Hello all, thanks for checking in and following along.
I have completed the seat belt install. The belts themselves were simple to install as they utilized the seat factory mounts. The belts are generic aftermarket Intended for replacing or adding them to a vehicle that doesn’t have any. I wanted to install ones with the shoulder point as I don’t see the point of installing lap belts when In a crash you are only going to eat the steering wheel.
Anyways, as mentioned, the base points were easy to mount utilizing the factory points but the 3rd point was very challenging. I had salvaged the adjustable shoulder points from a Ford SUV but either way, fixed or adjustable, I needed to fab up the mounting point and support. I made tabs to attach the bar that goes across the back to the door jambs. The bar is welded to the rear window opening as and I used 3/16” plate as the backer for the shoulder belt mount. I was originally going to mount the shoulder points to the door frame with the 3/16 plate, but they were too far forward and off to the side which made the shoulder point useless. I still think they are out a little far but sitting in the seat the belt sits in the right place on my shoulder so I think they will work as intended. I used heavy wall 3/4” tubing for the upper crossbar as the 1” I started with interfered with the stock interior panel too much. The 3/4” still interferes, but I think I can make it work. I of course lost some strength with the reduced size but I think it is supported enough to be effective in a crash. The whole assembly would likely need to be replaced after that, however I figure if that occurs I will probably have bigger issues to be concerned about anyways. Not too much crash testing and crumple zones were included back then!
More to come soon, Steve
Last edited by Canadian_guy; 09/18/20201:16 AM. Reason: Updating text
1946 Chev 1/2 ton - 6V/+ground/Bias-ply original - shake/Rattle and Roll! (SOLD) 1940 Chev 1/2 ton Franken/Restomod