seatbelts - again

[glenn]

I know this topic has been covered many times and it is a trivial detail for most deli owners, but . . . .

I have a deli coming from Japan - it's manufacture date is listed as aug 91 - the month/year that rear shoulder belts became standard. I can't tell from the crappy photos if it has rear shoulder belts or not (although the rear wiper arm doesn't have the bend in it that later models with the 3rd brake light seem to have). Is there anyway to know without seeing the van? - Chassis # P35W-0109016

I might have an opportunity to switch this van for a 93, but the 91 has significantly lower kms. Any help with the seatbelt question is appreciated, thanks to everyone to contributing to this great forum!

Glenn

[Green1]

(although the rear wiper arm doesn't have the bend in it that later models with the 3rd brake light seem to have). Is there anyway to know without seeing the van?

I think you answered your own question, the 2 features were added at the same time.

[TardisDeli]

If it doesn't come with them, consider switching. I haven't seen a good after-installation yet -- have been snooping on other delicars as this question comes up so often. Christine.

[glenn]

Thanks for the info/feedback. I have to agree with both of you. Although I was hoping that the bent wiper arm was unrelated to the 3rd brakelight.

Glenn

[ccautos]

I have stripped out two vans , one with three point harnesses and one without . Although the hole is in the panels on the older van there is some substantial reinforcing panels missing from behind the outer panels . The single thin panel in the earlier vans is NOT safe to mount seat belts into without installing additional support panels inside the upright window pillars . I have cut open a van and will post pictures later of the panelling . I have heard of many people trying to retrofit seatbelts to earlier vans but have not seen any complete . In the event of a hard frontal impact these retrofitted seat belts will very likely pull through the panel leaving the seat belt useless . For any additional information on this topic please call me at the shop on (250)954-2157 .

[thelazybrownfox]

Glenn
If its any comfort, my deli had 95k kms on it and is running great. Some mileages are harder on the van than others ie: in town idling can be harder with low miles than higher mileage. What you want may come from the higher mileage model and better suit your needs. These delicas run a long time and are very dependable transportation.

I searched for a long time to find shoulder harnesses, head rests, captains chairs and curtains in a high top non crystal roof.

Walk over some time and we can talk. You have my phone number.

Thelazybrownfox