Inertia reel seat belts

Post by: **Pastapesto** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:05 am

Hi all

Does anybody out there know what brand/model of inertia reel seat belts were used by Lotus for the Elan S3 SE? I have a set that came with my car (in one of the many boxes) but I'm not sure they are correct (on an originality basis) & also where the bulky reel part actually fitted. Any pictures would be greatly appreciated showing what they looked like & where they were fitted. The ones I have are "Britax Excelsiors" & have a black coloured webbing. I know that for the later type where Lotus had to change the uppermost fixing points, they were static Kangol type but I would like to keep to what was original if possible.

Many thanks

Adam

Post by: **ElliottN** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:13 am

As far as I'm aware, inertia reel/retractor belts were never fitted on the baby Elan by the factory.

From previous posts, some members have had inertia reel belts fitted to Elans by Quickfit in Stanmore (Middlesex - just Google "Quickfit Stanmore") - which is fine if you're in the UK.

I'd love to know how they do it - can't see how off the top mounting point without serious ergonomic issues, or is the reel mounted on the outboard lap mounting point and the belt then runs up through a slide at the shoulder mounting point? Anyone got a photo?

rgds,

Post by: **Elanintheforest** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:07 pm

I think you're right Elliott. I've just had a look through my old Elan brochures, from S1 to Sprint, and no mention of inertia reel belts. The first Plus 2 brochure does mention them, so if they were available on the S3 / 4, I'm sure they would be referenced somewhere.

Mark

Post by: **Pastapesto** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:11 pm

Hi Elliot & Mark
I seem to remember that the Special Equipment model (S3) had in its additional extras over the standard model, "Inertia Reel Seat Belts".
The problem is though, like you I have no idea how they fitted them or what they looked like & the ones that came with my car could just be some old junk accumulated with all the other parts.
IIRC, I am sure I have seen an old road test somewhere that shows the big bulky bit that retracts the belt, positioned behind the driver somewhere in the area of the rear turret bolts. Then again, that might just be my memory playing tricks, (maybe they were an optional extra like the never materialising chrome bumpers)

Pictures would help tremendously, anyone please?

Beat regards to all

Adam

Post by: **Pastapesto** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:16 pm

Sorry, forgot to say that where I saw them listed were on the single A4 sheet that had a standard model with photo & details on one side & on the reverse side another picture with an SE model listing all the additonal bits & bobs that you got for additional cost.

Rgds

Adam

Post by: **ppnelan** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:24 pm

Pastapesto wrote:I seem to remember that the Special Equipment model (S3) had in its additional extras over the standard model, "Inertia Reel Seat Belts".

Correct! See p76 of 'Lotus Elan Gold Portfolio 1962-1974' (Brooklands Books). There's a photo and they look awful... It says 'Inertia-reel seat belts are part of the S/E package'. They must be mounted on the bolt that holds the body to chassis behind each seat - not sure whether this was outlawed, hence the introduction of the extension brackets?

:arrow:

Matthew

Post by: **Elanintheforest** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:25 pm

Here's the spec sheet for the S4, Adam. The S/E had 'safety belts' as the norm...i.e., they were an optional extra in the non-S/E! I take it that these are just the standard belts, not inertia, as described in the Plus 2 brochure of the same age.

Mark

Post by: **Pastapesto** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:43 pm

Hi Mark

Yes, I think you're right for the S4 SE but I think it was different for the S3 SE (not sure about S2 SE).

The sheet I was looking at is an older brochure in Black & white & does list them but if they ever existed in the real world is another thing.

The workshop manual states something along the lines of having to move the uppermost mounting point outwards (for safety reasons) and so they no longer fitted Inertias anymore, S4 onwards I suppose.

All the best

Adam

Post by: **Elanintheforest** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:49 pm

I had a look on the other side of a couple of brochures...and you're right!

Mark

Post by: **types26/36** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:06 pm

[quote="ElliottN"]From previous posts, some members have had inertia reel belts fitted
I'd love to know how they do it - can't see how off the top mounting point without serious ergonomic issues, Anyone got a photo?quote]

I fitted I.R. belts a long time ago to my Sprint so the memory is a little rusty and I cant remember the exact specifics of the job.
Basically I made two plates with a square section tube connecting the plates, the plates were mounted to the top tower bolts holes and the seat belt bolted to the plates, I then covered the plates and connecting rod with a black vinyl material.......the pics make it a little clearer.
It does not have a top mounting if that is what you mean and I hang the buckle on the coat hook for ease of use, the lower end of the belt is attached into the mounting point in the sill.