Safety belts for Volkswagen 181

Fixed, retractable or harness

• The fixed seatbelt is adjusted by hand and remains in place. This is the original fitting in many classic cars, and the only one that retains the period look. It needs to be readjusted whenever the driver changes or changes their clothing.
• The retractable seatbelt follows the wearer’s movements and locks automatically on impact. It is significantly more comfortable for everyday use and can be fitted to many vehicles that did not originally have one, provided the necessary anchor points are available.
• The harness, with four or more points, secures the torso. It is designed for specially modified vehicles and requires a carefully designed anchorage system, usually on a roll cage: if fitted anywhere else, it is more dangerous than a conventional seatbelt.

The number of points follows the same logic: two points for a central rear seat, three points for full support of the torso and pelvis, and four points or more for sporting use.

When to replace a seatbelt

• After a collision, without fail, even if the strap appears undamaged. A seatbelt is designed to stretch whilst absorbing energy: it can only do this once, and the damage is not visible to the naked eye.
• Frayed, cut or stiffened fabric, particularly where the strap passes through the buckle and over the shoulder strap, where the strap is under the most strain.
• A retractor that no longer retracts or locks on impact. The test is carried out whilst stationary: a sharp tug on the strap should cause it to lock immediately.
• A buckle that does not lock properly or that unlocks when subjected to lateral pull.
• Significant discolouration of the fabric caused by the sun, a sign that the fibres have lost some of their strength.

The anchor points are just as important as the strap: check the condition of the metal around the attachment points, which is often corroded on an older vehicle, and replace the bolts rather than reusing them.

Fitting a vehicle that didn’t have them

Fitting seatbelts to a vehicle that was originally supplied without them is common practice, and it is theanchor point that does all the work, not the belt itself. A strap secured to a single sheet of metal will tear away at the first impact, taking a section of the floor panel with it.

A correct anchor point requires a load-distribution plate on either side of the sheet metal, a point that is attached to a structural member rather than a formed sheet, and fasteners of the strength class specified for this purpose. Many classic cars already have reinforcements embedded in the bodywork, fitted during production to accommodate optional equipment: identifying these prevents you from drilling in the wrong place. The positioning of the anchor points and their strength are also subject to regulations: check the current legislation before drilling, and have the installation inspected if you have any doubts.

Colour and compliance

On a classic car, the colour of the seatbelt is just as much a part of compliance as the upholstery. Manufacturers fitted seatbelts to match the interior, and a black seatbelt against a light-coloured dashboard and trim stands out immediately.

Also check that the overall look is consistent: it is better to replace all the seatbelts in the same row at once rather than just one, as two seatbelts of slightly different shades will never blend in. And if you are fitting seatbelts to a vehicle that did not originally have them, choosing a neutral shade will age better than a bright colour, which makes the fitment look dated.