Retro Seatbelts

[wedg2go]

Retro seatbelts!

I have been giving this a lot of thought lately and was wondering 'if' there is a mfr. that offers a lap/shoulder belt combo found in modern rides. Yes, I know there is no post and yes I know it would take away from the originality of the by-gone era. Just for some reason I get this sense of security when I am strapped in with both (I refuse to wear the original shoulder strap as it is a huge hassle to put back in place).

BTW - I did a power search online and struck out.

 

[Cudafor36]

Look at the recent post section. A question came up already on subject. A new challenger seat could work. Google Cuda Seats and you'll see em all.

 

[wedg2go]

Not seats...seatbelts. I like my seats! The seatbelts on the other hand...eeehhhh.

 

[gzig5]

I got the three point with the long sash guide from Wesco
Retractable Seat Belts

Pretty happy with the quality. Working through an issue with the buckle anchor near the console but other than that they are nice and the price is right. Get the retro buckle and add the mounting HW kits.

 

[wedg2go]

That's it in a nutshell!!! For the life of me I couldn't remember "3 point" unless it's a buck stomping around the backyard. Anyhow, sucks getting old.

Favor gzig5? Photo?

 

[gzig5]

Here you go. Lighting not that good, interior is a mess. You want the dropped upper mount so the belt doesn't come across your neck and the long buckle part to reach around the seat, as well as the mounting HW kits for each. I used the factory mounted holes and re-tapped them to clean the rust but the HW kit has enough parts to do it from scratch. Note that my buckles are mounted backwards for now. The plastic is preformed in a flat S shape and I didn't think it worked right around the console so I did it backwards. Others got it to work with the console, I just haven't revisited it.

 

[wedg2go]

Thanks for the photos and again for the link gzig5. Precisely what I am looking for.

 

[/sixchall]

Wedg2go, I’m sure at this point with all the replies you’ve received. My adding this will just round out the field. I ran into your same dilemma years ago with my ‘70 Challenger as a daily driver. With the separate, air craft style buckels, factory seat belts. I really didn’t feel secure in the daily LA freeway traffic. I found 2 ‘74 Challengers in a u-pick salvage yard. For $35.00 bought all the sets of belts, front and back, with all securing hardware from both cars. After cleaning everything up, I ended up,with the deluxe push button buckles, and the integrated shoulder/lap, like the new cars,in black seat belts. Being from an E-body it all bolted up, w/ no modifications. Just my take here on secure driving.

 

[wedg2go]

Wedg2go, I’m sure at this point with all the replies you’ve received. My adding this will just round out the field. I ran into your same dilemma years ago with my ‘70 Challenger as a daily driver. With the separate, air craft style buckels, factory seat belts. I really didn’t feel secure in the daily LA freeway traffic. I found 2 ‘74 Challengers in a u-pick salvage yard. For $35.00 bought all the sets of belts, front and back, with all securing hardware from both cars. After cleaning everything up, I ended up,with the deluxe push button buckles, and the integrated shoulder/lap, like the new cars,in black seat belts. Being from an E-body it all bolted up, w/ no modifications. Just my take here on secure driving.

sixchall - One thing for sure, if the install is easier then I am all for it! The problem is time, that is attached to the nylon webbing of the straps, compromises the integrity of it's purpose (At least, this is what I have learned from talking with other gearheads at various car shows). I know! It probably would take one tremendous "Smack" to tear that nylon, but it's still if'y at any amount of force pushing against it! Maybe you or someone here can set me straight on this classic car legend that I hear so much about. After all, I am all in for a straight up install.

 

[/sixchall]

Wedg2go........not all gear heads want to remain with the factory, even the 3-point ‘74 integrated ones. I’m happy with them myself. When I was using the car as a daily, and in the LA grind, they secured me well. However I heard from others that either use this type or own ‘74 E-bodies, they don’t like how the shoulder strap comes down across the body. Maybe that has to do with body mass. They are not easy these days to find a decent set $$, but I like that they’re factory and we’re made for the car and they are a 3-point restraint. Maybe Bill Edwards can help you out, give him a call he’s knowledgeable and a heck of a nice guy. Here’s his website.

 

[gzig5]

The dropped support on the upper belt mount of the Wesco belt takes care of the issue with the strap coming across the body incorrectly compared to the old OEM ones. I doubt you are going to find any viable E-body cars in a junk yard these days. The OEM belts come up on sale sites, but you better be ready to open your wallet. Depends on where your priorities are. I'm happy with an affordable solution that isn't dry rotted, looks nice, and performs.

 

[/sixchall]

Gzig5........I hear that the Wesco belts are a good modern type 3-point replacement for our old out of date belts. When I was using my Challenger as a driver, the only belts I had in the car were the separate shoulder/lap set up. Utilizing the old aircraft style lift latch. That really sucked for several years, until I happened to stumble across those 2 ‘74 Challengers in the wrecking yard. I pulled all the belts and hardware for $35.00. The webbing and latches ( deluxe push button buckels) all looked and performed wonderfully. To this day everything works great.