Trevor,
Although I really like the beer cooler coaster idea, the part you have
found is one of the infamous seatbelt interlock warning arse pressure
sensors that were used on American spec MGBs starting in 1974.
In 1974 (also known as the Era of the Great Silliness), the Feds came up
with a law that required a system to disable the starter until the
driver (and front seat passenger if present) fastened their seatbelts.
BL addressed the problem with pressure sensing switches located between
the seat cushions and the support webbing. When someone eased their
backside into the seat, the switch would close and operate a relay that
would disable the ignition/starter switch until they fastened their
seatbelt.
There was so much public outcry about this (you couldn't set a bag of
groceries or have your dog sit in the passenger seat unless he was
wearing his seatbelt!) that the Gummint finally repealed this BS after
about 9 months. The real reason for the repeal had nothing to do with
public opinion - somebody found that seatbelt use was actually declining
because folks were buckling the belts behind them and leaving them
buckled, to avoid having to deal with the interlock. After the law was
repealed, I believe BL left the switches in, but they just controlled a
light and warning buzzer.
So you've got yourself a rare part there, one that is great to put on
one of those "Guess the Part" quiz boards!
Cheers,
Paul Kile
Appreciator of Arcane Automotive Artifacts
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