Seatbelts in model a tourer

[tj1965]

Hi there. I am working on a 30 tourer and am looking for clarification on seatbelt requirements. There is no B pillar that is of sufficient strength to mount upper seatbelt anchorages and the B pillar location is to far forward and too low to mount seat belts even if there was sufficient strength.

the Code talks about an exemption available where there is no B pillar. Can I apply for this exemption in this case? Does the situation change dependant upon whether the vehicle is registered as 1930 modified or 2016 scratch built.

Any advice appreciated. 

[Leon]

If it remains a '30 tourer, then I believe it should not need a three point belt, unless modified for high performance.

If it is a 2016 LVV scratchbuilt, then it will need a seatbelt frame installed and a lap and diagonal belt fitted.

So, I would consult your certifier at the earliest point, to establish what this vehicle will end up being registered as. That will give you guidance.

From reading between the lines, I believe you are going to need a 1D category certifier.

www.lvvta.org.nz/contact.html#certifier

Is the link to our certifiers list.

[tj1965]

Thanks Leon. I am a little confused. I would think the decision about what the vehicle is registered as sits with NZTA? Can you explain the process for me as I have been working hard to try and prove previous registration in NZ to get the 1930 registration with NZTA.

I'm working with Noel McMillan in Hamilton for cert but there seems to be some confusion about the "modified for performance" definition. Will the fitment of a stock 302 windsor and a jag diff be considered modified for performance?

Last question, assuming I need to fit the seatbelt frame, I will need to apply for design approval as the frame cannot be fitted in the standard manner. Can I apply for design approval for just this feature of the car and when does the TAC review design approvals next?

[Leon]

There are two aspects to the registration side of things. One is NZTA, who will make their decision on the identity of a vehicle, based on previous registration history overseas. The second is LVVTA, who will then inspect the vehicle, and take from the information NZTA comes up with, and what is learned from the inspection, decide if the car meets the definition of scratch-built, or the definition of modified production.

So if you've purchased a 30 tourer out of the USA (I'm guessing), then NZTA will see if the registration history as shown by the documents suggests it is a car that has been on the road since 1930, or if it is a more recent car that has been titled as a 1930. Some cars are straightforward, some cars are terribly complex, with the worst case scenario being that some cars don't have sufficient documentation to demonstrate their identity or legitimacy.

You may not need design approval for a seatbelt frame, it might be as straightforward as working with your certifier, and submitting a design and information to us. We can then advise if it needs to go to TAC, or if we can accept what you have in mind.

The wording from the Hobby Car Technical Manual on the subject of performance is

a modified production low volume vehicle, both with and
without a fixed roof, that has undergone significant
mechanical modifications, carried out for the specific
purpose of achieving a substantial performance
improvement, and thereby changing the vehicle’s driving
characteristics to more that of a modern vehicle

We'd encourage everyone to get the best belts they possibly can, in any car. They're such an important bit of safety gear, and nobody wants to end up injuring themselves (or their passenger) far worse in the event of an accident.

[tj1965]

Thanks Leon. I agree about the importance of seatbelts. Issue for me is the practicality of them in this vehicle. I'll discuss more with Noel and see where it goes.