Miata Mailing List: November 1996, Message #242
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   From: Jim 

Subject: Re: Seat Belt /Grip of Death

   Date: Sun, 3 Nov 1996 18:47:53 -0500



At 08:17 AM 11/2/96 -0500, you wrote:

>I need to know if anyone has ever modified the inertial 

>seat belt tensioner's action. Mine is damn dangerous. If turn to see if 

>traffic is approaching over my right shoulder too fast I'll get paralyzed 

>into my seat, staring at the blind spot in the top, which shouldn't have 

>to be up anyway, until I get broadsided or the belt decides to relax it's 

>grip. Turning to look as I back up is just as bad. Is it adjustable? if 

>not is it based on a spring or weight mechanism? Maybe I can just add or 

>reduce the weight to make it a little less responsive. Does anyone else 

>experience this?

>

>Mike B

>Black 95B

>

>

>

>

>



I have never heard of any one modifying the retractor assembly.  They

usually work in one of two systems.  The first is centrifical force, as the

shaft spins quickly, to rods move outward to lock the shaft in place.

Imagine how an old point type distributor works to advance the timming.  The

second way is momentum,  a small pendulum is mounted on the retractor.  If

the force moves the pendulum enough, it locks the seatbelt.  Usually

annoyingly noticed when taking a turn or stopping quickly while you try to

turn your body.  These systems are usually sealed from the factory to keep

people from tampering with them.



Sorry that I have no solutions for you, just information.



Jim Tipton



94 Laguna Blue, Tan Interior













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