shoulder belts

[rubiranch]

How hard are factory ones to find?

Were they a common option or rare?

[FORDification]

True factory setups are fairly rare, I seriously doubt you're going to find a set in a junkyard truck. You'd be better off just adapting a set from a different vehicle. I was at the U-Pull-It a while back and noticed this setup in a mid-70's Dodge pickup that looks like it would be fairly easy to install:



Another option is the aftermarket. You can get a nice 3-point belt setup from Juliano's:

http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt_bench.html

[rubiranch]

Thanks FORDification, and thank you for your web site. I believe it was your brother-in-law (Fast Mopar?) who recommended your website to me, we were both posting in RV.net.

I am pretty anal about putting "other" seat belts in my truck, I would really like OE. If I can't find black factory shoulder belts in great shape I will probably forgo adding them.

There are very few things I will change from factory, maybe in time I will give in.

I have learned tons here and appreciate every response I get.

[FORDification]

Yeah, that's my brother-in-law you were talking to. Even though he's mainly a Mopar musclecar fan, he likes anything car-related, and checks out this site occasionally and checks out the latest additions.

To a certain extent I'm like you, in that I'd much rather prefer having a factory 3-point setup rather than going aftermarket or something from another make. However, this is one time where I'd still have to highly suggest biting the bullet, if for nothing more than the safety factor. The first time you get into a front-end collision and that 3-point setup saves your face from getting slammed into the steering column, I think you'll just be thanking your lucky stars that you had something other than a simple lap belt.

There's no reason why you can't use an alternative until you can find a factory setup...especially considering that it's actually doubtful you ever will, considering their rarity.

[67merc]

I am a bit of a child safety seat nut, this has also provided me with some education into vehicle belts.

I have a truck that is very close to original and plan on replacing the belts with shoulder belts. In my opinion the materials used in the original belts is too deteriorated to rely on for safety. The material of new belts stretch far enough that a person usually moves 9"-12" in the average impact without even knowing they have. I just don't trust that 40 y/o webbing and bucles are up to task for today's crashes.

It was some relief to find the holes for the shoulder belts already drilled in factory. So I'll be adding my belts in early this spring.

[spartman]

Don't flame me but chevy's used the same style as the dodge that keith shown.

[67merc]

Using words like that, you're gonna start a 5 page thread!

[rubiranch]

Sure appreciate the replies, I'm thinking harder.

I saved the seat belt link, thanks. The do look pretty nice.

[foghorn]

Keith correct me if im wrong but wouldnt a set from a 73-79 just be a direct bolt in?



Foggy

[spartman]

Using words like that, you're gonna start a 5 page thread!

I am just thinking about my fellow posters who need some additional posts.

[FORDification]

Keith correct me if im wrong but wouldnt a set from a 73-79 just be a direct bolt in?

Foggy

No, it would take a considerable amount of work to make them fit. They don't just bolt onto the outside of the cab wall...they're sunk in.

Just for the visual, here's a picture of a factory setup from a '72:



...and here's a shot of how the '73-'79 trucks shoulder belts are mounted. You can see how they're sunk into the pillar:



Here's a picture of the '73-'79 setup just bolted into a '68 bumpside truck. You can see that while they'll physically bolt up, they look like crap, and stick out so far that you're going to be constantly knocking your head on them:



...and here's a picture of a truck listed on E-bay a while back where the owner installed the '73-'79 shoulder belts on a '67, by sinking them into the rear cab wall:

[Big D's 69]

It might have looked good had the owner fabbed the cover to make it work and cover up that mess he made.

[Tinman722]

I just installed some from Juliano's in my 69 F100



Leo

[FORDification]

Leo: Thanks for posting those pics! I've been wondering how they'd look....and they look good!

So how did the installation go? Anything out of the ordinary to report?

[Tinman722]

They bolted right in the factory holes with no problem. About an hour job installing them. 2 shoulder belts, 1 center lap belt and brackets for about $170.00 including shipping. Does not include bolts
Leo