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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Inertia reel seat belt problem on 1500

Hi Lads
Just fitted new "Securon" belts on the 1500 and the hood frame now fouls the drivers side reel mechanism when lowered fully, only just but enough to stop the reel working. Have researched other brands but they all seem to share the same design, and of course they are not left and right handed which is part of the problem. The biggest problem is they are not OEM design.
Any clues apart from redesigning the mounting bracket to move the reel inboard about 15mm??
Chees Rod

R W Bowers

Rod,
it depends what mounting brackets you have, if you have the kit same as the 'midget Belt Fitting Kit' on this page - http://www.mgocspares.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_SPARES_Inertia_713.html#a32729W_2dM090

then all you need is to fit the two holed extension strip from the fittings with the seat belt (shown in photo below on that page)

the Securon belt and 'Midget Belt Fitting Kit' works on my car with the captive seat belt nut at the top of the side of the wheelarch

(if that all makes sense)
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel
I take it then that the reel is now mounted vertically?, and it now clears the frame
Cheers
R W Bowers

Sorry Nigel ignore last post I tried to edit it but couldn't for some reason.
My car was fitted with factory inertia reels, the problem is that the securons have the sensor mechanism protruding out the side unlike the originals which were flatter.
I'll re-invent the brackets to put the reel further inboard.
Cheers
Rod
R W Bowers

Ok it's fixed, used the oxy to reshape the bracket because the bracket appears to be Hi tensile, anyway result.
Cheers all
Rod
PS tied to put a photo in but am still having trouble doesn't seem to have "taken"
R W Bowers

Rod,
photo might not take if it's 'too big' try resizing it to 50% and see what happens

I had the same problem as you when replacing to the Secrucon on one side even though I already had the 'Midget Belt Fitting Kit' fitted for my previous belts

I tried to repair the previous seat belt that went wrong and was surprised just how small and flimsy the plastic locking mechanism was
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel will try 50%
Yes I tried to repair my original belt also, unfortunately it went "sprang" when I took the cover off (yes I know widespread gusts of hilarious laughter across the planet) I can now laugh about it now.
Belt actually works better with the redesigned bracket.
Cheers
Rod
R W Bowers

mine went just as we were about to go on a nice sunny day drive, I thought this wont take 5 minutes to sort out . . .

if 50% doesn't work try 34% or 25%

I spent a couple of hours trying to sort out all my wife's computer files and delete duplicates and am now in the process of backing them up but as she didn't reset her camera from super hi-res it taking ages, her photos are snaps, most with the subject either blurred or a speck somewhere in frame but very rarely do any get deleted
Nigel Atkins

I mounted my Securon reel units via the large threaded bosses inside the wheel wells. It just seemed more solid than the brackets; and it also saved me the cost of said brackets. I adjusted the reels to work at that angle, and all has been well for several years.

Here's a pic from when I refurbed the interior:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/safety_fast/3877444905/in/set-72157622081163601/lightbox/

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Hi Gryf
how does the belt sit on your shoulder? I did consider this but decided that comfort especially for "she who must be obeyed" was paramount
Cheers
Rod
PS nice work looks great
R W Bowers

I tried fitting straight to boss but I just didn't like the twist on the belt

my wife and I are both short and I have my seat very forward and her seat remains back but even with the Securons with the belt flat to shoulder we both have pad covers to stop the belt cutting into the shoulder as it tightens - it may not be required now the belts have been on a few years for me but my wife would still keep the one on here side
Nigel Atkins

In response to your note, I have no problems with the boss-mounted belts, comfort-wise. The webbing feeds into and out of the reels smoothly, and the only fuss is that sometimes the folded tonneau cover impedes them a bit, but that's easily remedied by rearranging the cover slightly.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Gryf,
I must admit it's partly that I don't like the look of the belt being twisted - based on what you've put I might try doing as you have on my wife's belt as she'll soon let me know if it isn't better for her
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 18/01/2013 and 26/01/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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