'73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

[Robert R.]

My question is regarding shoulder belts for these years on convertibles.

The '73 has separate retractors for lap and shoulder belts. The option code of A85 is listed for shoulder belt applications.

Did '74 and '75 convertibles use the same system? Or did they have a single retractor for both lap and shoulder belts?
The option lists for those years list that A85 option. But looking at some interior pictures in the '73-'77 Dobbins book, it looks like the '74 and'75s use a single retractor (rear trim piece lacks hole for separate retractor).

Thanks in advance for your responses.
Bob

[Eric F.]

Re: '73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

My 75 convertible uses a seperate retractor, as all should because the shoulder belts in a convertible for 75 were an option. Shoulder belts became standard equipment for convertibles in 1976; they were standard for coupes in 1975.

I hope this answers your question.

Eric

[Harmon C.]

Re: '73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

Bob
All 73 to 75 convertibles had the same shoulder belts as your 73 if ordered with that option. I have never seen an original 73 convertible trim piece that did not have the hole.The trim had the hole even if the optional belts were not ordered. The 75 shoulder belts had a different style retractor that was more square.

Replacement trim could have the hole cut or for less money you could order them uncut and make the cutout if needed. All replacement trim I have seen uses the standard trim screws and no insert that are very easy to strip out. The originals had a brass insert and used a fine thread machine screw with a chrome countersunk phillips head screw. Many times I have found the wrong screws holding the metal trim as the corect ones are hard to find.
Lyle

[Harmon C.]

Re: '73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

Eric

Their was no C-3 Corvette convertibles in 1976 unless they were homemade.
Lyle

[Robert R.]

Re: '73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

Thanks for your comments.

[Eric F.]

Re: '73, '74, '75 Convertible Lap / Shoulder Belts

To that I say "Duh to me" the significance of 75 being the last year of the convertible until 1986 was one of the main reasons my wife wanted the 75. I meant to say shoulder belts became standard equipment beginning in 1976.

Thanks for catching my mistake Lyle! I'd hate to mislead others.