1973 Convertible Super Beetle rear seat belts

[mikeycusick]

I am wondering if anyone has had success with getting 3 point seat belts mounted for the rear seat in a 1973 convertible super beetle. I know the vehicle came with lap belts, but with two kids, I would prefer to have the shoulder belt as well. Any thoughts, suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance.

[CarlIseminger]

Has anyone done this? I need to do this very same thing.
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1969 VW Beetle Convertible

[Tim Donahoe]

I can’t imagine it without something higher up, like a roll bar. Without something like that, you have no point of attachment.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[human compass]

Im doing this now in a 79. If you remove the back seat you will see 3 points of attachment (at least on my vert there is). This includes one that is high enough up for the upper mounting point
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp

[BWingate]

Where are you getting your seat belts from - I've tried a couple of different styles and nothing is working right.

[human compass]

I just ordered the generic retractable ones from j bugs.
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp

[CarlIseminger]

Could you post photos of the three points you found behind the back seat?
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1969 VW Beetle Convertible

[bnam]

My 71 vert also came with 3 attachment points for belts. But, probably intended for 3 point static belts.

There is one point on the back firewall under the rear window which is covered with a black plastic screw and washer. One point is the rear seatback hinge screw. And 3rd is under the seat near the tunnel opening.
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1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[CarlIseminger]

I figured the Lao belt points were two of the points. Just didn't realize where the shoulder loop would be. The convertible that I am looking at to buy has been redone so I think the third point might be under the carpet.
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1969 VW Beetle Convertible

[human compass]

I'll post pics but it will be a bit as the body is off while I replace the pans.
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84 Westy Syncro- 3.3L SVX stage 2 tune,subaru gears 6speed with tbd, front locker, porche brakes x4, aux tank, radflo susp

[jmedwid]

Here are some pictures from the gallery showing the 3rd mount point. The first pic is from my 76 SB convertible. I used the static seat belts and while they do work they can be a hassle to adjust.

John

[CarlIseminger]

Today, my shoulder belts arrived from Wesco Performance. Were a bit spendy, but they matched the interior, matched the front seat belts already installed by the PO and allowed installation to the rear firewall.

I was lucky that I managed to find that the PO, when they redid the entire car, didn't need to cut out the area in the rear firewall where the factory mounts for shoulder belts were for convertibles. So I was able to just "plug and play".

I used photos from the gallery to estimate where the holes should be and pulled back the interior carpet and did some exploration until I found the threaded mounts. Took my time and was able to cover back up with the carpet for a very neat installation.

At this time, I do not feel that they interfere with the top being lowered, but if they do, I can flip the retractors over and gain that space.

Now the Grandkids can cruise with Grandpa!

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1969 VW Beetle Convertible