Cooper S Seat belts

[tramper01]

Wanted seat belts for MK 1 Cooper S

[hanlminiman]

In "1966 legislation made it compulsory for all new cars to have seatbelt fittings. This simple change has revolutionised the way that drivers and passengers look after their own safety when driving."
I think the Mk1 Mini Cooper S was launched in 1963 when seat belt fittings were not compulsory.
I persuaded my Dad to fit lap diagonal belts in the front seats of the family car which was not a Mini but built in 1964 and registered in January 1965 but did have suitable seat belt mounting points.

[1071 S]

Fittings may have been "required" from 66 but were fitted ..for the front occupants ... well before that.

However the actual belts were the owners responsibility. I'm sure some dealers fitted them (something extra to extract a few more pennies from prospective buyers).

Back in the 60s belts were not generally appreciated. If your girlfriend's father was about when you turned up in your belt equipped Mini he was just as likely to view you as a dangerous hoon rather than someone concerned about the safety of his precious daughter...

That said, there is no such thing "seat belts for a Cooper S". The same belts fitted all Minis and most other cars as well.

Assuming you want something practical but period, you will want to be looking for a set of non retracting lap/sash belts. Extra bench racing points accrue for period labels (Britax, Kangol ..Or even BMC - although I'm pretty sure they didn't actually make belts I'll bet some enterprising dealers carried them). While the fittings (buckles etc) will work you will need to consider carefully (and perhaps replace) the webbing...

Rear belts are something different in that there was really no provision for them in the early cars. You will see lap/sash belts fitted anchored to the rear parcel shelf. However, if you check out the actual structure of the shelf you will be amazed how flimsy the attachments are ... not something I would trust when actually needed. Here is Oz it wasn't until the 70s that a reinforced (with small box section beams) rear shelf with factory belt anchorages was introduced.. don't know when UK cars acquired rear mounts.

AFAIK you can still buy non retracting belts...and as someone who rolled their first Mini in 1968 I would definitely advocate for function over form in this area..

Cheers, Ian

[Fanfaniracing]

I was lucky to find some NOS 3 point Kangool Seatbelts for my 62 wich i fitted for my first trip to Scotland with my new then girlfriend. ( to calm her father down... )

They are still allround and are very practical seatbelts far an early Mini