Seat Belts

Some classic cars do have belts and some were retro fitted with them after they left the factory. The important thing is the belts are old and should be thoroughly inspected before re-using them. Check the webbing for damage and if its inertia reel that this moves freely and locks with a sharp pull. The buckles need to clip and unclip easily and lock into place. No point wearing restraints if they are not effective. This includes any anchor points on the floor and pillar and the fasteners used to bolt them in. Rare Spares can help out with individual parts and kits to keep you safe in your classic car.

Rare Spares make a seat belt kit which covers one seating position for front seats or rear seats. Most of them come with new mounting bolts and washers. Replacing them is as simple as undoing and doing up a few bolts. Before bolting up make sure they are laid out and not twisted which is easy to do. They also do universal reinforcing plates to use as belt anchor points.

There is no excuse for you and your classic's occupants not to strap in and be safely restrained in the rare event of a crash. Some modern classic cars are now in the range of vehicles fitted with airbags. These add another level of safety to the seatbelt and protect against head and chest injuries.

If taking small children do not put them in the front passenger seat, the back seat is the best place and use any required booster seats. Once out of the booster then the front passenger seat is OK. Laws around Australia differ so when doing anything seat belt related, (apart from simple replacement) check with your governing body. There are plenty of options available and with some careful planning there is no need to damage your classic's interior to fit them.