C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Best option for 3 PT seat belts in a '69

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-20-2014, 09:23 PM
  #1  
FLYNAVY30
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
 
FLYNAVY30's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2002
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 6,569
Received 2,368 Likes on 1,036 Posts

Default Best option for 3 PT seat belts in a '69

Ive done some research, and I know that the shoulder harness was an option in '69, and that even my roadster should have the mounting hole for the shoulder reel somewhere on top of the rear wheel hump under the carpet. My question is, for a regularly driven car, that isn't up for any kind of NCRS judging, what is the best option for 3 pt belts?

Ive found numerous sources for both the factory style shoulder reel that clips to the factory lap belt, and a retrofit modern style 3 pt system that mimics the style of the original:
http://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corve...t_p_10933.html

To be honest, Im leaning towards the latter as it seems like the simpler solution but Im open to input from anyone who has experience with either.

Thanks!!
Old 10-21-2014, 12:24 AM
  #2  
Frank_Nesta
Racer
 
Frank_Nesta's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 478
Received 42 Likes on 33 Posts

Default

[QUOTE=FLYNAVY30;1588085667]
Ive found numerous sources for both the factory style shoulder reel that clips to the factory lap belt, and a retrofit modern style 3 pt system that mimics the style of the original:
http://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corve...t_p_10933.html

I like the set up with the link you provide. GM buckle.
Old 10-21-2014, 07:14 AM
  #3  
jim2527
Race Director
 
jim2527's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2003
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 19,018
Received 633 Likes on 426 Posts

Default

I used belts from a Camaro of Firebird.
Old 10-22-2014, 05:34 AM
  #4  
Bhus
Intermediate
 
Bhus's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 43
Received 12 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Have anyone tried this conversion kit, is it easy to install?
I have a `71 with lap belts, and would like a 3 point belt instead.
How is the mount on the B pillar?
Old 10-23-2014, 04:15 PM
  #5  
c69vete
Drifting
 
c69vete's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Kissimmee fl
Posts: 1,650
Received 51 Likes on 31 Posts
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07

Default

The hole for mounting the shoulder harness is on the side of the wheel well, not the top. It changed to the top in 70. Do a search using Camaro seat belts as your key words and you will have a weeks worth of reading.
Lots of info on how to do this.
Old 10-24-2014, 07:31 AM
  #6  
lopozza
Advanced
 
lopozza's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2010
Location: Lancaster PA
Posts: 54
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by jim2527
I used belts from a Camaro of Firebird.
The newer rear seat belts from the camaro are working very nice for me.
Cost $15 and looks good but black is not available so I had to dye them.
Hard upgrade to beat at any price!
Old 10-24-2014, 07:53 AM
  #7  
Garys 68
Melting Slicks
 
Garys 68's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Have you shopped around for universal belts?
I put a set in my 72 Olds for about $60. Going to do the same for my 68 this winter.
Old 11-12-2014, 11:35 AM
  #8  
Bhus
Intermediate
 
Bhus's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 43
Received 12 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Have anyone installed this, and taken some pictures of it?
http://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corve...t_p_10933.html
Old 11-12-2014, 11:45 AM
  #9  
doorgunner
Nam Labrat

Support Corvetteforum!
 
doorgunner's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,965
Received 4,231 Likes on 2,772 Posts

Default

It really depends on "how close/original" that you can afford/are aiming for........

On the modern version/3 point belts, you are actually paying an extra $ 180 for the unofficial GM logo buckles!

I f you HAVE to have the logo....that's a deal compared to the $400 belts.

I bought generic 3 point belts from PepBoys for $64+tax each in the color I wanted.

(I'm not above shopping at the salvage yard for parts since funds are on a limited budget every month)
Old 11-12-2014, 11:52 AM
  #10  
Frank_Nesta
Racer
 
Frank_Nesta's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 478
Received 42 Likes on 33 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Bhus
Have anyone installed this, and taken some pictures of it?
http://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corve...t_p_10933.html
I would call them and question how they mount to the B pillar. Or if they can sent you an install manual. Question them if they do not work can you can you return them. I believe that seat belts are not returnable.
Old 11-12-2014, 01:29 PM
  #11  
knotacare
1st Gear
 
knotacare's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I have done this on my 68 convertible & my 73 t-top. The 68 belts are attached to the bolt holding the rear opening. The 73 is described here.
http://corvettec3.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/...=1317652644/75
Alan
Old 11-13-2014, 09:47 AM
  #12  
Bhus
Intermediate
 
Bhus's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 43
Received 12 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Thank you for your replyes.

I already have the seatbelts, I bought them "used", never been mounted, they are as good as new.

Will it be ok to do it like this kit from Ecklers? It looks quite similar to the one from CorvetteMods.
I have seats like the `80 -`82 Corvette.

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/asset...ette/49465.pdf
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...Product_Viewed

Last edited by Bhus; 11-13-2014 at 09:52 AM.
Old 11-13-2014, 10:36 AM
  #13  
20mercury
Melting Slicks
 
20mercury's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2008
Location: Lafayette Louisiana
Posts: 3,418
Received 568 Likes on 445 Posts

Default I have bought these, but not installed yet on my 68

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30
Ive done some research, and I know that the shoulder harness was an option in '69, and that even my roadster should have the mounting hole for the shoulder reel somewhere on top of the rear wheel hump under the carpet. My question is, for a regularly driven car, that isn't up for any kind of NCRS judging, what is the best option for 3 pt belts?

Ive found numerous sources for both the factory style shoulder reel that clips to the factory lap belt, and a retrofit modern style 3 pt system that mimics the style of the original:
http://www.corvettemods.com/C3-Corve...t_p_10933.html

To be honest, Im leaning towards the latter as it seems like the simpler solution but Im open to input from anyone who has experience with either.

Thanks!!
I have bought these, but not installed yet on my 68 convertible. They are good quality, come with instructions, bolts to attach the shoulder strap retractors and a backup plate for the shoulder strap retractor inside the wheel well. The back up plates are stout. I called Corvette Mod and this is called a 68+ conversion kit and I sprung for the GM labels for an extra $15 (not sure why though). As described above, I found a factory reinforcement at the top of inside the rear wheel well. I was hoping there was a hole with a plug like maybe the AIM has, but no dice. The only thing I do not much like is the vendor supplied some big guides for the shoulder straps to attach to the seat frames (short seats on the 68 and no head rests). I do not want to install these on the seats and drill new holes, so hopefully I can figure out a way around adding the guide. If you are not worried about judging, I have got to think this newer design is less hassle than the clip on shoulder strap factory design.

Hope this might help, I would call Corvette Mods and discuss.

Question for one of the responses above:
The 68 belts are attached to the bolt holding the rear opening.

Does this mean you bolted the retractors onto an existing bolts for the rear deck?
(This might work well?)

Last edited by 20mercury; 11-13-2014 at 10:50 AM.
Old 11-14-2014, 02:17 PM
  #14  
Bhus
Intermediate
 
Bhus's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 43
Received 12 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Thank you.
I think I got an idea on how to do it now

Get notified of new replies

To Best option for 3 PT seat belts in a '69




Quick Reply: Best option for 3 PT seat belts in a '69



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:33 PM.