I just purchased seat belts from Julianos Street Rod Parts. For those who may be shopping, they are very nice OEM quality and prices seemed competitive. I bought two retractable two point belt sets for $34.95 each and a lap belt for the center for $19.95.

If you are going to use three point belts. Make sure you weld in the upper anchor point before you paint the cab. I forgot so it's two points for me.

Anyone have a tip for a strong mounting point on the floor? I am told a fender washer is not adequate. I thought the accessory mounting plate kits were just a little spendy for what they are.

Also, when test fitting your belt set, do not say to your wife "Honey, could you come out and sit in the truck for me a minute, so I can make sure the new seat belts are the right size?" Just a little complimentary 'fenders wisdom for you guys.

Twenty years and I can't believe I still say stupid things like that. She just doesn't get over it as fast as you guys do.

 

not those spear things you see on boat anchors.....

fenders,

I plan on tack welding a piece of 1/8" plate...probably about 6x6 to the underside of the cab floor... it's larger than the "anchor kits"... it's heavier and it's free... also plan to use grade 8 hardware

john

BTW... I don't understand them.... 37 years with same woman and she expects me to stop saying stupid things... I'M STUPID !!! WHAT DOES SHE EXPECT !!! guess she thinks I should pick up on her subtle hints like "YOU STUPID #$%&*((^%$#$" go figure

 

John my man, that avatar of yours is really freaking me out. I can't leave any of your messages up on the screen anymore without feeling like some weird creep is leering at me.

Sounds like you guys have the anchors squared away but I'll add one design comment.

In an accident, the largest force on the belts will be upward from the cab floor. You want to make sure the belt pulls through the center of any attachment hardware you are using.

An off-center attachment example - using heavy "L" brackets with one leg of the L bolted to the floor and the belt through the other, exposed leg.

A better solution is to use two "L" brackets on each belt attachment point with an exposed leg on either side of the bolt to the cab floor. Run the belt through both exposed legs. That puts the upward force through the center of all the attachment hardware. If you want to get fancy you can bend the exposed legs of the "L" brackets together so they are touching each other when bolted in place.

I picked up some stock belts with the nice script "Ford" on them and I plan on followng John's lead with the reinforcing plates below the cab floor. On top, I plan to cut a slot in the cab floor and weld the long edge of a heavy oval ring to the reinforcing plate so it sits vertical. I'll loop the belt through the open oval ring and it will pull on the top long edge of the ring. You can get some nice ones forged from 1/2" diameter stock for about $5 each. They have a 6,500 lb working limit. Even at 25 g's I don't weight that much!

 

Thanks guys,

I wasn't aware there was any such animal as a "stock" belt for a 56. I will probably use OEM anchors on the inside. No sense reinventing the wheel since they are available for free. The outside two may be custom though for best positioning of the retractors in easy reach. I will see what I can manage to hide from view.

It sure would have been easier to weld the floor prior to paint and undercoating. I completely forgot about the belts.

John

I am putting your line in my back pocket. "I say stupid things because I am stupid, what do you expect" That's a good one. 30 years from now when she brings up the seat belt comment again, I'll use it.

 

Come, weedhopper. If you listen, the sound of one hand clapping will enlighten you.



Now you're supposed to say "But master, one hand clapping makes no sound." Then I just smile knowingly.

Even way back when your truck was made in 1953, Ford trucks had seat belts as options. You should get yourself one of these parts book sets. They're great for making your friends look foolish and getting them to bow down to you.


JOHN! DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT CREEPY AVATAR! Damn, I just about had a heart attack when it showed up again. You're doing it just to annoy me, aren't you? It probably has no importance to you at all except that it annoys some of us.

 

Ahhhh....

I see the good book has once again answered my simple minded question. I thought about buying one of those books, but it really isn't all that inconvenient for me to just have you scan and post whatever I need.

Regarding John's avatar. Now aren't you going to feel foolish at the 'nats when you a guy that looks exactly like that beats you up in front of all your internet friends.

You should really try harder to be nice to people here.

 

If he looks like that he won't have to beat me up. I'll just have a heart attack at first sight and die on the spot.

 

you'd be surprised at the resemblance !!!

john... I never said I was pretty... just cool

thanks for watching my six fenders !!

 

OK John, I owe you one for getting rid of the creep. WRT the "new" John, now THAT'S a cool avatar.