'69 A85 Custom Shoulder Belt Option (conv)

[Richard K.]

I want to install the custom shoulder belt option in my '69 convertible. I've purchased NOS belts, bolts, etc. Only 600 of the 16,633 '69 convertibles were fitted with this option, and I've looked at MANY '69 convertibles and have never seen one to view the installation. In looking at the production manual, my guess is that the convertible option shoulder belts bolted into the rear storage area and body shell the same as did the coupe belts. What I'm really curious about is the vinyl covered interior rear quarter panels behind the seats that would have been fitted with this option. Were they the same as the "non-option" convertible with the belts passing around or over them? Was a different quarter panel fitted that had a cut-out to pass the belts through? If so does anyone know the part number? Is this option pictured anywhere in a publication? Could someone with a '69 convertible fitted with this option please describe the fitting for me. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Much
Rich Kossum

[Reba Whittington]

Re: '69 A85 Custom Shoulder Belt Option (conv)

The 1969 shoulder belt did not pass through the trim panel. It mounted on the inboard side of the hump made by the wheelwell. The mounting mechanism was concealed by an interior-colored vinyl cover. Installation was changed in 1970 for obvious reasons: the mount interfered with the opening of the storage compartment doors.