seat belt question

[rick spears]

i have a 70 coupe, this is an unrestored, pretty much unmolested low mile car. i read somewhere (in fact book i think) that from 65' on that GM installed retractible seat belts in the vettes. my car has correct dated lap belts that are just bolted in, and don't retract. there are also what appear to be "storage clips" for the belts mounted on the leading edge of the seats. is this correct??? my car has a standard interior, was it only deluxe cars that had retracts? thanks in advance for any help, rick

[Joe L.]

Re: seat belt question

rick------

Corvettes did have seat belt retractors for many applications from 1965 onward. However, for 1970, no retractors were used on the lap belt component of the occupant restraint system. I believe that retractors were used, though, for the shoulder belt component and these retractors are mounted in the cargo area behind the seats. All 1970 coupes had shoulder belts.

[Jack H.]

Re: seat belt question

Joe's right...no retractors for the belt except for the shoulder harness (standard on coupe, option on convertible). You'll find clips on the middle center section of your seats (between your legs) which were used as a stowage mechanism for the belts in lieu of retractors.

[rick spears]

Re: seat belt question

thanks guys, i appreciate the input!! (nice when you get two answers and they jive)

[Jack H.]

That's because Joe is rarely wrong... *NM*

[rick spears]

Re: That's because Joe is rarely wrong...

i've NOTICED that!!

[Vincent F.]

Re: That's because Joe is rarely wrong...

My 71 has same seatbelts as yours,mine is convert shoulder optional.