348 Three-Point Seat Belt Conversion | Page 2 | FerrariChat

348 Three-Point Seat Belt Conversion

Discussion in '348/355' started by modena2904, Aug 30, 2013.

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  1. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    #26 gaw111, Feb 26, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  2. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    #27 gaw111, Feb 26, 2014
    Oh, it also made it possible to get a vacuum in that area now. But this is a great idea you had!
     
  3. modena2904

    modena2904 Formula Junior
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    #28 modena2904, Feb 28, 2014
    Great idea. I didn't even think to try that.

    Now what I'd really like to do is figure out a way to source a shorter version of the female end of the buckle so that it doesn't stick up quite so high above the seat bolster.

    - Eric
     
  4. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    #29 gaw111, Feb 28, 2014
    Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.
     
  5. blue90

    blue90 Formula Junior

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    #30 blue90, Mar 21, 2014
    Eric, thanks for posting the conversion details. It was extremely helpful. This week I managed to complete the conversion and belts work way better. The retractors on the 348 were weak so I switched the drivers side retractor to a heavy duty 944 turbo unit that has a heavy duty aluminum wheel. It retracts much better than 348 parts but you can only fit one in the shoulder housing since they are pretty bulky. Here are a few pics.

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  6. Pixel6

    Pixel6 Karting

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    #31 Pixel6, Mar 29, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Found a solution I'm VERY happy with. Picked up a pair of fabric style rear seat belts (female side) from a Ferrari 456 on ebay.

    They are about an inch and a half longer than the 348 one, which actually seems to be a better solution than a shorter one. Buckled up now I can reach the glovebox again where when I first did the mod I couldn't. Because it's flexible, it actually increases your belt length and therefor reach about a foot compared to the vertical rigid buckle.

    The hole for the main bolt on the 456 is bigger than the 348 one... But to my surprise the guide that you remove from under the seat when you do the mod (lap belt) is the same size, and has a flange washer that fits the 456 belt.

    I also got rid of the larger cover in favor of the smaller cover. A razor blade and a bit of super glue, and I was able to widen the top hole on the leather to accommodate the wider fabric belt.

    When i get out of the car, the belt lays on top of the mouse track, and makes hopping in and clicking the belt very easy.

    Anyhow, here's a photo of the finished job... Only adding the one photo as I can't figure out how to attach more than one photo at a time from my phone.

    Enjoy!
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  7. Pixel6

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    #32 Pixel6, Mar 29, 2014
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  8. Pixel6

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    #33 Pixel6, Mar 29, 2014
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    Length comparison: hmm looking at it again, it's actually like 2 1/2 inches longer... But because it's all fed thru that new buckle... You get really a ton more reach with this setup.
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  9. Pixel6

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    #34 Pixel6, Mar 29, 2014
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  10. modena2904

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    #35 modena2904, Mar 29, 2014
    Looks like a great solution -- now I think I know what my next project is!

    - Eric
     
  11. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    #36 gaw111, Mar 29, 2014
    Dang it, Now I have to do it again! :) Glad you liked my idea with the smaller cover though!
     
  12. Pixel6

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    #37 Pixel6, Mar 30, 2014
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2014
    Well, after a few days with this configuration... Must say I'm 100% satisfied. As I unclip the belt to get out, it naturally lays flat towards the door panel, putting it in the perfect position for when I get back in. (i.e. off of the seat and out of the way.)

    Also pulled the bulb today to remove the seatbelt warning distraction from the instrument cluster. (I always buckle up regardless.)

    Good luck on Ebay boys...

    :)
     
  13. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #38 ernie, Mar 31, 2014
    This thread is just GREAT! I love how people are modifying and altering this.

    Nice job guys!
     
  14. modena2904

    modena2904 Formula Junior
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    #39 modena2904, Mar 31, 2014
    Yeah, I took a look yesterday -- pretty slim pickin's on eBay for 550 seat belt assemblies. A more cost-effective approach would be non-Ferrari parts, so the search is on...

    - Eric
     
  15. pnicholasen

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    #40 pnicholasen, Mar 31, 2014
    Great write up Eric!
    Wondering if something like this would work, it lists the dimensions of the retractor at 3x3x4". Not sure if that would fit or not.
    3 pt. Retractable Seatbelt Bucket Seat Standard Sash Above Window
     
  16. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran
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    #41 vvassallo, Apr 2, 2014
    I am looking at the Serie Speciale version and trying to plan a similar upgrade. Seems so silly to latch a shoulder harness and lap belt separately. This would leave a hole in the outside bolster where the lap belt latch was though. Hmm...
     
  17. desmomini

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    #42 desmomini, Jun 29, 2015
    Just found this old thread...what a fantastic solution. Thank you so much.
     
  18. hercfe

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    #43 hercfe, Mar 15, 2016
    Just did this upgrade on my 94' 348 Spider. Probably the easiest thing I've done on the car so far! It's a bit easier on the Spider, as you don't need to go from the engine bay to undo the fasteners. There are only two small screws on either side of the tensioner housing that come right out. Great thread! Thank you!!!!
     
  19. hercfe

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    #44 hercfe, Mar 15, 2016
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  20. vjlax18

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    #45 vjlax18, Mar 15, 2016
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  21. vjlax18

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    #46 vjlax18, Mar 15, 2016
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  22. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #47 ernie, Mar 15, 2016
    Excellent.
     
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