"3 Point Seat Belts"
or
"You Want Automatic, or the Stick Shift? (8-)"
An Joint Article by Larry Paulick & Steve Laifman
May, 2002
Preface: Larry Paulick is the original author of this article, and has done all the concept and writing for the original submission. Since I had a similar effort in progress, we agreed to combine the information and let the readers have the option of comparison for their consideration.
Editor
Page 1
3 Point Seat Belts, a Choice
Retractable 3 Point Seat Belts (Larry)
Your Passenger's Home!
One of the options with a new Tiger was a 3-point seat belt. This was rarely seen on Tigers in the 60’s and 70’s, but 2 point seat belts became popular, and in some states mandatory.
New cars for years have been using 3 point retractable seat belts, and I wanted to retrofit my Tiger, it's the same for Alpines, to a more modern 3 point retractable seat belt.
Manual 3 Point Seat Belts (Steve)
Protect Your Loved Ones
In my opinion, the use of a 3 point seat belt is mandatory. It protects your passenger and yourself, as well as providing greater driver support for control. I've had seat belts since 1952, when I had to buy khaki surplus from an Aircraft War Surplus Store. A manual seat belt requires individual fit adjustment. The 3 point new model torso portion is adjustable at the rear mount, as well as the lap end, where the belt loop to the shoulder slides through a cinch locking mechanism, and the buckle and rear shoulder mounting have the pull-adjust. Easy to use for a range of individuals.
Sources
Larry:
After looking around, including the hot rod sources, and the junk yards, I found a new quality British made 3 point seat belt with a retractor, at British Victoria for about $80. Hot rod sources were in the $120 range. All mounting bolts and hardware are provided.
Steve:
I had originally purchased an NOS Rootes Factory 3 point belt system. Unfortunately, though never opened, time and oxidation had turned the black belt purple, and adjustment mechanism was not well designed. I was able to locate an American made unit which, I believe, is sold by Moss Motors for the MGB. Since the factory is local (Beams Industries Inc., 10519 South Sunnylane Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73160 (405) 793-1901) a referral to local source is likely. The Model Number is CH 600SH, #13022. It probably is available in many choices of color, as long as it's black.
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