[T3] FW: retractable seat belts

[Jim Adney]

On 20 Jan 2012 at 10:53, fred Simmons wrote:

> the seat belts on my '70 sqbk have got to go!

In my opinion, the non-retractabble belts used in '70 & '71 were the 
best VW ever used. The lack of a retractor means that the belt can be 
adjusted correctly and yet will not chafe on long drives, whereas the 
constant tension of a retractable belt becomes uncomfortable after 
awhile.

ALL of these belts have a common problem that has a simple solution. 
They get DIRTY, so dirty that they become hard to adjust. If this is 
your problem, remove them and spend a couple hours with a bucket of 
soapy water and a few rinses and you'll be amazed at the result.

Note also that the '70-1 buckle has a bar on the back that you need 
to press while you adjust it. If the belt is clean and you depress 
that bar, they adjust easily.

> has anyone had any experience with any of the retractable seat belts i see on the web?
> does the rear heater vent melt the retracting spool just in front of it?
> any advice appreciated.

I may have a set of front Type 3 retractable belts that I could sell 
you if that's what you really want, but my recommendation would be to 
wash your OE belts first and discover how nice they can be.

-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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