retro fit new seat belts

staging lady · 06-12-2007, 06:25 PM

Hi everyone,
Advice needed on fitting rear seatbelts. We have bought a second-hand g reg Frankia Atlantis and we would like to fit the dinette at the front or u shaped lounge at the rear with 2 seatbelts.
We went to local Halfords but they don't sell them anymore according to the saleslady. She suggested a scrap yard....hum?
Does anyone know how / where to buy 2 and then how to fit them. Spinney Motors in Cheshire is my local Frankia dealer but will they be sniffy about such an old van?

Staging lady

GJH · 06-12-2007, 06:57 PM

There's a good article Here about the legal aspects.

One point it doesn't cover, however, is the need to have appropriate anchor points for any retro-fitted belts. If belts are fitted without the necessary anchor points then it's highly likely that the vehicle will fail the MoT test.

Best check out everything before spending any money.

Graham

staging lady · 06-12-2007, 09:21 PM

Thanks for that information, Graham. I never even thought about the MOT. We need to do more research on fixing points before we spend the money. Thank goodness for helpful people like yourself and this forum.

Lucille

Geoff · 07-12-2007, 12:12 AM

As far as I am aware the M.O.T. tester will be looking for proper fitting i.e. mountings fixed to a reasonably strong part of the structure with adequate load spreading plates.

My advise would be to call in and have a word with your tester, if you don't already have a regular one look for a small independant M.O.T. tester, they are generaly more clued up on the unusual. TIP:- Try and sus out who the local traders use.

Regards Geoff

.

American Dream · 07-12-2007, 07:07 AM

Hi,

I am also looking at retro-fitting seat belts and would appreciate any further information on this please?

I have bought a set of ex-bmw belts and am looking to make up a set of load spreading plates etc.

staging lady · 07-12-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

As far as I am aware the M.O.T. tester will be looking for proper fitting i.e. mountings fixed to a reasonably strong part of the structure with adequate load spreading plates.

My advise would be to call in and have a word with your tester, if you don't already have a regular one look for a small independant M.O.T. tester, they are generaly more clued up on the unusual. TIP:- Try and sus out who the local traders use.

Regards Geoff

.

Thanks, Geoff, this is really good advice and we will look for an mot tester.
Lucille

American Dream · 07-12-2007, 08:17 PM

Ask GEO.

MOT Testing garage owner.

Just don't tell him I sent You.

staging lady · 07-12-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Dream

Ask GEO.

MOT Testing garage owner.

Just don't tell him I sent You.

How do I get in touch with him? Can I do so on this site?
Lucille

Geo · 07-12-2007, 08:40 PM

Hi All
This should come as no great surprise, we are always telling folk that the MOT test is only good for the hour it takes place, it is not a guarantee of the the vehicle ,its components, or fit for purpose, I have very strict guidelines to carry out an MoT test and these are to check the basic legal requirements current at the time of the Test.
The seat belt test criteria is that each seat that requires one has one that its mounting point and the 12" surrounding it are not corroded excessively,
ergo if its mounted to a 1/8th plywood floor at cant be corroded, so it passes
this means, in essence that the real serviceability of a mounting is outside the Testers remit, sorry,
It also means that your passengers could fly through the windscreen,

Now if that same windscreen has an 10.1mm stone chip in front of the driver it will FAIL the mot

Crazy or what
Geo

pappajohn · 07-12-2007, 09:23 PM

the rear belts in our kontiki are mounted on a 50mm box section steel frame which is the same size as the dinnette seat and completely surrounds the on-board water tank(stops 80ltrs of water hitting you in the back if you stand on the brakes) and presumably bolted through to the chassis. total overkill........the winch mount on my offroader isnt that substantial.

john.