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OK,
I've tried to summarize the discussion on the TR6 Seat Belts, and
put together a WWW page on the VTR Maintenance Pages which describes
this:
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/tr6-seatbelts.html
The text of the article is included here:
--ken
--
Kenneth B. Streeter | EMAIL: streeter@sanders.com
Sanders, PTP2-A001 |
PO Box 868 | Voice: (603) 885-9604
Nashua, NH 03061 | Fax: (603) 885-0631
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TR6 Seatbelts Guide
by Ken Streeter,
with input from Paul Burr, Dave Eaton, Joe Flake, Glenn Franco, Bill
Georgas, Roger Helman, Daniel Julien, Bruce Krobusek, Martin Libhart, Chet
Master, and Jim Ruwaldt
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The TR6 used two main different types of seatbelts throughout it's
production lifetime, and at least four minor variations. Documentation for
changeover points for seatbelt configurations is somewhat lacking among the
US Parts Suppliers, even in the extremely complete 2-volume "Triumph TR6
Spare Parts Catalog and Engineering Assembly Manual" published by The
Roadster Factory. The TRF catalog does list four different factory part
numbers for seat belt kits.
The Two Primary Types of TR6 Seat Belts
Early TR6s used "static" seat belts, with either a 2-point (lap belt only)
or a 3-point safety harness. The 2-point belt connected to mounting "eye
bolts" near the transmission tunnel and the rear door post (B post.) The
3-point harness used the 2-point mounting hardware, with an additional pivot
bolt on the rear wheel arch. At least two different types of 3-point harness
mounting hardware existed, with an switchover point unknown to this author.
Late TR6s used an "inertial reel" 3-point seat belt. This harness uses
slightly different mounting hardware from the static safety belts, but at
the same mounting points. The one addition to the system is the "inertial
reel" itself, which was mounted against the rear wheel arch and parcel shelf
at the junction of these two pieces.
In April 1997, a number of triumphs mailing list readers tried to narrow in
on a potential switchover point from the static to the inertial reel seat
belts. In this discussion, the following excerpt from the Triumph Sports
Owners Association (TSOA) June 1972 (18:6) newsletter was found by Dave
Eaton:
"There appears to be some confusion regarding the correct
operation of current inertia type seat belts fitted to our
vehicles after January 1972. These belts are vehicle sensitive as
operation is concerned, and this simply means that they allow the
occupant complete freedom of movement under all normal operating
conditions, but in the event of sudden deceleration the belt will
lock.
In order to check for correct operation of this system, drive the
vehicle at low speed and apply the brakes suddenly and at the same
time lean forward on the harness. Under these conditions the belt
should lock automatically."
The above note indicates that inertial reel belts were introduced in
January, 1972. Some members of the Triumphs mailing list believed that thay
may have been an option even before that, but no factory documentation on
this has been uncovered to this author's knowledge.
The triumphs mailing list members also conducted an informal survey of TR6
owners to see what cars near the switchover point had for seat belts: (If
you have a car that falls into the range listed below, please send the
information on your car to Ken Streeter, streeter@www.vtr.org.)
TR6 SEAT BELT TYPES
Commmision Number: Mnfr Date (Model Belt Type: Owner:
Year):
CC67866 Aug 1971 (1971) Static Roger Helman
CC75128 Sept 1971 (1972) Static Joe Flake
CC75322 Sept 1971 (1972) Static Martin Libhart
CC75665 Sep 1971 (1972) Static Bruce Krobusek
CC78709 Dec 1971 (1972) Inertial Reel Dan Julien
CC79173 Jan 1972 (1972) Inertial Reel Chet Master
CC79338 ??? (1972) Static Jim Ruwaldt
CC85458 ??? (1972) Inertial Reel Bill Georgas
Modern Replacements
The webbing of the factory seat belts does not seem to withstand the test of
time very well, and quickly becomes discolored, frayed, or torn.
Furthermore, the inertial reel seat belts frequently become stuck or fail to
lock as they should. The author highly suggests that worn out seat belts be
replaced immediately for obvious safety reasons!
Each of the "big three" USA Triumph parts suppliers sells a seat belt
suitable for use in the TR6:
* Moss Motors sells a 3-point static seatbelt which is suspected of being
a bolt-in replacement for the early style seatbelts. Bruce Krobusek of
the triumphs mailing list is experimenting with installation of this
belt.
* The Roadster Factory sells a reproduction of the 3-point inertial reel
seatbelt. This is purported to be a reproduction bolt-in replacement
for the original inertial reel seatbelts as fitted to later TR6s.
* Victoria British sells a 3-point inertial real seatbelt which looks
like it could be readily fitted to the later TR6s, although it is not
particularly similar to the stock harness.
Also, Paul Burr reports that the seat belts from an '84 RX7 were a bolt-in
replacement for the TR6 inertial reel seat belts. He also thinks the rear
seat belts in the newer Jeep CJ7 may be a close fit.
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This page (http://www.vtr.org/maintain/tr6-seatbelts.html) last updated 25
April 1997.
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