Re: [T3] Out with the old, in with the new (some assembly required, welder not included).

[Toby Erkson <air_cooled_nut@pobox.com>]

<x-flowed>Correct, I used the self-retracting belts on my baby as my guide.  The 
only difference is 3/8" !  The bracket-to-tunnel mounting hole needs to 
be moved forward (to the front of the car) 3/8" because the Vanagon 
assemblies are just that much longer.

I've never noticed the shoulder issue...maybe a shoulder pad would 
help?  Body differences and what we're used to I guess.  More modern 
cars have the ability to adjust the height somewhat, should that be my 
next project?  Heheh, well, maybe that's a little too much for me to do  :-)

I understand the lap section of the belt is not a safety retractor, 
however, not being accustomed to the non-retracting belts I don't 
understand what you mean by "the belt needs to be pulled fully straight 
once it's on you".  Do you put the seat belt on and then take all the 
slack out of the lap belt?  Thinking about it now that would make sense 
otherwise, in an accident, the body would submarine :-(

   Toby Erkson  --  air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
   '72 VW Squareback Darksider, 5-speed, 2.0L, rag top
   '72 VW Squareback Lightsider, automatic, FI, sunroof, gas heater
   '95 VW Jetta ~ SCCA Solo II; '73 Porsche 914; '81 Honda Gold Wing
   http://www.icbm.org/
   Portland, Oregon



Jim Adney wrote:

> What you've made looks like it's pretty much the same as the OE 72-3 setup, so I'm sure it will be fine. While I agree that the self adjusting belts offer instant convenience, I actually prefer the old style for long trips. I find that the constant spring tension of the self adjusters wears on my shoulder after a few hours, while the old belts remain comfortable for much longer periods.
>
> One final comment: The white plastic object that came with the early belts is NOT an adjuster. It is only there to neaten up things when you remove and hang up the belt. The belt needs to be pulled fully straight once it's on you.
>
>  

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