3 point seat belt question

[superghia]

My wife and I are interested in finding a Westy, and it will be used to carry camping gear, kayaks, etc. Our main concern is the safety of our daughters (8 and 3) in the back seat while driving. I have seen the layout of many bay window campers, and was wondering if anyone has installed 3 point seat belts. Some of the rear seats I have seen don't go all the way across, because of storage cabinets. Would this pose another installation issue.

Thanks for any input,
Billy

[Pillow]

Personally I do not see a way to get 3-points in the back of any westi.

Fronts sure but rear - doubtful.

... Invest in good updated brakes and tires. They can also save a life.

[Freebie78Westy]

Take a look at a mid 80's volvo wagon, they had a bar that held up the shoulder harness for the back seat. It could be an option.

[melville]

There is an anchor point under the rear window about halfway back. It may have a plastic plug with a Phillips head in it for removal. If the Westy you are looking at has a full width back seat (74-75, my favorite) you will have easy access on the right side, but the left side will be blocked by the cabinet they put over the spare tire tray.

I've used front belts from a similar year Bus to keep the buckles all the same (and the shoulder anchor takes the same hardware), but you are free to do what you like. I've not seen a good retractable belt solution for the backseat--if you come up with one, please share. I've used the fixed belts, and snugged my boys (same age spread as your kids, but a couple years older) in place like they were in a race car.

My own 74 Westy has the anchors only for the rear seat, but regular passenger and Kombi Baywindows should have shoulder anchors for the outboard positions of the middle seat should you go for a passenger Bus and have a bunch more kids.

Good luck, and be safe!