C3 safety
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Chester VA
C3 safety
After my LS and overdrive swap and AC install, I plan on putting some real miles on my 71. This has me a little worried about safety, especially on the highway. I've been reading about the F-body seat belt swap, and that's in the plans. My car is a convertible so am thinking about a dual hoop shark bar. The stock seats seem to be an area for improvement in case of a crash so what are my options there that are a bolt in or close to it? Is there anything else I can do to make the car a little safer? I'm not interested in any racing stuff like 5 point harnesses, just want a little more modern safety that can be tastefully added just in case.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: North Easton Mass
You might want to think about reinforcing the seatbelt mounts also. The buckle mounts are mounted to a plate that is riveted to the fiberglass floor and strengthened by that little strap that hooks onto the frame. The other side probably bolts into the birdcage but it doesn't extend down to the frame.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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From: Ontario
Last edited by Paul L; Jul 11, 2009 at 01:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
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From: Chester VA
That stock setup looks good. That may be an easier way to go since I can just order from a catalog and no sweat matching the color. Thanks. The reinforcement of the mounting points is an interesting tip too. The lap belts are plenty scary, I'm 6'4" so in a sudden stop my forhead would meet the windshield frame 
I know later model cars had crash bars in the doors, is there anything like that in c3's? Or is some fiberglass all that is protecting me in a side impact. I hope I'm not sounding like I'm getting too carried away, I know at a certain point of worrying the best suggestion for an upgrade would be to just buy a Volvo lol.
I know later model cars had crash bars in the doors, is there anything like that in c3's? Or is some fiberglass all that is protecting me in a side impact. I hope I'm not sounding like I'm getting too carried away, I know at a certain point of worrying the best suggestion for an upgrade would be to just buy a Volvo lol.
Last edited by wiseman79; Jul 11, 2009 at 02:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
That stock setup looks good. That may be an easier way to go since I can just order from a catalog and no sweat matching the color. Thanks. The reinforcement of the mounting points is an interesting tip too. The lap belts are plenty scary, I'm 6'4" so in a sudden stop my forhead would meet the windshield frame
I know later model cars had crash bars in the doors, is there anything like that in c3's? Or is some fiberglass all that is protecting me in a side impact. I hope I'm not sounding like I'm getting too carried away, I know at a certain point of worrying the best suggestion for an upgrade would be to just buy a Volvo lol.
I know later model cars had crash bars in the doors, is there anything like that in c3's? Or is some fiberglass all that is protecting me in a side impact. I hope I'm not sounding like I'm getting too carried away, I know at a certain point of worrying the best suggestion for an upgrade would be to just buy a Volvo lol.
1. Hit something.
2. Die.
You may have noticed that the chrome bumpers aren't all that thick and they are mounted solidly to the frame with heavy brackets so any impact is going to be transmitted to the frame. Fiberglass is useless in a crash - it will just fly apart and not absorb any impact energy.
If you are going to be putting a lot of miles on your Vette make sure the brakes are in good condition and drive defensively. Try to plan your trips so that they are on lesser-used scenic roads. There is no enjoyment driving on highways anyway, except for the occasional high speed excursions.
We have 2 Volvos for daily drivers. My daughter rolled one at 70 mph on the highway and walked away, which is why we now have 2. Horrible and expensive cars to work on but they do crash well.
Rick B.
