Seat belts for a Flaminia Berlina

[frankxhv773t]

I'm having Omicron consider seat belt mountings for the Contessa but they are sceptical about safely creating a top mount for a three point harness.

Some years ago I dismantled a RHD car that had belts. The top mount was bolted through the "B" pillar but Omicron fear this will not be strong enough and  might critically weaken the structure.

I know ownership of a Berlina is a rarity but does anyone have words of wisdom on the subject?

[Kevinlincs]

It is a dilemma Frank isn't it, but now we're used to having belts on at all times it feels strange to drive ithout them!
I'm with you in that I'd rather have them fitted, even if it's a slight compromise on aesthetics as well as maybe not perfect fitment.
My view is that a compromise is better than no belt at all.
Quite an interesting short piece here with a useful link.

 https://www.footmanjames.co.uk/blog/how-to-retro-fit-seat-belts

When I finally get the Flavia done I will be installing belts front and rear in whatever way I can, 3 point ones all round hopefully. Brackets can be bought with a fitting already in place that just require welding to the car. My own vire for what it's worth is that anything is better than nothing.

[frankxhv773t]

Fitting is often easier on a coupe as there is something solid below the rear window to bolt into. The worry with the berlina is that the "B" post is so slender. The Florida concept cars were pillarless, being based on the Aurelia, so the Flaminia "B" pillar seems like a bit of an after thought.

I think I saw comment a while ago of someone finding a fitting specification for Aurelias and hoped something similar might come out of the woodwork for the Flaminia.

[Kaha]

My fathers Berlina has only have had lapbelts as long as i can remember (late '70s)
If the B-pillar is too weak, maybe fit a small belt extension in the roof, like the late '60s early '70s BMW coupes?

[frankxhv773t]

Thankyou everyone. I think I've found enough evidence of fitting to the "B" pillar to satisfy Omicron that it is safe. I had thought that Lancia might have issued a technical instruction on the subject during the 60s or early 70s but nothing is coming out of the woodwork.

[lancianut666]

Hi Frank
I can see the concern over the B pillars. I have never used one but might the safest option be a full harness as as far as I know bouncing along the road tends to be rather painful not to say potentially lethal if you bounce into something solid like a telegraph pole or worse a mature tree ( Michael Schumaker) I do admit they look a real faff and always seem to be in ludicrous colours.
Clarkey

[lancialulu]

Hi Frank
I can see the concern over the B pillars. I have never used one but might the safest option be a full harness as as far as I know bouncing along the road tends to be rather painful not to say potentially lethal if you bounce into something solid like a telegraph pole or worse a mature tree ( Michael Schumaker) I do admit they look a real faff and always seem to be in ludicrous colours.
Clarkey

That surely would comprmise the rear passenger footwells?

[lancianut666]

Hi lancialulu
As I said I am not familiar with them but I think some will be going in the Appia when/if/ever it gets onto the road as there is no central pillar on an Appia. The idea about welding a bracket from the roof bears an investigation.
Clarkey

[frankxhv773t]

I plan to fit three point retractable set belts. A full harness would be complete overkill. I shall be driving in a sedate manner as befits the conducting of such a venerable lady as the Contessa. Static belts would be a problem as you have to reach right across the dashboard to access essential switches. I have a set of Brooks retractable ones from a 1961 Berlina that would look cool but they may not be refurbishable.

[lancianut666]

Hi Frank
I think they are a must have just to stop you walloping the dashboard in an emergency stop. My uncle had a head on crash in a VW Polo and the car was squashed right up to the A pillar but he opened the door unfastened his seatbelt and got out, his only injuries were some bruised ribs from the seatbelt.
Clarkey