In this guide I will show you how to add a seatbelt height adjuster to your mk3 fiesta.
Along with the adjuster I will also show you how to hide all the unsightly cold metal
within the car by installing panel trims.
This only applies to mk3 fiesta's of the poverty spec, i.e no electric pack.
The car used in this guides is a mk3 k reg 3 door with standard rear quarter glass windows.
Tools Needed:
Torx bits
Socket set
Drill and 3mm drill bit
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Adjust me
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All trimmed up
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Fitting the adjusters
Step 1
Firstly obtain the seatbelt adjusters and trims from Ebay, scrap yard or wherever you get your parts from.
Here's what you need:
Left and right seatbelt adjusters with all bolts from a mk3, (Mk3.5's are different)
Left and right "B" pillar trims
4 self-tapping screws for "B" pillar trims
Left and right "C" pillar trims
2 self-tapping screws for "C" pillar trims
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Step 2
Get into your car and look at the "B" pillar where the seatbelt is anchored,
you will notice 2 plastic screw heads one above and one below the existing seatbelt mount.
Remove these with the correct sized screwdriver.
Now remove the trim that covers the seatbelt-mounting bolt, do this with a flat bladed screwdriver and set aside.
Next remove the mounting bolt, I think it is around 17mm and lower the seatbelt to the floor making sure you don't twist it.
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Step 3
Get the adjuster and line it up with the upper and lower mounting holes that you removed the plastic screws from.
Using a TX50 Torx bit, tighten these bolts up tight, Taking note that the two bolts have a differnt sized thread,
meaning that they will only go on one way.
not sure on the torque setting, as it isn't listed in the Haynes manual.
Remove the adjuster knob with a small flat screwdriver, as it will get in the way if left on.
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Step 4
Next place the "B" Pillar trim up to the bare metal, you may have to move the door rubber seal out a little to make it fit.
Make sure the adjuster is set to the middle of its runner and place the trim over it ensuring the adjuster protrudes through it.
Now align the trim correctly so it looks neat top and bottom with the rear door card and the headlining. Again left and right, with the window seal and door seal.
When you are happy with the alignment, get out the drill with the 3mm drill bit and drill through the two mounting holes,
just enough to mark them, remove the trim and fully drill the holes.
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Replace the trim and use the self-tapping screws to secure the trim to the car body.
Lastly you need to put the seatbelt back on, again tight but not over tight.
Replace the plastic trim and place the adjuster knob back onto the adjuster body.
Also if you removed the door seals, make sure you replace them.
Test the unit by depressing the adjuster knob and pushing the seatbelt up and down; when the knob is released it should click into place.
Repeat as above for the other side of the car.
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Step 5
The rear or "C" Pillar trims are a little more difficult to fit as you need to remove or at least slacken the parcel shelf supports.
Firstly open the boot and look at what you are dealing with, if it is the 3 door version with standard rear quarter glass you will need to
remove the black plastic covers that plug the holes where the handles for opening windows would go.
Pull away the boot rubber seal around the "C" pillar to enable the trim to fit flush.
With those removed you now need to remove the parcel shelf and take out any speakers if there, then remove the top mounting bolts that hold the supports secure.
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Step 6
When these are removed the support will pivot away from the car to enable you to fit the trim.
It is entirely up to you if you want to remove the button clip that holds the headlining up, but I left it there, doesn't cause any harm.
Remove the trim from the seatbelt anchor point and remove the seatbelt as described above making sure you don't twist it.
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Step 7
Move the trim around the gas lift on the drivers' side and place flat onto the metal. And push the support back and tighten
the bolts back up taking note that one of the top ones now go through the "C" Pillar trim, holding it secure at the base.
Again when you are happy with the alignment of the trim, drill the hole in the upper part of the trim and secure it with a self-tapping screw.
Re-bolt the seatbelt mount to the correct torque and refit the trim cap.
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Repeat for the other side. Then replace the boot rubber seal and parcel shelf.
This guide is basically the same for the 5-door version, but the "B" pillar trims
are longer and the "C" pillars are larger.
And that's it done; I think you will agree it looks a lot nicer and warmer with trims added.
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Again Job done.
Hope this guide is of some help.
Guide Written and © On 07 Dec 2005 by Andrew Whiteman (AW3K)
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