Lancia Motor Club

Planning to fit retractable/inertia reel belts. Any photo I have seen shows the reels at the shoulder level fixing in the rear below the side window. On my previous similar vintage coupe the reel was less obtrusive at the B post floor/sill position. I've tried that on my Fulvia and other than requiring a bit more of a pull as it has to feed through the rear swivel fixing it seems to work OK (am using Securon belt with the adjustable angle facility). Any reason why I shouldn't put it there?

I too have used these belts in Fulvia and Alfa GT junior, in the Fulvia I have them mounted under the window as I am unlikely to ever carry any rear seat passengers. In the Alfa I mounted them on the floor, both work well as long as the adjuster is in the correct position to prevent locking when unreeled.

Sean

I fitted mine in the void behind the rear side trim panel. Carefully cut a slot in the hardboard, glued the vinyl back and fitted the swivel to the original mounting. Looks neat and works well. I'll try and find some pics.

This pic shows the general arrangement. I had to get some correct grade bolts and use a small spacer to get the belt to bolt up tightly to the structure. After this installation I changed the belts to shorter versions in black as I wasn't happy with the way they retracted.

You must be sure that you're personally happy with the mounting point as this is non standard.

Another pic

That's really innovative. Looks as if it was designed that way, like you see in modern cars where the belt emerges from a slot in the B pillar.  My only concern would be the strength of the bodywork 'web' to which you have fixed the reel. Would benefit from a stout washer plate, perhaps both sides. 

Indeed, there are washers in the final fit up. Due to the profile of the metal only small (same size as the bolt head) can be used. I got the idea for this location from a pic on the website of a well known seat belt installation company. They were happy with the fixing location and so am I.

Have a look at a later series Beta Coupe or HPE? The inertia reels are inside the wing void and there is a bracket that raises the upper mount above window level with a couple of bolted fixings to the inner bodywork.

Guy

Thanks for those responses, the idea of hidden wing location would be my preferred, except that the interior was treated to a smart leather re-trim by the previous owner so for now I'll stick with the floor position.