To those who ordered 3 point retractables. Length, and extension?

JohnnyK · 02-12-2013, 11:26 PM

I've searched and read and read and searched, but I'm still a little iffy.

The place I was looking fives a few options. For the fixed buckle end, there is a floppy fixed 20", and a rigid (I assume) 'flat sleeve', 10".. I assume I want the floppy 20".

The other option is 140" or 110". This is where I'm completely unsure, and can't seem to make a good measurement (My seats have to be swapped, but I'm not sure to what yet).

The other option is no should loop extension, OR an 8" extension. I'm thinking I want the 8" extension from what I've read?

Anyone have any definite answers? I'm overwhelmed by belt choices!

Greg'66 5.0 · 02-13-2013, 08:51 AM

I recently got some new 3 point belts from Wesco Performance. I went with the short stiff end for the buckle (10" I think). The 20" is way too long for a Mustang front seat - you would use that length if you had a truck with captain's chairs that sit high off the floor. Floppy or fixed buckle for the front seats is a personal preference - the original seat belts were floppy, but with a 3-point, I think you are better off with a fixed buckle. It works and looks fine in more modern cars. For the shoulder harness, I did not get the 8" extension. If you used that extension, it would always be visible through the side windows - that extension is more appropriate in an application such as a 4 door car that has an extra pillar between the doors, or in a truck.

As far as belt length, 110" should be fine unless you are an extremely large person.

One thing I realized after I got my belts was that I needed 2 more mounting plates. I got the hardware kits with the belts that had everything to mount the shoulder harness in the roof, but I realized that I needed to add another mounting point in the rocker since you need 2 mounting points there - one for the lap belt and one for the retractor. The factory mounting point is perfect for the lap belt, but you have to add another point near the back seat for the retractor.

09Frank65 · 02-13-2013, 08:56 AM

Agree with everything said above. The short stiff plastic sleeve works well although some adjustment with a heat gun was needed. I got my belts from Andover a couple of years ago and ordered extra plates and hardware just in case.

JohnnyK · 02-13-2013, 10:08 AM

Thanks guys! Well looking at the picture, it would seem that the 8" extension might be necessary? That looks far too high for me, at least. I'm not worried about aesthetics in this case.

But i didn't think about the plastic sleeve. That part I can probably take a measurement of. I do see how it's more modern looking. I did want the chrome buckles for aesthetics, and that kind of hides them, unfortunately. But I'm wondering if the 20" floppy would be too cumbersome, and right in the middle of the chair..

66_resto · 02-13-2013, 10:23 AM

I did the 11" bucket seat style sleeve and the long sash guide. I tried the version without the sash guide in my '66 and it made the belt uncomfortably high on my neck. The version with the long sash guide is much better and sits on the shoulder where it is supposed to. I have the Procar Rally seats so they area a little taller than the standard buckets and higher on the bottom for the longer sleeve. I believe the part number is Wesco WELR and the length is 140".

I can snap some pictures if you want.

JohnnyK · 02-13-2013, 10:36 AM

Wesco only sells the push button release ones, correct? No chrome lift latch?

09Frank65 · 02-13-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyK

Thanks guys! Well looking at the picture, it would seem that the 8" extension might be necessary? That looks far too high for me, at least. I'm not worried about aesthetics in this case.

But i didn't think about the plastic sleeve. That part I can probably take a measurement of. I do see how it's more modern looking. I did want the chrome buckles for aesthetics, and that kind of hides them, unfortunately. But I'm wondering if the 20" floppy would be too cumbersome, and right in the middle of the chair..

I'm not sure what extension you are talking about, but when I sit in my seat the shoulder belt rides right between my shoulder and neck just like a modern car. The only "complaint" I have is that I have to reach back to grab the belt when buckling up. I wouldn't mind adding the belt guide to my seat frame to make that easier. I have taller 93 seats in my car so that may make a difference.

JonK · 02-13-2013, 08:27 PM

I am going to get the 8" extension, this lowers the belt guide closer to your shoulder for comfort and better ergonomics in a crash from what I've read on proper belt alignment, some prefer the roof mount but I think it would rub my neck also. May depend on how tall your seat is and how far/close you have it adjusted.

I also plan to get the chrome lift latch buckles for stockish appearance with the 20" floppy end, it should be adjustable so you can shorten it if needed but if my waste expands it's there if needed

If the extra belt strap length bothers me I can always have it shortened.
Jon

Blue Oval Man · 02-13-2013, 10:29 PM

I would definately get the 8" extension. I've been in way to many cars where the belt rubs on the side of my neck, the extension makes it much more comfortable and I suspect safer also.
David.

JohnnyK · 02-13-2013, 11:38 PM

Thanks guys! Yeah, I hae a fastback, so maybe that is the difference with the extension.

Now i'm debating this floppy vs. plastic receptacle! Too many decisions.

JohnnyK · 02-15-2013, 12:19 AM

Jon, I was going to message you based on a post you made 4 years, but I see I don't have to.

You were asking about a 140" length. Anyone know if that is too much? I tried sitting in the car and measuring today, but everything is just too close to all the options to get a clear picture of how it will fit. I'm hoping I can go with a 140" and it will fit into the retractor (This is for a fastback)?

8" extension, I'm definitely getting.

It's the floppy vs sleeve I can't decide on! I can't seem to find good pictures of both to compare them.