Seat belt retractable to 1962 ghia

[Hollywoodinoz]

Hi There, I have a 1962 Ghia and am worried about the seatbelts falling off my shoulder sO i want to fit retractables. It seems that there is not enough "meat" in the panels around where a cotton reel might be mounted. I was thinking next to the back seat half way up the seat height. Is there a bracket availalable to mount the reel solidly or do I have to fabricate one?? Does anyone have any ideas?

cheers

[NOVA Airhead]

[djway3474]

I would place them in the same locations as on the later ghias. you just add the inner washer/bracing to spread the potential forces over a larger area. I am adding them to my older project as I wont drive a car without them

[toddb_67]

Here is where they mount on a "newer" Ghia.

If you are good at fabricating you could reinforce that area on your car and weld in a threaded plate or nut. I guess you could also drill your hole there to mount the seat belt and put a large, thick washer on the back side to help spread the load and reinforce the area in case the worse should happen. Hope this helps.
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1970 Pastel White Westfalia
1971 Super Beetle Convertible (sold) http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=582365&highlight=
1970 Squareback "Savanna" (sold)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714683
1974 Karmann Ghia- current project, 1967cc engine. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=775207
“I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.” - Dudley Field Malone

[dcrawford3]

Here are a couple of pictures showing how I installed the belts in my 63 Coupe.

Notice the EXTRA hole next to this belt that the PO drilled.

I did NOT use the holes that the PO drilled I used the 24mm holes that were already in the body. To accommodate the late style hardware that came with my belts I used 6 of these parts;

http://karmannghia.com/viewDetail.asp?idProduct=2345

You also want to get the shoulder bolts to fit them.

I think that your 62 will probably be the same as my 63. I hope that this helps,

David
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'63 Ghia Coupe......

In the battle between a hammer and your skin....
The hammer always wins !

Measure Twice---Cut Once !

[Hollywoodinoz]

Hi everybody, I just have to say a big thanks to all helpers. It was awesome feedback and I'm on track now. The previous owner did little to keep up the appearences on the old Ghia so its my job to fine tune and get all the bits working smoothly. again thanks