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Expert
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Location: Northen Virginia | I probably didn't see the post if someone had new ideas of installing 3 point safety belts, with out causing too much damage. Thanks |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9729
Location: So. Cal | If you have a sedan, you can create the mounts for them by installing mounting plates inside the B-pillar post. You can do the same for the rear seat, or else put the upper mount into the edge of the package tray.
You can refer to how I did it in my '61 Lancer wagon here: http://forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=54790&post...
Or see what I did to install them in my '56 Savoy here: http://forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=57904&post...
If you need to cut & weld into the B-pillar like I did, always cut below the mount, not above it, as it will remain stronger that way during an accident.
If you want to install 3-point belts into a hardtop, you have 4 options:
1. weld an upper mount into the roof, and that seat belt will dangle from the roof when not in use, unless you tie it up with a strap on the roof. This is how it was originally done in the '60's and early '70's.
2. Weld an upper mount above the rear door panel, and the seat belt will be in the way of anyone wanting to get in the back seat. It also isn't a great support angle during an accident.
3. Install ugly, bulky newer seats that have an upper seat belt mounted into them.
4. Install an upper mount that angles down to the floor or into the package tray - this is really intrusive to the back seat area. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 433
Location: McCleary WA | On my 2-dr wagon I mounted aftermarket retractors inside the door posts on a reinforcement plate and ran the belt out through the existing oblong holes. The other end of the belt attaches to the same mounting bolt, and the upper anchor to a plate welded into the door post. The belt did have to be reversed on the retractor. Not too complicated. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9939
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
I installed three point seat (safety) belts in my 56 Dodge 4 dr sedan:
Front seat belts:
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=67212&...
Rear seat belts (with some hints from Powerflite (Nathan N)):
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=67017&...
I have been happy with the results.
I used belts and hardware from Seat Belt Planet.
Edited by 56D500boy 2023-06-12 1:47 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5022
| i went with Cadillac seats from a 2004 |
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Expert
Posts: 3896
Location: Northen Virginia | thanks a lot guys, after seen what happened to those guys who crashed I just can't keep driving like that.
My problem is that my car is a complete unmolested 50k mile car but I think I have no other option to drill the holes in the B and C pillar. Reinforced may be also necessary.. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 9729
Location: So. Cal | If you have a sedan, I wouldn't think twice about it. You can always go back if you change your mind by just replacing the outer trim. But really, I don't mind having the 3-point belts in my wagon & Savoy sedans at all. It feels pretty natural in those cars. Having them in my '68 Barracuda which is a hardtop with its original 3 point belts, on the other hand, is kind of a pain because they dangle from the roof and get in the way. Nevertheless, IF you are driving the car a lot, there is no doubt that the upper seat belt support is the best thing you can do to dramatically improve your safety during an accident in an older car. |
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Veteran
Posts: 128
Location: Denver | I used 2001 tahoe seats to avoid drilling in the post. i took the headrests off so they don't look as out of place. i intended the conversion to be temporary while i figured how to attach 3 point belt to seat frame but they might say due to tilt, lumbar support, electric heat, etc... |
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Expert
Posts: 1207
Location: Ponder, TX | 56 Plymouth with 3-point belts from 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible.
 (Passenger Seat 3.JPG)
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 Passenger Seat 3.JPG (197KB - 49 downloads)
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5022
| the 2004 Caddilac Sevilles seats are buckets that look like bench seats.
 (2004 Cadillac Deville Sedan_10.JPG)
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2004 Cadillac Deville Sedan_10.JPG (137KB - 55 downloads)
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Expert
Posts: 3896
Location: Northen Virginia | Thanks a lot guys. I purchased aftermarket belts and honestly they look made of plastic the whole thing, so I'm going next weekend to a junkyard a look for a OEM set of a car it is not wrecked or too old.
Change my whole seat it is not an option, but I already have a spare set of side trims. Actually were the first thing I purchased in 2001 for my 61 Newport, now is going to save the originals from my New Yorker from the battery drill. |
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New ideas of installing 3 point safety belts?
