Head rests and seat belts for Mk 2 Coupe

[lewis]

Hello fellow members,

I apologise if these topics has been already discussed. I have a Mk 2 Coupe. I have six questions, most related to safety as I use my Coupe as daily transport. I love the car and feel lucky I got such a good example.

First, I would like to fit the ET head rests, or any head rests for that matter providing they can be removed. Now I know the seats of the Mk 2 were not designed with this in mind. Is it possible for some bespoke engineering within reason to allow these head rests to be fitted. ?

Second, I've seen a number of pre P5B's with driving lights below the main headlamps. It seems Hella make such lights. Are these suitable for Pre P5B's

Third, Is it still possible for the ' third brake stop lamp' to be obtained and can it be fitted to my car.

Fourth, Are under bumper rear fog lamps available and can they be fitted to my car. 

Fifth, Can I fit inertia reel seat belts to my car, replacing the old Britax belts. 

Sixth, has anyone fitted after market air-conditioning and if so what is recommended.

I have already replaced the wing mirrors with Tex door mirrors to comply with local regulations. 

Thanks, and stay safe. Lewis

[djm16]

In principle all of your safety requirements are do-able if you have enough money or skill. But then it would not longer be a Mk II coupe.

COI, my MkIIb coupe was my daily driver until I took if off the road for an engine rebuild. In the absence of air bags and head rests, I drive pretty conservatively.

It has been said that the safest car is one with a sharp spike sticking out of the steering wheel boss, and the safest town in the Netherlands is one where they removed all the traffic lights and road markings so drivers have to concentrate and think.

[lewis]

Thanks DJM. Nothing like that central spike to make you concentrate !

[lagain]

If the seats do not have the provision for headrests it would be very difficult to fit them.

Driving lamps tend to be more for show than illuminating the road. If you drive in the dark it would be better to upgrade the lamps. The headlights are a standard 7" lamp as used in many different cars for decades. I have Land Rover Defender lamps with LED bulbs, which are better, but still nothing special. The advantage of LED is that they draw very little power, so I have mine on all the time, so that I can be seen. You could also use Halogen bulbs, but would benefit from a relay to stop the switch getting hot.

I have a high level brake light that sits on the parcel shelf.

I would imagine that rear fog lights are available on ebay, I did have some many years ago and used the holes in the chassis legs for fitting them.

You should be able to fit inertia reel belts, if you have existing mounting points.

After market air conditioning would probably cost more than you paid for the car !

Whatever you do try not to drill holes anywhere. Any 'improvements' should be made so that if they are removed there is no sign that they were once there. Badge bars, for instance, love them or hate them, once the holes are drilled in the bumper that is it !

[Phil Nottingham]

Headrests can only be fitted to Mk1 and 2s if the Mk3 or P5B seats are fitted and they have the internal bracketry. The earlier seat frames and reclining mechanism are just not strong enough. 

Fitting inertia belts is no problem - have them in ours

I have a under bumper rear fog light - late 60s design that clamps on.

Driving lights were optional extras and the wiring for them is in the loom.  The only problem is the dynamo output so these and headlights need to be converted to LEDs as I have done.

A centre rear screen brake light is no problem - stick on kits were readily available in the past. I have one on our P2.

If you want to see pictures look at my public FB albums

[bristol406]

I have just replaced the front seat belts in my '72 P5B coupe. It doesn't have rear seat belts, I was wondering if there were any mounting points for rear belts - I don't see any !

[lagain]

I think that the mountings are there as I think that they were an option. My car has them but as I never carry passengers in the rear I have tucked them away.
If you lift out one of the rear seats you should be able to see one of the mounting points.

[Phil Nottingham]

They are there - X head nylon screws blank the weldnuts. If you have had floor and wheel arch repairs they may have been left out

[bristol406]

Great. Thanks guys. Seats out tomorrow !