54 seat belt installation

[Willard M.]

The sap has started to run here in Maine so that means Corvette cruising in 2-3 more months. I want to install seat belts in my 54, but I'm not sure of the best approach. With steel cars I have used a very large washer or steel plate under the floor pan, but this may not be the best way. Any comments from others who have done this before? I am interested in only lap belts.

Bill #2659

[Dave Suesz]

My Dad put belts in mine 40 years ago...

Your basic Piper Cub belts. I replaced them with Beam's (from JC Whitney) about 12 years ago. I used the mount bolt on one side, and a really big washer which came with the belts. I suppose you could get the repro C1 mounts from Paragon etc. for a more authentic attachment.

[frank mccracken]

Re: My Dad put belts in mine 40 years ago...

It is suggested in some circles that seat belts should be attached to the seats, not the frame. Apparently in some accidents the seats are ripped out of the car. If the belts are at the frame you're in the middle.

[Jack H.]

Re: My Dad put belts in mine 40 years ago...

You'll find mid-year cars attach the inner belt anchor plates (riveted to tranny tunnel fiberglass) to the frame via a plastic-coated wire rope.... This is done provide an extra measure of safety in the event the seat rails or inner seat belt anchors tear loose from the fiberglass body. I guess the thought process was--better to have cracked lower rib cage and abdomen damage then to go through the windshield!