Need some adive, I have to fit seatbelts to my EK ute as the engineer said it was a mandatory requirement if you upgrade the original motor by more than 20% Once the old grey but now the 308.
I have purchased retrctable belts but know there is no lower mounting point on the B piller ( I know there never was since I had it anyway) near the floor for the retractor.
Has anyone else struck this prob and if so what did you do?
I have to fit in the backing plate behind the piller ( stuffed if i know how to do that apart from grinding a slot and then welding it back up later ).
Hi Luke,
I have witnessed fittings to the "B" pillar in the very manner you suggest.
At the same time fitting the upper pivot through which the belt slides - this will avoid displaying the external bolt head on the pillar.
It is my intention to weld a nut to the backing plate, cut a slot as you mention and also providing clearance for the welded nut - I may effect this at a point either above or below where the fitting is to exist to maintain rigidity of the surrounding section.
I am also of the opinion that a universal fitting may afford fitting to the floor - with suitable backing plate etc. - I don't know if one is available for this application.
I am hesitant to admit that I fitted Fairlane retracts to my rear - and welded backing plates to the surrounding boot lid supports.
These retracts work in a horizontal plane which I found lent themselves well to our application.
I have not fitted retracts to my front belts as yet, but consider the "B" pillar slot, fit and weld the most appropriate.
The cut a slot into the pillar and weld in plates and refill is the way i did my retractables. if you look at Malcolm's build in the MY FB/EK heading he has some really great photos of how he did his. (I followed his example.)
Makes for a very neat and strong job. Just be sure to use a really thin grinder blade to cut the slot out. (I used a standard blade and had the devils own time to get a neat welded seam.)
Here should be a link to the correct page on Mal's build..
My ute has a plate/nut welded over a recess put in the b pillar for the top mount.
I have mounted the reel on the panel between cabin and tray at about 2" above floor level.With a plate in the tray area it has satisfied the engineer.
When I put them in my FC van I was able to slide a plate down the b pillar from the top near where the roof lining is attached then spot welded the plate thru some pre drilled holes.I had already welded a nut to the back of the plate and had pre drilled a larger hole for the upper belt bolt.
Worked a treat.Will post some pics of finished ute instal if you need them.
Question thou ..the backing plates do they have to be welded in or backing plate bolted in sufficient ??? I have trawled through VSB14 regs and the ADRs 4 and 5 no mention about welding ???
Hi Guys
Just a bit of advice here:
When i fiited the 186 in the EK ute
I spoke about seat belts with a mechanical engineer who is RTA accredited to inspect and certify engine conversions, rod builds etc, etc.
I was under the impression that you had to fit retractable belts.
He stated that you do not have to use retractable belts if you dont want to. All that is required is seat belts mounted securely with well engineered anchor points.
I'm not saying dont use retractables ... just saying you can get away with old style lap sash belts if you want to..
There is probably just as much work in setting these up as there is in setting up the retractables. Crush tubes in "B" pillars etc, etc.
Might be worth considering if your stuck for room to mount the retractable reel.
regards
Reddo
Holden .. australian car for australian conditions.....partyin', drinkin' ,cruisin' and rootin'
we have both sined in the eyes of the holden god!!!! 
and inpurified our holdens with &*#@ branded merchindise