[T3] Seat belts

[Dennis Stiefel]

On 8 Feb 2013 at 0:00, Robert Rogers wrote:

> I'm searching for front retractable seat belts for my '69 Fastback. 
> If you have a set, please let me know your cost:

I know everyone thinks they want these, but unless you change drivers a lot,
I really prefer the earlier style. Yes, the self-adjusting ones ARE self
adjusting, but the older style can be adjusted so there's no constant
tension against your shoulder in normal driving.

If you're having trouble adjusting your early style belts, they just need a
good washing. Do it in a bucket with some laundry soap and then rinse well.
You'll be amazed at how much of a difference it makes once you get 40+ years
of accumulated grime out of them.

Once cleaned, they become really easy to adjust. Yes, YOU have to do it, but
it's no big deal.

And, BTW, if you buy a set of 72-3 Type 3 belts, you will have to cut away a
small corner of the alum sill plate in each door opening, to clear the
reels.  

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

 One of the things I always liked about my 72 over the 69 I use to have.  I
guess what I didn't like about the 69 seat belts was once you got them
adjusted right and say needed to reach over to grab something say at a drive
through you always had to undo the seatbelt. In the 72 the seat belt would
move with you. I guess I have a problem with this because I'm a little
Closter phobic.  I will admit the 69 version is a little safer because there
is less to fail and has a little tighter sung fit.  I just hate the way they
felt like I was trapped when I needed to move some.   Of course I may have
to get rid of the original seat belts depending how well they held up form
not being used over all those years. Don't know how well they will work when
I start using them again.  If they have problems I will go with something
out a newer car. I hear ones from a Golf or Jetta from the 80s or 90s work
well in our cars haven't looked in to it yet myself.  Also fastening and
unfastening the seat belts in the 69 seemed more clumsy than the 72.  Just
my take on it however to each his own.

Dennis Stiefel