68 Shoulder Belts

[Tom B.]

Can someone provide me with the correct information about 68 shoulder belts for the 1968 coupe.

The previous owner of mine told me they were optional BEFORE January 1, 1968 and standard AFTER January 1, 1968. Therefore my coupe didn't have any. In my case I have looked and found no evidence of screw holes where the shoulder belt "pockets" should be mounted and have found the original white plastic plugs pushed into the shoulder belt bolt holes.

The 68 TM says seat belts were standard in 1968 and (pg 13) says shoulder belts were standard on coupes, optional on convertibles. For some reason that part seems to me would be the other way around (but probably isn't).

I'd like to know before I ***** down 400 bucks or more for a set of correct 68 shoulder belts. Thanks in advance. Tom #24014

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Shoulder Belts

Tom----

I believe that the previous owner gave you the correct information regarding the shoulder belt circumstances for 1968 coupes. In addition, based upon your description of the configuration of your particular car, I'm certain that yours never had them regardless of whether or not "conventional wisdom" holds otherwise. I wouldn't even consider adding them to the car unless you're a "safety" fanatic. Bear in mind, too, that the laws of most states require you to wear them if they're installed in the car.

As far as the coupe vs. convertible shoulder belt installation goes, the shoulder belts were standard equipment in COUPES after, most likely, January 1, 1968. They were OPTIONAL in convertibles through the end of C3 convertible production in 1975. Might seem "backwards" but that's the way it was. I suspect that it was a "contortion" produced by some obscure law or regulation. That's the way "laws" often work.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Shoulder Belts

Tom----

I believe that the previous owner gave you the correct information regarding the shoulder belt circumstances for 1968 coupes. In addition, based upon your description of the configuration of your particular car, I'm certain that yours never had them regardless of whether or not "conventional wisdom" holds otherwise. I wouldn't even consider adding them to the car unless you're a "safety" fanatic. Bear in mind, too, that the laws of most states require you to wear them if they're installed in the car.

As far as the coupe vs. convertible shoulder belt installation goes, the shoulder belts were standard equipment in COUPES after, most likely, January 1, 1968. They were OPTIONAL in convertibles through the end of C3 convertible production in 1975. Might seem "backwards" but that's the way it was. I suspect that it was a "contortion" produced by some obscure law or regulation. That's the way "laws" often work.

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Shoulder Belts

Thanks Joe. If I hadn't found those indicatations of "non-installation" I could have easily followed the TM. Also glad the NDB is here (you too). Hope there's an updated version to the 68-69 TM someday. I know we at least have something to follow, but one or two things can be an expensive "mis-understanding". Thanks again. Tom #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: 68 Shoulder Belts

Thanks Joe. If I hadn't found those indicatations of "non-installation" I could have easily followed the TM. Also glad the NDB is here (you too). Hope there's an updated version to the 68-69 TM someday. I know we at least have something to follow, but one or two things can be an expensive "mis-understanding". Thanks again. Tom #24014