Convertible vs GT Seat Belts

I'm looking to replace the 3 point harness type seat belts in my '74 GT (that I should receive next week) with the stock style Securon seat belts that are readily available. I need to know if there's a difference in the seatbelts between the convertible and the GT. Some seatbelts I've seen listed in various catalogs list a different part number for the belts themselves or a separate part number for additional hardware items to use with the GT. I've done a search on the Securon website and they list the same belt part number for the convertible as they do the GT. Where do the seat belts attach in the GT? Same places as the convertible? Also, has anyone installed seat belts in the back seat of their GT? IF so, what'd you use and how'd you do it?

Shawn Escue

'72 MGB convertible
'74 MGB GT

The GT shoulder harness belt attaches on top of the wheel well and are probably longer. The attachment is the same for retractable and stationary. My 70 GT has the stationary belts and I believe I like them better than retractable..

Hey Gary - did you find those two GT's just outside Floyd, VA?

Shawn, my GT came with a seat belt in the back. I'm not sure if that is standard or not because the latch doesnt match the front seats. I can take some pictures of the mounting spots if you'd like.

Thanks Rusty, I might have to ask you to do that. In your honest opinion is there a way to attach a child seat back there (safely) with some sort of seat belt setup?

Shawn Escue

My only comment Shawn is to forget the Securon junk. These are extremely finicky to get positioned just right so they work properly. I trashed mine and purchased the American made reel and belts from Moss. More compact, no adjustments needed. Just mount-for you, on top of the wheelwell--and use, no worries..

Mike

Shawn,

I've tried a number of different ways to install a child booster seat in the rear of my GT with no luck. There is just no headroom. Even if you take the rear cushion out. The shelf is just too high. I think if you don't use a booster/child seat, it's probably possible.

There was a thread a while back where there was some back and forth on the topic. I remember suggesting that it could be done with some major surgery to the battery box area, but I'm sure you don't want to go that far!

I rode in the back of my GT as a child until I was about 13! It was really more like laying down in the back of the GT!

Shawn-
I have Securon Belts in my 80 GT and have found them to be good quality and NOT junk. I installed one lap static belt in the boot seat for my 6-year old. It's part # 210. I bought this from the MGB Hive and it also is not junk. I wouldn't use it if it was.

http://www.securon.co.uk/applications/app_list/jtom/seat_belts_mg.htm

It is not a lap belt in the sense that it just comes across the lap. It is a proper static lap/shoulder belt combination.

The shoulder belt attaches to the same point as the front seat shoulder belt mount. the lap belt bit attaches to a point on the rear fender well. The buckle bit attaches to a threaded bolt hole in the middle of the bench seat. Just pull out the seat and fabric pad and you'll see the threaded holes.

The Securon kit comes with all the bolts and instructions...no drilling was needed. It's a 10 minute job.

You will be left with a lot of excess webbing and you may want to shorten it by cutting and re-sewing. This fitment mod is simply just to remove the excess length...you don't need to-it just looks neater.

Here's the conundrum in the UK w/a GT...since the car did not come with rear seat belts, any person in the back does not require a seat belt. BUT since I have installed one, now legally, any child sitting there is required to be in a booster seat. BUT, there's no clearance for one.

My boy's head almost touches the top of the car. The restraints cross his body in the proper places. And he wears his seatbelt if he's in the back.

In spite of the proper fitment, I do limit our travels w/him in the back seat. You'll find that their little bodies are right against the side of the car and have no real side impact protection...or rear end shunt protection either.

If you are using a car seat, it may fit with the seat pad removed . I've not fitted one of these. I don't know if you will be able to get the car seat tightly secured without a retractable seat belt...I'm not sure you could get the static one adusted tight enough and then buckled. Sorry, I can't help with that.

To close, I don't have him in the back very much at all. If my family of three take the GT it is to go simply the short distance into the village. If it's any further we take a more modern car w/proper safety features.

Matt

Shawn,

I just put new belts in my GT. If you'd like, your welcome to stop by. I'm just over in Allen off Stacy Road.

I bought US belts, and a mount extension of MGOC.

Jim

Hey Jim. Thanks for the offer. Once the GT gets here I'll likely take you up on your offer and pop by. We're practically neighbors. I live close to Independence and McDermott. Thanks!

Shawn