tvmaster
True Classic
There must be a good picture of the stock, upper mount, B pillar location on later model X’s here somewhere.
New seatbelts
- Thread starter Fred Cantin
- Start date
Dr.Jeff
True Classic
I'll take one for you later today. I don't think the "button" hole cover you see here (pic below) is the belt's shoulder mount. It should be higher up than that, but it might just be the perspective in this pic. I'll confirm it when I look later..
tvmaster
True Classic
No, it's pretty far down, about 1-2" from the bottom, and about 3" below the top of my shoulder, but I have a tall torso. I guess not all '74's were made the same...
Dr.Jeff
True Classic
I'm thinking that button might be a retainer for the upholstered cover, not a seat belt mount. Plus the mounting bolts for the belts are huge. But I don't recall off hand exactly what's there. So I'll have to look. I think I have an example with the belts in place, and an example with the belts/covers removed. I'll post pics...please remind me if I forget.
tvmaster
True Classic
Yeah, my thought was interior button as well, but I’d like to be wrong...
kmead
Old enough to know better
You might use your hand to press through the upholstery to feel the opening for the fastener. It should be where it is on the later X’s if it is there.
Dr.Jeff
True Classic
Here are some pictures of a '79 (no belt attached here) and a '85 (attached) seatbelt upper mount:
Both cars have some trim removed, so don't let that confuse things. Neither of these have the little "button" that your's does, but I think the mounting point here is higher than the button on yours. To help get some perspective, the 'slits' in the upholstery (both cars here) is where that little plastic vent goes (same as yours).
Here is your pic again for comparison:
I think your button is more where the green arrow is here (or even lower):
Both cars have some trim removed, so don't let that confuse things. Neither of these have the little "button" that your's does, but I think the mounting point here is higher than the button on yours. To help get some perspective, the 'slits' in the upholstery (both cars here) is where that little plastic vent goes (same as yours).
Here is your pic again for comparison:
I think your button is more where the green arrow is here (or even lower):
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tvmaster
True Classic
yes, your button is in a more sensible place for a belt. Since I’ll be replacing the headliner anyway, I wonder if welding a steel plate to the B pillar and drilling a thread in it would be strong enough to withstand a mid-speed collision force.
tvmaster
True Classic
Update: after pulling away the headliner, it seems apparent I have the rarest of rare cars - a 1974 that DOESN‘T have the hidden, B pillar, pre-threaded mounting hole for 3-point belts. Damn. This car keeps disappointing while at the same time rewarding in its driving. Grrrr.
tvmaster
True Classic
The old expert who just worked on the car swore those holes would be there. And he’s not the first to say that about a ‘74. Regardless, the Internet is revealing different ways to get there, some not that involved. Not sure if a X‘s B pillar would qualify as “going to the roof” though...I not clear that anyone ever claimed a '74 will have those mounts? Keep in mind the '74s are different from all other years (in the US) in many ways. Therefore you purchased the oddball year, so expect to find 'abnormalities'. That's what makes it "special".
3 Point Seat Belts Installation of Shoulder Anchor Point Where Door Post Goes to Roof
Mark
FIATFREAK
Here’s where the shoulder mount is located on a ‘74. It’s where the plug is usually located.
The old expert who just worked on the car swore those holes would be there. And he’s not the first to say that about a ‘74. Regardless, the Internet is revealing different ways to get there, some not that involved. Not sure if a X‘s B pillar would qualify as “going to the roof” though...
3 Point Seat Belts Installation of Shoulder Anchor Point Where Door Post Goes to Roof
www.wescoperformance.com
jimmyx
True Classic
I've put 3-point belts in 3 prior '74s and all had mounts. I have a current '74 in the middle of a K20 swap, so I took a quick look and it has the mounts as well. The trick is in removing the plug. The cap portion will likely snap off due to age. Is usually comes off clean and no threaded hole is apparent. The rest of that ribbed plug left behind is quite stout and fairly long. Couple that with the errant upholstery cement that sometimes got on the plug during installation and you can have a bear of a time getting it out. Starting with a phillips screwdriver, place in the center of the plug and smack it with a hammer. Once the plug is dislodged, you may have to run a chaser tap to clean all the glue, vinyl, and plastic out of the threads. I've used the following belts multiple times and they work flawlessly:
Hope this helps!
SECURON Seat Belt - Auto Lap & Diagonal - Black - 500/30 | eBay
This auto rear lap and diagonal seat belt is a static seat belt, made from strong, durable and effective webbing designed to withstand any impact if in an accident. Auto Lap & Diagonal Seat Belt. We will respond to you within 24 hours and do our best to help you out!
www.ebay.com
Hope this helps!
tvmaster
True Classic
Hey everybody, I’ve got that plug, but we were thinking it was too low, especially compared to where it was relocated to in the early 80’s. Lol. Spent the whole night looking at post-plate-insert systems, which meant cutting into the B pillar.
I just thought this plug was for holding the upholstery in place. Still seems low...but I‘ll see if I can get the plugs out without destroying them.
I just thought this plug was for holding the upholstery in place. Still seems low...but I‘ll see if I can get the plugs out without destroying them.
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tvmaster
True Classic
Any idea if these after-market belts can be hooked up to the existing seat belt warning system in the X?
Mark
FIATFREAK
No, the factor belts had the wiring built on. I trashed all that nonsense when I reengineered the wiring.
tvmaster
True Classic
Most people do. What if you bought these: http://www.securon.co.uk/fitting/extras/electricallywired.htm
Question being, could you use their electric buckle with their 500/30 harness mechanism? I’m thinking yes, since it’s the buckle receptacle that’s handling the on/off?
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tvmaster
True Classic
So there's no GOOD way to get those 46 year old plugs out without total destruction? Would spraying a little lubricant in help at all to loosen the plug?I've put 3-point belts in 3 prior '74s and all had mounts. I have a current '74 in the middle of a K20 swap, so I took a quick look and it has the mounts as well. The trick is in removing the plug. The cap portion will likely snap off due to age. Is usually comes off clean and no threaded hole is apparent. The rest of that ribbed plug left behind is quite stout and fairly long. Couple that with the errant upholstery cement that sometimes got on the plug during installation and you can have a bear of a time getting it out. Starting with a phillips screwdriver, place in the center of the plug and smack it with a hammer. Once the plug is dislodged, you may have to run a chaser tap to clean all the glue, vinyl, and plastic out of the threads. I've used the following belts multiple times and they work flawlessly:
SECURON Seat Belt - Auto Lap & Diagonal - Black - 500/30 | eBay
This auto rear lap and diagonal seat belt is a static seat belt, made from strong, durable and effective webbing designed to withstand any impact if in an accident. Auto Lap & Diagonal Seat Belt. We will respond to you within 24 hours and do our best to help you out!www.ebay.com
Hope this helps!View attachment 39174View attachment 39174View attachment 39175View attachment 39174View attachment 39175
Update: with a little WD40 and a lot of patience, got the first plug out with no breakage. A little mangled, but all good. Now, time to order a test shoulder-belt:
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kmead
Old enough to know better
I don’t think you need anything else.
Out of curiosity, why the focus on the belt reminder? Are you that likely to not buckle up without it? I can understand the key in reminder, you either like them or you don’t but an easy to live with thing in any case.
As someone who had a 1974 Datsun with a similar solution starter interlock, it was a complete effing nightmare. Too many connections, too little reliability. The belt switch was prone to failure due to dirt/schmutz of life.