Lotus Excel Rear Seat-belt fixing

[peter43]

I have a Lotus Excel SE 1986.

The belt was removed to repair the catch.

It was found when it came to reinstalling it that the bodywork fixing hole was larger than the existing bolt

One can't use a larger bolt as it would not go the seat-belt hole.

Any Ideas?

Thank you.

Peter43

[Marten]

I have a Lotus Excel SE 1986.

The belt was removed to repair the catch.

It was found when it came to reinstalling it that the bodywork fixing hole was larger than the existing bolt

One can't use a larger bolt as it would not go the seat-belt hole.

Any Ideas?

Thank you.

Peter43

The belts are fitted to a steel strap which makes it hard to pull the bolt through the body. The straps might be missing as (being outside in the roadspray) they rust with a vengeance. The bigger hole in the body is to get everything lined up

[Hawaiis0]

As mentioned the rear plates rot. Here is a shot of mine. The plate nuts will position the bolt. Make sure you seal with sealant the largish hole.

[lambert.john]

I obtained new, stainless steel, non-rust, rear seat-belt fixing plates from Lotusbits. Badly corroded plates should be an MOT failure.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Does the screw/bolt just come out or do you have to get inside the car to actually get these off? Both mine need changing......but to my mind it looks like you need two people to get these off?

[Alan_M]

The nut on the plate is welded on, so theoretically you just remove the bolt from inside, but if badly corroded then you will need to employ whatever method you prefer for removing rusted bolts.