Hi Guys,
I have an '88 ClubWagon and I wanted to update the rear seatbelts. It has 2 captians chairs and a rear bench that have just lap belts. I was wanting to upgrade the lapbelts to 3 pt belts. Is there a certian year van that I should look for to get the parts I need? Any info from someone who has done this would be helpful. Thanks

 

The biggest job I see is fabricating hard mounting points for the retractors and upper anchors. I don't think any pre-92 van had such hard points for shoulder belts beyond the front seats. The easier thing might be to find seats and benches with built-in shoulder belts. GM full size SUVs from ~2000 have such seats.

Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles

 

I know that you can buy a 'retrofit' kit from a lot of on-line places that essentially is a big plate washer with a threaded hole that provides a mounting point. If you're looking for a solution for kids, check out the 86Y adapters that essentially provide shoulder harnesses that tie into the lap belts - that may be an easier retrofit.

On a side note... I'm trying to get my AC system figured out and am hoping you could provide some photos for me! I'll send you a PM. - thx

 

Thanks for the input. Right now I don't have my compressor installed....it sitting in a box in my garage.

How does your van due as far as MPG with the C6 and GV? I have been looking into getting one for mine since the c6 doesnt really like the highway cruising.

 

Not nearly as good as I would hope - I am averaging about 12 or so. Now this is weighing in at about 8500# with 4x4, roughly 4" lift and 295/75R16 tires, but I would still think I could do better. Especially when John is getting 16-18 out of his 4.10/C6 combo! The gear vendor is a must have for at least getting the RPM's and engine noise down for me. Even with it there is still way more noise than I would like in the cab so sound dampening is on my to-do list.

I do have a new IP and injectors, but have yet to get it timed properly. I am hopeful that this may make a difference.

 

With a new IP/injectors I bet you would see a good improvement with correct timing. It doesn't help that it weighs so much and has the aerodynamics of a barn. With 3.54's and a c6 I have seen 16mpg on the highway cruising at 65mph. About 13-14mpg in town/mixed. My IP/injectors need done, they are at 130K miles. I am planning on an exhaust, front air dam and a GV. Hoping to get 18-20mpg highway when I am all done. Mines an E250 2wd though...the added weight, big tires and 4x4 probably aren't helping you much.

 

I didn't know about the 86Y option. Here's some info I found:

86Y Universal Harness for Family Vehicles - E-Z-ON Products, Inc. of Florida

And pictures of the harness in use:

86Y Harness Photos by alunatic_photos | Photobucket

Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles