DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I will need to get some 3 point belts in my car at some point. My options I guess are original non-retractable ones (if I can find some) or new aftermarket retractables. What would people opt for?

I personally dont worry much about the safety performance of old belts, I still think they will hold up to a lot of force if they are fundamentally in decent condition. My concern is more about practicality, having never used non-retractable belts. Are the non-retractable belts a pain in the arse, dead uncomfy, and constantly need adjusting? Especially on long journeys, reading maps , having snacks and drinks, adjusting the radio, toll booths, getting something off the back seat etc etc. I can see people wearing them slack in order to allow some freedom of movement but then it negates wearing them surely? I personally prefer originality but I dont want to fork out money for a nice set of original belts to find I hate wearing them and have to buy repro retractables belts anyway.

Neil

Fixed belts are fine - adjust once and forget. Unless you share the driving, in which case they need adjusting when the seat moves forward or back, which I imagine would be mildly irritating.

BTW I went with re-made originals. Original Repa plastics and hardware (re-plated / chromed), webbing replaced with newly manufactured stuff with the correct orange trace pattern - Dave (username stretch on DDK) is the go-to person.

This sort of thing:

My Brother in laws Stag has fixed belts and I absolutely hate them, but opinions vary

On my 65 SWB I can't reach the heater control with my hands with the fixed belts, but I have a good technique using my left foot.

I have fixed belts and love them ... I tend to adjust them the faster I get as you can really strap yourself in place like you would with full harnesses ... Also with the passenger one its great for fat shaming your mates if they happen to get in after someone skinny

I do an upgrade which is very popular. It uses a multi angled reel which will retract even when placed discreetly below the seat. I still use the 69-71 original buckles and tongue with correct Euro or Rest of world webbing.

I had fixed belts but had them restored to be retractable. I find them much easier to live with.
Kind regards
Gitesh

Fixed belts, tight, are perfect for a fast drive.
When I hillclimbed my 911 for 13 years I used a 4 point harness, always nice but only I drove it.
It now has a universal inertia reel belt on both seats and it far more comfortable in cruising terms, you can reach the glove box to open for tickets etc, but for a hard drive, fixed are great.

I have removed my fixed belts now, but the fixings are still in place.

As ever, a personal choice and either keep you safe (as opposed to lap belts/none)

I have harnesses and they are such a pain to use I tend to go commando!

Thanks guys for all your opinions on this, plenty of food for thought here! Good to hear there are some compromise options out there as well!

I might add that for several years I had the 4 point and the ordinary retractable belts on the driver's side.
Confused the MoT man who passed all of them.

If they are there, they get tested.