[Scarebird]

In the rebuild of my 71 LeMans I am wanting to refit the seatbelts with a shoulder style, similar to the Tran Am but reusing the existing retractor. I contacted a few vendors but they only reweb to stock lengths.

Is there a vendor that will reweb but to custom specs?

What I have in mind:

[leeklm]

Did you check with Seatbelt Solutions in Florida? I sent my retractors and other items for the 73 GTO to them for custon work

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Scarebird]

No, I will ask them in the AM - thanks.

[Stuart]

I don't know how they feel about custom configurations, but I've bought belts from https://www.ssnake-oyl.com and was happy with their product. The other name I know of is https://www.julianos.com/Seat-Belts-s/96.htm

[alleyCat]

Is that not a similar setup as 69 Chevelle/GTO ? Is the upper mounting to the roof ?

[Scarebird]

alleycat - the car is a ragtop.

[Schurkey]

1. You MUST MUST MUST anchor the shoulder strap ABOVE your shoulder. Really, you need to anchor the shoulder belt above the shoulder of the tallest person who'll ever drive the car, and with the adjustable seat all the way "up". If you don't anchor it high enough, it'll compress your spine in a collision, and maybe cripple you.

Wild Guess: This is why a convertible didn't get shoulder belts to begin with.

It may be that the only way to get shoulder belts in that car safely will be to anchor them to a roll-bar; or to use modern seats with integrated belts like my Trailblazer. The belts are part of the high-back bucket seat design.

2. Are you sure a lap-belt retractor will have enough "retraction" to pull a combination lap/shoulder belt tight? I'm guessing they don't have the capacity to reel-up that much belt length.

[Scarebird]

I did look at that - I note the belt guides are mounted high and usually of plastic. My guess is that side loads are not much. Note on this pic of Mustang:



and of the Camaro:




Needless to say I will mock this up before proceeding.

[tjs72lemans]

My '80 Fiat spider convertible has the belts like the Mustang also. But, the retractors are in the back floor.

[Scarebird]

We pulled the seats down and fitted them up. Next the apprentice, who is 6-3ish, was used as a test dummy. As you see this is doable...



...except for one issue. I noted ALL modern belts I examined have the retractor in the upper mount - the reason being if you use the retractor low it will work but you will not be able to lean forward without readjusting. His 2015 Mazda 3 has of course the 3 point belt, but the high point is simply a pivot and the retractor is in the floor.

I plan to examine the armrest area and see if this is feasible here. A field trip to the local pick-n-Pull is warranted tomorrow. Friday they give a decent discount to vets too.

[imposter]

Garys GTO Goodies is the MAN

[Scarebird]

not seeing it?

[PontiacMatt72]

This one from “Julianos” appeals to me

Also like one from “Wesco Performance”

[Scarebird]

Either one would solve the issue - the Wesco looks more period correct.

If this can fit inside the rear armrest it should work nicely, thanks for the info.

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by PontiacMatt72

This one from “Julianos” appeals to me

Also like one from “Wesco Performance”

I got a pair from Julianos for my '68 Hardtop and am real pleased with the workmanship. Have not had the chance to put them in yet but will post when I do. Looks like they will use the factory attachment points just fine (and the roof mount is well above my spine).

[PontiacMatt72]

Scarebird, ever get belts purchased/installed?

[Scarebird]

Yes, used Wesco products. Works very well, will refine it with 3D printed seat guides and anchor housing.

This is the link:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=849539