seat belts a cautionary tale

[beachcomber]

After reading the recent reports of the horrifc accident at Le Mans involving a replica Speedster - a timely caution might be wise.

This story is far from over, and HAS reached the ears of SVA officials. We have to hope that there is no Knee Jerk, Nanny State reaction to this unfortunate incident. Already French sources tell me that the event has reached headline proportions in France, and one Replicator has already been contacted by the authorities and is expecting an imminent visit from the "services des mines".

I have recently been involved with discussions over the fitting of suitable seat belts into a well known main stream supplied 356 kit.

No names , no pack drill as IMHO MOST replicas fall woefully short in this area - especially the earlier models before manufacturers actually gave some thought as to what they were replicating [ as in "splashing"] by slavishly copying a 20 odd year old "design".

Nearly all replicas used a version of the original Reisner effort, which was no more than a means of attaching the body to the shortened Beetle floorpan, with skimpy pressed steel sections augmented by the use of box steel "A" and "B" posts. MOST manufacturers subsequently either went to large box section to replace the bent steel, or at least increased the guage. This method is typified by the original "APAL" design. Some effort was made to support the "B" post, but only in a longtitudinal plane - no lateral support at all.
Some manufacturers used a very small section for the "B" post, bearing in mind, this is the fixing point for the top outer seat belt mount.

One particular clown [ who will remain nameless] thought it would be sufficient to put an alloy plate in the top position and then bolt the mount through that and INTO THE GRP. He then compounded his idiocy by bolting the bottom outer mount directly through the GRP sill. Let's hope that wasn't the one that was involved in the accident. Over the years, most manufacturers have come to realise that the original "design" was seriously flawed and took steps to reinforce these critical areas. Even the use of 40mm box section must be considered marginal, as there is NO lateral support for this mounting point. The use of 30mm box for a "B" post beggars belief as bordering on incredulous.

So then, now might be a good time to get out into the garage and have a good look round your own replica and see just what your seat belts are attached to - especially if you regularly take those who are near and dear to you out in the car.

I can only hope that the unfortunate individuals involved pull through OK as reports seem to be conflicting, never the less the event should prove as a timely wake up call to those with similar cars.

Oh yes, while you're in the garage checking things out - just have a look and see what your SEAT is bolted to?

And people MOAN about SVA??????

ATB

beachcomber