Adding Seatbelts to Baja

I'm confused over the rules regarding adding seatbelts to a Baja.

I've read through these and other forums, as well as trying to decipher the ADR's, and my understanding is that you are allowed to install fixed setabelts, but not retracting type seatbelts.

Am I a moron, or is this actually the case? If it is the case, for gods sake why?

Thanks,
Panda

You need to talk to someone in your area that does Blue Plating.

I believe that seatbelts are considered a safety upgrade on pre68 beetles (ie. years that were not released with seatbelts therefore no blue plate) but if your car originally had seatbelts fitted then you must have a blue plate to change them. I recently put Klippan generic retractables in the front of my 70 beetle, it need to have a flat bar made up to allow the lap section of the belt to pivot under the retractor. I can take a pic and give more details if needed. Best to take 11cab's advice and speak to a local blue plater, DOT can help with names. It shouldn't cost more than $80 for the plate. If your thinking about engine size upgrades or other mods in the near future then get this added to the plate at the same time.

11CAB wrote:You need to talk to someone in your area that does Blue Plating.

Cheers for that

Adsman wrote:I believe that seatbelts are considered a safety upgrade on pre68 beetles (ie. years that were not released with seatbelts therefore no blue plate) but if your car originally had seatbelts fitted then you must have a blue plate to change them.

I haven't acutally bought it yet, just doing my homework before jumping in. It didn't have seatbelts when released so it sounds as though I can install retractable seatbelts without the Blue Plate.

The Baja will be primarily for my daughter (though I might just steal it on the weekends for a bit of off-road work), so seatbelts are a priority for me.

I'll Google blue plating now and see what I get! Thanks for your help!

Panda

Also try ringing your local DOT centre as they will give you a list of names of "preferred" blue plate approvers.