My 69 coupe has 71 seats. I was wondering if I could install shoulder harness into it, any kit in the market.

 

You could go with the F-Body rear belts. That's what I did on my 71'.

Gary

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...through-2.html

 

THANKS

 

thank you

 

The stock-type conversion is expensive. I am not aware of a "kit" so you have to order parts piece-by-piece. Here are the guides, bezels, and moldings with pass-through slot. Obviously the top of the seat has to come apart.



The belt/retractor is available from a company called Andover in Maryland.



Before you do anything you must verify that the steel/threaded reinforcement plate was installed in the wheelwell fiberglass by the factory. That is a rubber plug in the threaded hole (passenger side).



This is the Bubba method of pirecing the carpet in the right location for the retractor mounting bolt (driver's side)



I had to cut holes in the moldings/covers.



It was a tedious job but I am pleased with the results. The F-body option is probably an easier job.

 

Paul 74: Thanks for the post -- that's where I'm going. Two (2) questions.

1. In the parts needed photo, the two red parts, where do they go and what direction do they go in? I suspect they go behind the seat.

2. The little bracket that the quarter trim panel screws into below the re-inforcement threaded hole. Any chance you can post a photo of it, with carpet pulled back? I just checked my vert and I don't have them. But I plan on installing them some how!!! So a photo would be helpful.





Thanks

TI
Looks great!

 

TI, in 69 the belts are mounted on side of the fender, not on the top as Paul's pics show. That plug in your pic should be for the shoulder harness retractor. If you go with the late model F-body rear seat belts, they MUST be mounted on top of the fender to work properly. Here is the bracket I made for my 69 to mount the belt on the top of the fender.

 

Thanks for the explanation c69vette!

You did an excellent job making the bracket.

 

At this point I will leave it to the 1969 experts. Sorry if I mis-lead people.

 

Paul 74: You didn't mis-lead me! I have a 1974 and "GREATLY" benefited from your post. I'm sure others enjoyed it as well with the excellent photos. With out a doubt your post is pertinent as it shows how to do it and the parts that are needed -- a viable alternative.

Answer the two questions if you can, or feel free to send answers by email Zip960@***.net I have new belts which I will be installing soon.

I also picked up some knowledge about 1969 Vettes. c69vete did some beautiful work fabricating a bracket!

It is all about Teamwork and learning from each other. I'm indebted to all of you.

 

one of the really great things about the way c69vete did his install is that the retractor will not interfere with the opening of the rear compartment doors. i have the original belts on my 69 convertible and when you open the compartment doors they hit the retractors and will not stay open without holding them. also there would be less of a tendency for the belt to twist and jam the retractor when the belts retract. maybe check the junkyard for the retractors. i know i have seen them on some cars.

 

Paul 74, what is that you have on the floor on the passenger side, looks like a protection for the carpet?. Thanks to all for the posts, now I am prepared to install one additional harness.

 

Paul 74. I apoligize if I offended you. That was not my intention. You do beautiful work and are one of the people here that I go out of my way to read what you post. I was trying to point out some of the subtle differences of the 68/69 verses the later C-3's. This seemed relevent to what TI wanted to accomplish.

 

The red plastic pieces are belt stops. They prevent the metal latch and belt itself from slipping through the seat passthrough molding and guide brackets.

My carpet is now more firmly fastened down and I prefer not to pull it up. Sorry....

 

That is called a weatherboot. It is molded in rigid plastic and does a very good job of protecting the carpet. To clean, just pull it out and take a garden hose to it.



They come in black. I used plastic paint to approximate my oxblood interior.

 

No offense taken. Interestingly the RPO code (customs shoulder belts, standard with coupe) for 1968-75 convertibles is the same: A85. But it is obvious that A85 had at least two configurations.

 

Great c69vete, can you add a picture 4-6 feet away from the retractor?

 

Sorry but I do not have any pictures like you want on my computer. I do have a couple of more of the bracket though. I can take a pic this weekend when I get home from vacation.



The quarter trim panels are 70-75. The 69 are shapped differently and are made for the retractors mounted on the side of the wheel well. These are a better fit for the late Camaro seat belts.

 

But you need a belt guide on the top of the seat....Otherwise the belt will rub through the seat cover.

 

Here are the brackets I made for my 69 seats.

Here are the seats I have now in my 69. Fiero seats with the seatbelt pass-thru.
http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...100_0544-1.jpg