c1 seat belts

[Dave B.]

I am preparing my 58 for flight judging. I have been told by several people that seat belts were optional in 1958 and not standard equip. If so, I would assume I would not receive a deduction in flight judging if the vehicle had no seat belts.

Any opinions?

Thanks

[Mike M.]

Re: c1 seat belts

install aftermarket seatbelts.deductions almost certainly won't come into play unless you use your granpappy's suspenders. i put belts from adnover co in the baltimore md area in my 57 vette. they ad in hemmings. buckle up, live longer and enjoy your 58.mike

[Mike E.]

Re: c1 seat belts

What does the judging manual say?

[Dave Suesz]

Dunno, but they SHOULD say

"no deduct" for added seat belts, since only a bonehead would drive a C1 without this vital peice of equipment keeping them behind the wheel. I put Beams seat belts in my '55 ten years ago, because the Piper Cub seat belts my Dad put in in the 50's were looking a little old!

[Ted S.]

Re: c1 seat belts

I believe seatbelts are standard equipment on a '58. According to Noland's book it was the first year seatbelts were installed at the factory which started at the beginning of the '58 production year. None of the reference material I have shows an option code for seat belts. Evidently there were different part numbers for them used during 58. Hope this helps, Ted

[Jack H.]

Re: Dunno, but they SHOULD say

1957 was the last year for seat belts not being a standard factory feature on Corvette and the NCRS Judging Reference Manual (the 'white' book) has a proviso for no-deduction of points on Corvettes not originally equipped with seat belts having add-on belts in the interest of safety. On this '58, judges will look for correct/factory original belts and take deductions, as appropriate, along the lines of Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration & Completeness to the extent aftermarket belts installed differ from known factory original belts....