I have a 1973 L-48 convertible. I can only assume that this was an option for convertibles only and standard on coupes. My car was not optioned with RPO A85; as appears to be with most convertibles. Now here is my question. The rear side trim panel does not have provisions for a shoulder harness - Makes sense seeing this was not an option on my car. However, my trim piece almost appears that the portion where the should harness provision would be attaced has been cut off. In other words, the trim is straight. There is no wrap around portion to attach to the rear wheel well. Is this correct? Is the rear side trim panel straight for convertibles not option with RPO #85? I can see in catalogs two different items offered for convertibles. THANKS
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Re: Custom Shoulder Belts (RPO # A85)
Some final comments:
1. These parts are made of fiberglass - Are the repos plastic?
2. The following part numbers were on the inside of the parts (3974051 LH 333338 RH) -
Re: Custom Shoulder Belts (RPO # A85)
Cameron-----
GM #3974051 was the PRODUCTION left side rear trim panle used for ALL 1973 convertibles.
The right side trim panel used for early 1973 convertibles was GM #3974051. However, later build 1973 convertibles may very well have originally used the GM #333338 panel you described. I strongly suspect that both panels are original to your car.
I don't think that the trim panles for convertibles with or without shoulder belts were any different.
Very few 1968 through 1975 convertibles were equipped with shoulder belts. Try explaining that to a police officer that stops you for driving without them, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Custom Shoulder Belts (RPO # A85)
Thanks Joe - This has been a big mystry to me. I have seen a number of convertibles without the shoulder harness. However, the side trim panel has always has the extension with the openning to accept a shoulder harness. My trim panels do not have the additional section which would accept the shoulder harness. I have never seen one like it. Someone over the years may have "cut" off that portion. What really adds to the confussion is that parts catalogs (such as Corvette Central) list replacements with and without shoulder restraints???Comment
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Re: Custom Shoulder Belts (RPO # A85)
Cameron-----
I can't account for why the catalogs show the rear trim panels for convertibles with and without shoulder harnesses. However, I believe that the situation is that 68-73 convertibles did not have special panels for those cars equpped with shoulder harnesses. If they did, I can find no record of any such parts which existed.
I think that 74-74 convertibles used rear panels which had provisions for shoulder harnesses whether or not the car was actually fitted with shoulder harnesses. I would think that these panels could be used on earlier models with shoulder harnesses, but I don't think those cars were originally equipped with them. These panels were GM #339127 and GM #339128.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Custom Shoulder Belts (RPO # A85)
As Joe said all original 73's had the holes for the seat belts. The replacement after market vendor made them soild and you needed to cut the holes yourself if you wanted them but they were marked on the inside for the cuts. They may now cut them out for you. The part is stronger without the hole but would be a judging issue. This part was often broken and even at Carlisle swap meet I have not found any not broken originals. LyleLyle
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