1978 Seatbelts
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle NY
1978 Seatbelts
Hey everybody:
I'm new to the Corvette scene. I just bought a '78 Anniversary Edition a few weeks ago.
I had a quick question, and hopefully someone can help point me in the right direction. The car doesn't have the original interior, and one of the previous owners ripped out the 3 point seatbelt system and installed lap belts.
I'm uncomfortable driving the car with so little restraint. I did read about the F-body belts, but fear that I'm not quite experienced enough with this stuff to make the conversion work.
I was wondering if anyone knew if 80-82 belts would fit/operate properly in a 78, or if I need to find something from the 78-79 vintage.
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Mx9k
I'm new to the Corvette scene. I just bought a '78 Anniversary Edition a few weeks ago.
I had a quick question, and hopefully someone can help point me in the right direction. The car doesn't have the original interior, and one of the previous owners ripped out the 3 point seatbelt system and installed lap belts.
I'm uncomfortable driving the car with so little restraint. I did read about the F-body belts, but fear that I'm not quite experienced enough with this stuff to make the conversion work.
I was wondering if anyone knew if 80-82 belts would fit/operate properly in a 78, or if I need to find something from the 78-79 vintage.
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Mx9k
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Hello,
It would seem to me that the seat belts from a 80-82 would work in your 78. Most of the posts that I have read on this topic is from earlier C3 models, but I dont know why the 78 would be any different.
For some help on this topic, and how F-Body Camaro and Firebird REAR seat belts would look, one of the best places to look with photos and explanations of how to convert your seatbelts is with redwingvette website ( kudos to redwingvette for having great photos on this.)
http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page3.html
I have read many posts that refer to this site as it has some installation instructions on how it was done.
If you want to read other opinions and information, use this Forum thread on seatbelts.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=880071
kdf
It would seem to me that the seat belts from a 80-82 would work in your 78. Most of the posts that I have read on this topic is from earlier C3 models, but I dont know why the 78 would be any different.
For some help on this topic, and how F-Body Camaro and Firebird REAR seat belts would look, one of the best places to look with photos and explanations of how to convert your seatbelts is with redwingvette website ( kudos to redwingvette for having great photos on this.)
http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page3.html
I have read many posts that refer to this site as it has some installation instructions on how it was done.
If you want to read other opinions and information, use this Forum thread on seatbelts.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=880071
kdf
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Brandon Manitoba
Yes any seat belts out of the 78-82 era will fit into your 78. I have a 80 and the belts that I got off ebay are 78 variety. I went through this very same dilema. IMO your best option is to try to buy a set off of ebay. Color is not that important. When you get them take them to a upholstery guy and he can change the webbing to color of your choice. Then the plastic on the female end can be vinyl dyed to match as well. I paid about $60.00 for the belt set on ebay. $75 to have webbing changed and plastic dyed. I oiled the mechanisms myself and I have a great belt setup. Good luck Brent
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Just to clarify, rear seat belts from a 4th gen F-body will NOT work in the 78-82 Corvettes. In the 69-77 years, the seatbelts mount horizontally as in the link posted above. In the 78-82 cars, they mount vertically behind the sail panel.
You're only solution is to come up with a used set from any of the 78-82 year cars. There are a couple different companies that can refurbish them if they are in poor condition or are the wrong color.
You're only solution is to come up with a used set from any of the 78-82 year cars. There are a couple different companies that can refurbish them if they are in poor condition or are the wrong color.
Last edited by Ak. Mal; Feb 18, 2005 at 01:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle NY
Thanks for the replies, I appreciate all of your help. I ended up purchasing a pair off of ebay. Does anyone know of someone who can replace the webbing/dye the receiver in the Westestchester Co. area of New York?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Brandon Manitoba
Any upholstery guy that is not concerned about liabilities involved in restitching seat belts will do them for you. Make a couple of call from your local yellow pages , you will find someone easier than you might think. Brent
