3 Point Seat Belts

[Dennis B.]

I would like to install a 3 point system in my 1963 SWC. I realize there is a way to do this by anchoring the 3rd point in the trunk area but has anyone actually connected the third point to the B pillar? If so, do you have pictures that could show me how to do it?
Thanks in advance for any help

[Bill H.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

Putting the anchor for the shoulder belt in the trunk area (on the floor) is a very bad idea. It's basically worthless for securing your shoulders in an accident.

The B pillar is the only safe place to put the anchor.

[Claus S.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

If any have anchored it to the frame it would be great if they can post a picture of how they did it

[Mike M.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

I would like to install a 3 point system in my 1963 SWC. I realize there is a way to do this by anchoring the 3rd point in the trunk area but has anyone actually connected the third point to the B pillar? If so, do you have pictures that could show me how to do it?
Thanks in advance for any help

i had both a 66 and a pair of 67's that had factory installed shoulder harnesses. they attached to a plate that was riveted to the floor pan. i seem to recall long island corvettes selling repo plates for these factory shoulder harnesses. mike

[Dennis B.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

Putting the anchor for the shoulder belt in the trunk area (on the floor) is a very bad idea. It's basically worthless for securing your shoulders in an accident.

The B pillar is the only safe place to put the anchor.

I agree, but I have never seen how to do it. Does anyone have any pictures on how to anchor it in the B Pillar?

[Duke W.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

Keep in mind that "crash testing" was not required until the 1968 model year, so any three-point belt design is unproven - even if one uses the B-pillar pieces from the shoulder belt option on late C2s, but an intuitively engineered solution by someone with a basic understanding of the structural requirements would be an improvement over lap belts, alone. That's basically what Chevrolet did on C2s because there were no test requirements at the time.

It's interesting that the '63 inboard belts were attached to a gusset plate riveted to the corner of the "tool well" that was mounted via a rubber cushion and bolt to a frame bracket, but the outside belt has no such reinforcement to the frame.

This design was eliminated later in the C2 model run, and a cables were used to connect the gussets to the frame - on both sides, I think, but, again, none of these designs were actually tested.

An inertial reel three-point belt system from later GM vehicles using the OE floor attachments and securing the interia reel housing to the bircage in the B-pillar area might be a reasonable solution for Coupes. Converts would be problematic.

Duke

[Dennis B.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

i had both a 66 and a pair of 67's that had factory installed shoulder harnesses. they attached to a plate that was riveted to the floor pan. i seem to recall long island corvettes selling repo plates for these factory shoulder harnesses. mike

Thanks, all I have seen to date is the installation of the shoulder retractor into the top of the fender well with a huge bolt through the frame. If you gotta do some damage to something I would prefer the B pillar with a piece of strap steel interwoven with the birdcage somehow that does not do great damage?

[Patrick B.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

I believe most if not all 67s have the reinforcement plate riveted into the wheel well even if they did not come with the shoulder belt option. My April build 67 convertible has them. I bought the aftermarket versions with the intention of adding shoulder belts but discovered they were not needed. The plates are not attached to the frame and are no doubt inferior to modern designs which must pass performance tests, but one can add at least some protection while keeping a stock look.

[Dennis B.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

I believe most if not all 67s have the reinforcement plate riveted into the wheel well even if they did not come with the shoulder belt option. My April build 67 convertible has them. I bought the aftermarket versions with the intention of adding shoulder belts but discovered they were not needed. The plates are not attached to the frame and are no doubt inferior to modern designs which must pass performance tests, but one can add at least some protection while keeping a stock look.

Exactly, I am just wondering if anyone has found a way to use the door frame like a regular car? If so, how was it done. The pillar is in the same position as any other car but obviously not as "reinforced" as today's cars. But, it may be good for one accident and that's better then none at this point.
Maybe I will be the first to do it??? In which case I will pass on what I learn. It would be nice to know if its possible before the dis-assembly starts though.

[Claus S.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

This is not the factory way to do it but i have seen one that had a 3 point harness fastened on the original places but in the back he had made it so it so it was fastened to the frame.
You could not see any difference except when you looked at the assembly under the car where it was anchored in the frame
Thats the way i would do it

[Dennis B.]

Re: 3 Point Seat Belts

This is not the factory way to do it but i have seen one that had a 3 point harness fastened on the original places but in the back he had made it so it so it was fastened to the frame.
You could not see any difference except when you looked at the assembly under the car where it was anchored in the frame
Thats the way i would do it

This is the only one I have seen done so it would work but its a tad radical for me.

http://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/Seats/Seat_Belts/Seat_Belts.htm

this is what he ended up doing, I am still hoping for a B pillar solution.