing seat belt molding for '72 and '73 cars if the buyer opted for retractable belts. Maybe '73.5 cars had something a little different. Obvioulsy, I have delved into the obscure. Thanks for the reply.

[ossiblue]

Jeff69911t,

Here's a pic of the box on a 72. Sorry it's not a complete pic, but the boxes do exist.

[RWebb]

Interesting - here is my '73.5 car. It had about 6 PO's so dunno if it is stock...




- note the rear seats are removed unlike the prev. car

[daepp]

My 72 Targa has retractables. I had them replaced with oem stuff built to current safety standards at a company called performance engineered parts in Los Osos, CA. At that time, the guy there (gowesty.com) who does the Porsche seat belts indicated he had done many updates for earlier cars and that he had a good looking, simple solution. You might give him a shout.

[jeffy69911t]

ossiblue and RWebb, you guys rule. Your pics illustrate exactly what I'm talking about. They are rare, but at least I now know what I"m looking for. And david, I'll also follow up on your lead. Thanks again guys! Jeffy

[RWebb]

I actually like the look of Sergio's install. One you cut the slot back a bit and shift the slotted cover back. There might be a small cut showing forward of that. If so, I bet it cold be filled with that vinyl repair stuff.

Anyway, Good Luck!

[bluesky]

Originally Posted by RWebb

I actually like the look of Sergio's install. One you cut the slot back a bit and shift the slotted cover back. There might be a small cut showing forward of that. If so, I bet it cold be filled with that vinyl repair stuff.

Anyway, Good Luck!

That's exactly what I did on my '73. It looks exactly like Sergio's.

[Nitrometano]

I think I need to do that on my '72. It have the no retractable seat belts.

[jeffy69911t]

My 72 Targa has retractables. I had them replaced with oem stuff built to current safety standards at a company called performance engineered parts in Los Osos, CA. At that time, the guy there (gowesty.com) who does the Porsche seat belts indicated he had done many updates for earlier cars and that he had a good looking, simple solution. You might give him a shout.

I called this company--gowesty--and the dude that answered the phone was very cool. Unfortunately, they don't sell anything resembling the afore mentioned boxes. (Those of you guys who have the original Porsche boxes should count yourselves fortunate). Anyway, short of me obtaining the original boxes someday, he suggested I just mount the retractable device on top of my seat belt cover. After thinking about, I think this makes sense.

[daepp]

Sorry Jeff - I knew they didn't have the boxes. He just pointed out to me that they had a nice, simple solution to the problem of retractibles for the earlier early cars that looked good and that customers seemed to like. And I've seldom met a nicer guy to work with - I think his name may have been Travis.

But don't bring your wallet to gowesty if you're a bus fan - they have too many cool toys there!

To wit:

[jeffy69911t]

No apologies necessary, David. I just wanted to report on my gowesty findings. They sell other stuff like the seat belts and brackets which are worth checking out. You’re right, the guy is super nice. And his name is Trampas. I love our little Pelican community. Jeffy

[PCA7GGR]

For those of you who might be interested, here are pics of the seat belt receiver and how I mounted the belts to the b-post and seats.

I bought the complete belt package from a fellow Pelicanite and the receiver mounting hardware was cut out of a wreck at EASY. I drilled a pair of holes in the receiver mounting hardware and mounted it far enough back so that I could reach through the tunnel hatch and secure the hardware with bolts and nylock nuts.

[PCA7GGR]

Here's a pic of the belt mounted on the Recaro rail.

[signature65]

Hey Rwebb thats exactly how my early 73 looks. So its stock. I had a harness bar in the car and 4 point belts so I'm in the process of switching back to regular belts.

[RWebb]

I wonder if that receiver mounting is strong enough for an accident? You might put a plate behind it and use high strength or really fat bolts. I'd feel better if it was all welded up...

[daepp]

Jeff - one more point. If you are restoring the car, I believe Trampas is/has designed the labels needed for the "receiver" on your seat belts. "Press"