1961 bug - seat belt retrofit

[PaulMc]

I have a 61 bug - I don't think it came with seat belts originally and I can't find any place where belts would be attached.

I want to install lap beats and need to know what is the best and cleanest way to do this.

I have the body off the chassis right now (welded in new pans) so I have full access.

Paul

[stale air]

This thread may help....
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=593960
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[my59]

The original owner had lap belts added in the front to my '59 beetle- think holes drilled in floor pans, and big fender washers and bolts. 60 year old bolts, washers, and belts. I'll have to look at receipts to see if the dealer did it.

When i registered the car here in CT the DMV guy was kind enough to skip marking the car as equipped with seat belts after I pointed out they were not stock, not original equipment, and legally not required in 1959 should I desire to restore the car. It has antique plates on it, and is no where near a daily driver.

Given the nature of the beast, I'd be looking to weld in plates big enough to not rip through the pans should the seat belts be loaded up. Of course, that means you have some engineering ahead of you. If you go that far, I'd look to add lap/shoulder belts, as lap belts in a bug will not prevent you from crushing the steering wheel with your chest or stopping your passenger from a skull blow into the windshield. Lets not talk about the passenger's lawsuit when their lawyer finds its not OG equipment...and the car was not equipped from day one.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[stale air]

Btw, my 58 had some lap belts installed at some point in its life also. When I restored the car, I went ahead and installed some original ones back in.
It wasnt the the best method of installing them back in the day, but its not like I use them anyway.

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WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames

[panicman]

That’s how I installed my outboard lap belt mounts. For the inboard, I welded to the chassis tube.

After welding in:

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Plate of shrimp

[Dwayne1m]

Has anyone ever put a 3 point seatbelt in a 61 or early model Bug? I have a 61 to restore but everyone is afraid to ride in a car without a 3 point seatbelt. I even have 1 person who wants to know if I can install airbags in it.

[Jos.Hall]

[panicman]