Was Metallic Black a colour option in 1971 for 3.0 CSi's?

[HB Chris]

Max,

There are quite a few here who also prefer "mostly" stock but it is also super to see all kinds of coupes represented. I wouldn't know where to use the power that comes from a properly sorted 3.5 even though it does feel awesome, I will keep my lowly 3.0 with Zeniths. Do consider the 5 speed, it transforms a coupe and get some good seat belts and perhaps wheels. Lots of great looking stock colors out there as well.

Chris

 

[rsporsche]

Chris, and others ...

what do you consider to be the best seat belt arrangement for these cars?

 

[maxg765]

seat belts

Max,

There are quite a few here who also prefer "mostly" stock but it is also super to see all kinds of coupes represented. I wouldn't know where to use the power that comes from a properly sorted 3.5 even though it does feel awesome, I will keep my lowly 3.0 with Zeniths. Do consider the 5 speed, it transforms a coupe and get some good seat belts and perhaps wheels. Lots of great looking stock colors out there as well.

Chris

Hi Chris,

I too would like to know what you mean by good seat belts. Did you change or add more modern safer units?

As for the wheels, I have to agree that a safer more recent wheel should be used. I heard of what look to be like new wheels crumble when having tires mounted. After 30 years+ the metals weaken. It would need to be new vintage knock offs that I will source. Something such as what www.group4wheels.com make. If there was enough interest from members they would make a specific custom run but, I believe they need to make a minimum of 60. Just not sure if thats 60 sets of four or 60 wheels making up 15 sets. They made a nice reproduction for the Alfa Romeo "Montreal" wheel but in 15" vs the 14" size. Still looks stock and period correct at the 15" size but better selection of tires and a safer modern built wheel.

I could always contact the owner John and see what the details are. They do CAD drawings and work in detail with the group to come out with the desired product. Lots of details are provided prior to production... I know because I followed the production of the Montreal wheel from idea to what the final product. Production is starting now for those wheels. It was the owners that decided on 15" after some info and detailed comparison drawings were made up by the company.

Max

 

[bert35csi]

Chris, and others ...

what do you consider to be the best seat belt arrangement for these cars?

The 3 point retracting belts from the 74 and later cars. While not really so comfortable since the belts come from below the shoulders (retracting reels are mounted inside the rear side armrest), they are still much better than the earlier tangle of spaghetti type seat belts that went every which way. Still available, about $1100 from BMW. Bought a new set back in the early 1990's for about $250.

 

[HB Chris]

Max and rs,

I described my new belts in this post:

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7958&highlight=seat+belt

The U.S. coupes used fixed belts through `73, the 2800CS had the shoulder belt mounted in the rear seat area, the 3.0CS on the roof in front of the grab handle. As noted in `74, a retractor was added in the rear arm rest but the belt stays low on the shoulder and you would need to modify the rear arm rest to accomodate. Al got me new Autoflug retractors, new webbing and new male Autoflug clasps to fit my female receptors. We added the sash extension to keep the belt near the shoulder but since I keep the seat all of the way back it wasn't mandatory but it fits much better if the seat moves forward as it keeps it away from your face.

Chris