3 point seat belts

[tyafrya]

Has anyone seen 3 point seat belts (Shoulder Belts) installed in a 2 dr. hard top ? Is there a kit ? I have lap belts now but I would feel better with more protection. ( 4 speed...... and I love to row the gears)

[chevynut]

Since there's no b-pillar it's hard to do on a HT and make it look right. I think most guys are using seats with integrated shoulder harnesses in hardtops, or just lap belts.

[JT56]

Just lap belts right now. I have seen one guy that welded pin between the roof supports then hang a hook on it. Reminds me of the Astro Van shoulder belts.

[Custer55]

Take a look at how the belts are mounted in late model convertibles. In my 95 Trans Am they go down into the rear quarter area just behind the door.
Brian

[rockytopper R.I.P 5-13-2017]

Ecklars has this kit, for all 2 doors.
The shoulder harness attachment point is low below the window.
http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-shoulder-harness-seat-belt-kit-3-point-retractable-black-1955-1957.html

Instructions:
http://www.classicchevy.com/assets/pdf/classicchevy/35-312.pdf

[chevynut]

The pic (from Eckler's instructions) just looks dangerous as hell to me. It looks like it could break your shoulder/collarbone on impact. Not to mention the retractor looks bad where it is, and is right in the way of passengers trying to get into the back seat.


https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2%5f0%5f0%5f1%5f6062393%5fAMm%2fimIAA FXCVP9MrAdLMApuO7Y&m=YaDownload&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1&appid=yahoomail

[rockytopper R.I.P 5-13-2017]

AGREE 100%^^^^

[Aussienomad]

We did a set for a friend who wanted 3 points in his coupe, but did not want to attach to the roof. We fitted the retractor inside the brace that can be seen in the Eckler's photos and cut a slot in the arm rest cover near the ash tray for the belt to come through. With the upper mount, we mounted it as high as possible on the inside panel. It is not perfect, in that it still draws across your shoulder, but a lot better than what Eckler's offers. Sorry, I don't have any photos handy.
Cheers, Des

[Rick_L]

Look at how the shoulder belts are done on an early 70s car like a Chevelle hardtop. The shoulder belt is a separate piece, attached to the roof rail. It's not retractable, but it's anchored in the correct location for proper function.

[smooth 56]

Rick that's how I was thinking of doing my 55. 73 montie carlo was done like that. But my headliner will be on a board so I can make a panel like the early 70's.

[rockytopper R.I.P 5-13-2017]

Another option for you race guys is to install a lap belt half in the rear floor or trunk under the rear seat. Then use your lap belt and a 4 point harness. I've seen this done in the pro-touring world were guys needed a shoulder setup for road course events and did not want to ruin there classic look by putting a 3 point harness in or install a roll cage that would normally mount the shoulder harness straps. They are not DOT approved but might be an option for someone like JT who is pushing 1000 hp and drag races from time to time and already has his car finished. This is a very easy mod and installation. One could probably use the shock mount location for this if they already have a shock bar installed. Some even put a cross bar under the front of the seat using the seat mounting holes so they could run a 5 point with a factory bench seat.