Seat Belt, Stock Style, 3 Point, Grey

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your vintage Volkswagen''s safety and interior aesthetics with the EMPI Stock Style 3-Point Retractable Seat Belt Kit in a sophisticated Grey finish. For many air-cooled enthusiasts, the original seat belts found in late-sixties and seventies Beetles are often frayed, sun-faded, or have mechanisms that have long since lost their spring. This kit provides a direct-fit solution that honors the classic look of your interior while integrating the modern convenience of a retractable system. By replacing those old, static lap belts or worn-out three-point units, you are not only improving the safety of your vehicle but also preventing the common frustration of belts getting caught in the door or dragging on the floor pan. The 2-inch wide automotive-grade webbing is designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and provides a secure, comfortable fit for both the driver and passenger.

Engineered specifically for the 1968 through 1979 VW Bug and Super Beetle, these seat belts utilize the factory mounting locations to ensure a straightforward installation process without the need for extensive fabrication. The neutral grey color is an excellent choice for owners looking to deviate from the standard black interior without sacrificing a factory-correct feel; it pairs perfectly with grey, white, or even custom two-tone upholstery sets. Each kit comes as a complete pair, providing everything you need to refresh the front cabin of your Beetle. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply performing a much-needed safety overhaul on your weekend cruiser, these EMPI seat belts deliver the reliability and period-correct styling that Appletree Auto customers have trusted for decades.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• VW Beetle (Convertible): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Note: Designed for vehicles equipped with factory 3-point mounting anchors.

SPECS

• Part Number: 18-1032-0
• Belt Type: 3-Point Retractable
• Webbing Width: 2 Inches
• Material: Heavy-Duty Automotive Grade Polyester Webbing
• Color: Grey
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Driver and Passenger sides)
• Hardware: Includes necessary mounting bolts and hardware
• Buckle Style: Push-button release with flexible sleeve for easy access
• Mounting: Mounts to stock factory anchor locations

PRO TIPS

1. Gravity and the Inertia Reel

When installing retractable seat belts in an air-cooled VW, it is absolutely critical to mount the retractor reel at the correct angle. Most inertia-based locking mechanisms are designed to work only when the reel is perfectly vertical or at a specific factory-intended orientation. If you mount the reel tilted forward or backward, the internal pendulum may lock the belt permanently, making it impossible to pull out. Always test the belt''s movement while holding the reel in its intended mounting position before final tightening to ensure smooth extension and retraction.

2. Inspect Your Anchor Points

Before bolting in your new EMPI belts, take a close look at your B-pillars and floor pans. Over decades, moisture can collect near the seat belt mounting points, leading to hidden rust that compromises the structural integrity of the anchor. Use a wire brush to clean the threaded holes (standard 7/16-20 fine thread for most VWs) and ensure the metal surrounding the hole is solid. If you find significant thinning or "swiss cheese" metal, you must weld in reinforcement plates before installation to ensure the belts will actually hold in the event of an impact.

3. Don''t Over-Tighten the Pivot Points

While you want the mounting bolts to be torqued securely to the chassis, ensure that the upper sash guide (the piece near your shoulder) and the buckle ends are free to pivot as needed. If these components are bound too tightly against the body or seat, they won''t align naturally with the passenger''s body, which can lead to uncomfortable pressure points or premature wear on the webbing. Use the provided spacers and washers correctly to allow for a small amount of movement while keeping the main bolt stationary and secure.