Seat belt question

Haven't had a look properly yet to see if the anchor pount are fitted in the rear of the bus yet but hoping they are, therefore the rear seat is sorted...providing the points are there!

But the question is, can I use this bulkhead to mount the upper point for a 3 point belt as I intend to turn the middle row of seats around so the rear of the seat is flush with the bulkhead and would like to fit two 3 point belts for this seat.



I'm assuming that I can drill the floor and use some large spreader washers under the floor for the lower mounts or would it be better/acceptable/safe to use the bulkhead for the lower points as well?

And whilst on the subject of seatbelts how can I fit an extra 3 point belt in the front for the middles seat



The drivers seat belt has the buckle located on the the seat runner bar so would this be strong enough to mount a second fitting or will a second point need to be drilled and reinforced?

I'm quite happy to use either inertia belts or static three point ones but would prefer not to use lap belts as I've read lots of negative things about them recently

 

Hmm. Don't forget that the seat belts will do nothing, as the seats are facing the wrong way. An inertia reel won't work for the same reason.

In a shunt, I wouldn't want my back/neck thrown against a solid steel bulkhead ...

 

and if I was to leave the middle row in situ what would be seatbelt options then?

What about the front middle seat? Is bulkhead suitable for mounting seatbelts?

 

There are factory seat belt nuts under the middle seat, there are on my 1979 anyway.

 

Looking at your photos, your van is a panel van conversion and therefore it'll be unlikely to have ny anchor points in the rear. On micro buses on both the floor pan and side panels have recessed threaded anchor points whereupon you can directly bolt new seatbelts.

Depending on your seating plan in the rear, you can purchase spread plate bolts where you can locate a bolt through the rear panel/floor and anchor your belts. Again, if it's a van conversion there are pressed areas into the steel where the bolts hole should be. It's hard to use these as you have to take the tank out. So go below them. I've found using just lap belts a more comfortable option in the back. I fitted three point systems but the kids hated the tension across their shoulder. So swapped for lap ones.

No sure how you'd fit a three point in the middle front seat. Again I would go witha lap one.

Note: that the MOT regulations on vehicles <82 fitted with seatbelts is ambiguous. If an MOT mechanic sees the rear belts he has to check them even though the vehicle didn't have them as standard nor has to have them fitted.

 

I have a single lap belt in the back of kitty but want to put another one in on the other side. Do the seat belt mount plates have to be welded in or does the tightening of the bolts once in situ suffice?