JMiller138

Has anyone found a cheap way to upgrade the seatbelts on an early 911 (71). It would be great to relace the non-retracting belts. I've looked a little but replacements have been prety expensive. <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" />

RallyJon

A prior owner put Porsche 914 inertia reel seat belts in my '71. They're a bit short, but if you have long legs and a slim waist, they might work for you.

I just ordered inertia reel replacements from P.E. Products: <a href="http://www.peparts.com/pepbeltprice.html" target="_blank">http://www.peparts.com/pepbeltprice.html</a>

I talked to the guy at length and they seem to have a very good understanding of retrofit issues. The model I ordered was the KT101X (L&R) since I wanted to replace the 914 receivers, too. The belts should be here early next week, and I'll let you know how easily they go in.

HarryD

I second PE Parts.

I originally ordered belts for my '67 912 but it was totaled while I was waiting for the belts to arrive. I bought a '73 to replace the 912 and wanted to update the seats to later highbacks, replace the shredded driver seat belt and add lap belts in the rear. PE Parts provided all of the parts, and took back the belts for my '67 with no hassle. The parts dropped right in. Great service, great guy.

Dan

Bit the bullet and go the PEP route, you will thank your self later. I know I do every time I go for a drive.

Michael Mullen

Recommend the junkyard. Look at Volkswagens (bugs, scirrocos, jettas) to see if something might work. The worriers will tell you not to do this, but you can even shorten them and sew them up again. You have to use the same type of box, cross-stitching in the original to make sure they'll hold up. I've sewn rock climbing harnesses this way and tested them with 50 meter falls. As long as you sew the proper way, they'll hold up.

Of course, caveat emptor, don't try this at home, etc. If you're uncomfortable about it or don't think you can do it right, don't do it.

- Mike
'77 911S

Tom F

The factory supplies all the parts for the upgrade, and why would you use anything but factory parts for this? You could probably make do with used trim panels, and these should be abundant, give the number of defunct and "track prepared" 911s out there. The belt with inertia reels are very reasonably priced, especially considering what's at stake. I replace them every time I buy a used car, which is way too often. Last time I bought them from Porsche, the price was around $80, though the dealer did give me a discount from list. This was around 18 months ago.

RallyJon

I just put in the PEP belts. Perfect fit. They provided all the hardware--down to the little rubber O-rings on the bolts. They really did their homework on making this kit an easy install.

In my very short period of Porsche ownership I've already had a couple of experiences with vendors selling a part without thinking to mention the bolts, nuts, washers and gaskets you're going to need to install it. It's too bad more vendors don't provide a soup-to-nuts hardware package like PEP.