ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
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can anyone tell me if the vert seatbelts in the rear were 3 point after 1988? i;d like to consider swapping mine out if possible for kids sitting in the back, and if anyone has a pic if they are, I'd like to see how they mount and the different sail panels for them.
There are two styles for the 3 pt rear seat belts.
The 1989 - 1991 the shoulder belt attached to the tonneau cover, so they were disconnected from the lower lap belt. There is a special buckle connector that you attach the upper connector to on the metal belt clip and then put the buckle into the receiver... Personally its a pain in the butt.
The 1992 type is much improved from my understanding, it is more like the coupe where the 3pt rear belt is a single piece. I believe it goes over the back seat, kind of like the Coupe.
John
__________________ 87 FORMULA - 5.1 LB9/A4 T-tops 3.73 Modified (Yellow/Black)
87 FORMULA - 5.0 LB9/M5 T-tops 3.45 (Yellow/Gray)
89 FORMULA 350 - CONVERTIBLE 3.27 All original (Red/Gray) www.3rdgenformula.com
Correct. The 92 version has the shoulder belt spools mounted onto columns that attach just behind the rear seats. The tonneau cover is notched to clear the belt. The advantage is that you don't have to unlatch the shoulder belt from the lap belt to open the tonneau cover. The disadvantage is it will be much tougher to find that style considering it was a one-year only.
They sit in vertical pods that mount just behind the rear seat backs. They barely poke out above the rear seats. There is a notch cutout in the front lip of the tonneau cover to accomodate the belt poking through when the tonneau is closed.
[quote=Iroctopless;3935743]Here's a pic of my '89 shoulder belt retractors mounted to the underside of the tonneau cover . . .
I would have thought seatbelts would have to be anchored to something more secure. so switching the tonneaus from an 88 to something else newer would solve my latch release button problem and my seat belt problem. good to know. now if i could find a red one that would be even better
Actually if you look at the underside of an 89-91 there are pins that look a lot like the pins that they use in the door jambs. I suspect that these lock the tonneau into place if in an accident and are what creates the strength to hold a passenger.
I'm aware of that part, its likely the same as the other styles used in thirdgens. I'm talking about the retractor portion only. With it standing up like that, not sure what exactly is supposed to keep it from just bending forward in an frontal collision besides the back of the seat itself. The bolts used for the belts otherwise are larger in diameter than the seatback latch bolt and just on that alone I wonder if its up to the task all by itself.
The pod you're seeing is just a cloth covered ABS plastic cover. There is a substantial formed metal frame below it with two bolts attaching it at the base. The bracket also wraps around the side of the rear seat back and incorporates the rear seat latch bolt and the two screws that mount the side trim panel.
PS: I can bring a pair to show-n-tell at our next meeting.
