Seat belt

[sdh]

Can anyone tell me if there Is there a 3 point seat belt available for a 1977 Spider?

Steve

[mbouse]

do you want new OEM, new aftermarket, or used OEM ??

plenty of choices in the aftermarket. i prefer http://www.gotbelts.com be sure to measure your existing belt length. I think you'll want a 120" replacement belt. and, i think you'll want to cut off the "b" pillar ring from the replacement.

new OEM? good luck.

used? put an ad in the "parts wanted" section. be sure to state color desired.

[sdh]

Thanks Mike. Is it an easy install or are modificatios required?

Steve

[mbouse]

cutting that "D" ring might take a little doing since it is hardened steel.

the anchor points are nearly the same.

Choose the tail piece that is longer rather than shorter... you'll appreciate finding it between your center console and the seat back a whole lot easier. I think that piece requires just a 17mm socket and ratchet.

the non-coil end of the long strap mounts identical to the stock unit, on the inside of the rocker. again, a single bolt holds it in place, same size socket.

the recoil is slightly tuffer. you need to remove the rear seat back, which should be no more than two sheet metal screws at the base of the seat back. pull down, then out.

the original recoil unit is held in with two bolts. your replacement most likely will be secured with just one. be sure to mount it top side up, or you'll have issues with the self-locking mechanism of the recoil unit.

easy - peasy

[ga.spyder]

I used gotbelts per Mikes rec.and they were great,Simple install.I used a dremel with a cutting blade for the ring,no sweat.Does your 77 have shoulder belts?I have a project 77,it only has the lap belts.I think my car is a rebadged 76,as there are things different than every 77 I have seen.Has anyone installed 3 points in a car that didnt have them originally?I cant imagine it would be too difficult.
Craig

[mbouse]

you'd have to modify the rear seat back to accept the shoulder belt... plus you'd have to fabricate a mounting location behind the rear seat back. But... it could be done.

[ga.spyder]

Maybe get a rear seat from a later model car? My wife loves the car,but really doesnt care for the lap belt only.I have the belts I took out of the 82..uh oh...I smell a winter project brewing
Craig

[sdh]

I only have a lap belt. Do I need to get a 1978> back seat or......?

Steve

[mbouse]

a 1978 rear seat back would be a great way to solve that problem, but modifying an earlier seat back is not a tremendous issue. a bigger challenge will be properly mounting the retractor. i don't think that your car will have the mounting bracket for the retractor. so you'll need to devise a way to SAFELY mount the retractor, giving it the strength it may need in an actual crash situation.

i am not trying to discourage you... i applaud your enthusiasm to pursue a three point system, increasing the odds you'll survive a crash. but that better chance will only come with a safe and secure mount of the belt system