seat belts?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: St. Paul, MN
seat belts?
I almost have my truck running, so this is the time to start thinking ahead to details. I drove the truck a little last year and one of the things that I noticed is that when I gave people rides in it they commonly expressed discomfort in the fact that the truck does not have seatbelts.
My truck is very original and it really behaves like an old farm truck, so consequently I never drive it on high speed roads and I am much more comfortable at speeds less than 30 mph. I do not see myself driving long distances either. I recently found my Dad's milage records and he averaged 300 miles per year since 1981. I will probably use it in a similar fashion.
I think that I do want to put in seat belts, but I don't want to do anything permanent - I would like to attach them to existing structural attach points. I would be interested in others opinions as to how to do this and also what would be a good type of belt to use on my old Merc.
My truck is very original and it really behaves like an old farm truck, so consequently I never drive it on high speed roads and I am much more comfortable at speeds less than 30 mph. I do not see myself driving long distances either. I recently found my Dad's milage records and he averaged 300 miles per year since 1981. I will probably use it in a similar fashion.
I think that I do want to put in seat belts, but I don't want to do anything permanent - I would like to attach them to existing structural attach points. I would be interested in others opinions as to how to do this and also what would be a good type of belt to use on my old Merc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Juliano's Hot Rod Parts & Interior Products - Custom Car & Street Rod Accessories
Julianos has about the best aftermarket seatbelt kits around.
They mount using floor plates and the door/cornor structure of the Truck.
They are permenent, they need to be to SAVE YOUR LIFE and THE LIVES OF YOUR PASSENGERS, and yes I shouted.
Julianos has about the best aftermarket seatbelt kits around.
They mount using floor plates and the door/cornor structure of the Truck.
They are permenent, they need to be to SAVE YOUR LIFE and THE LIVES OF YOUR PASSENGERS, and yes I shouted.
If you use it, SUPPORT IT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I agree with Dick - when it comes time for my belts, I'll cry when I put them in, but I WILL HAVE THEM!! I shouted, too...
When I was very young, MANY years ago, my dad put a picture up on the fridge - it was of a 50's era tank-type car, Caddy, Buick...something. The picture was taken from the front seat looking back through the rear window. There was a little 3 year old girl, with ruffled dress, etc, standing on the seat, looking out the back window, ankles crossed, elbows on the back of the seat, chin in palms. Cute, cute picture!! At the bottom, it just had a few words..."In 3 seconds, mom will have to slam on the brakes!!!". 'Nuf said, I've had seatbelts in every vehicle I've ever owned, and the vehicle goes NOwhere without all of them fastened.
Seatbelts have saved my life twice - once a 120 mph head-on, the other when I flipped and rolled about 5 times.
I remember helping dad put the belts in the '57 Custom...they are not an option...
R
When I was very young, MANY years ago, my dad put a picture up on the fridge - it was of a 50's era tank-type car, Caddy, Buick...something. The picture was taken from the front seat looking back through the rear window. There was a little 3 year old girl, with ruffled dress, etc, standing on the seat, looking out the back window, ankles crossed, elbows on the back of the seat, chin in palms. Cute, cute picture!! At the bottom, it just had a few words..."In 3 seconds, mom will have to slam on the brakes!!!". 'Nuf said, I've had seatbelts in every vehicle I've ever owned, and the vehicle goes NOwhere without all of them fastened.
Seatbelts have saved my life twice - once a 120 mph head-on, the other when I flipped and rolled about 5 times.
I remember helping dad put the belts in the '57 Custom...they are not an option...
R
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, ME
I work in my state's Highway Safety Office. I start every day reading the fatal crash reports on the Missouri Highway Patrol's website. Report after report it's "Safety Device - NO" meaning no seat belt worn, and in the description is "driver ejected". Over and over, kids, teens, and the grown-ups that should know better. I love original trucks, but if you want museum quality, leave it parked in a museum. If you drive it, make it safer to drive. Even if you only go 30 MPH, if you roll it in a ditch it doesn't matter. You can't enjoy original when you're dead.
Last edited by Scott123; Aug 4, 2008 at 12:30 PM. Reason: typo
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
I agree, seatbelts and insurance policys have long since replaced common sense. Can't count the times I have seen a soccor mom in a mini-van full of kids crossing 3 lanes of traffic at 70+ mph, cutting off everyone just so she can make an exit. Not to worry, all were wearing seat belts. Kings-X. You may very well be able to control your actions but have no control over the other drivers you share the road with. Scary!!!! I am considering installing a 3-point set up in my truck when I get it ready for the road. I think it would just look cool rather than production type seat belt plus offer better protection.
Gil
Gil
If you use it, SUPPORT IT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Gil - are you talking about a "race" type harness, or the shoulder harness type 3-point?
I checked out Juliano's website - they look great! When you get there, you can d/l the catalog, pages 6 - 11, and on the homepage, they have a "how-to", showing installation in several trucks. I think my mind is made up - rather expensive, around $300 for the pair, if I read it right, but, well worth it, in my book...
R
I checked out Juliano's website - they look great! When you get there, you can d/l the catalog, pages 6 - 11, and on the homepage, they have a "how-to", showing installation in several trucks. I think my mind is made up - rather expensive, around $300 for the pair, if I read it right, but, well worth it, in my book...
R
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
Seat belt option.
I am planning to use late model pickup seats with the belt incorporated in the seat frame. I agree with the safety factor. I have gotten to the point where I feel uncomfortable in a car without seat belts.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
Mine does not have belts, but it will, even though mine is a mostly original truck. I drive it constantly at highway speeds and even on some longer trips (4 hours each way two weekends ago).
I have them here to install. The driver and passenger sides will get the 3 point shoulder belts and the center will get a lap belt.
I will weld plates in for mounting when the interior gets taken out for paint. I do not want to take chances.
I have seen belts retrofitted into older vehicles that did not look like they were mounted securely. Trusting ones like that with everyones lives...probably is not much better than not having any.
I have them here to install. The driver and passenger sides will get the 3 point shoulder belts and the center will get a lap belt.
I will weld plates in for mounting when the interior gets taken out for paint. I do not want to take chances.
I have seen belts retrofitted into older vehicles that did not look like they were mounted securely. Trusting ones like that with everyones lives...probably is not much better than not having any.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
Roger, I was thinking more the race style harness. I guess I used the wrong nomenclature for it. I may change my mind once I see the price on them. You can't be too safe, some times it hard to control that beast of a 226 flat six with 389 rear gears. A G-suit maybe?
Gil
Gil
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If you want something subtle, NAPA has a universal style seatbelt kit for about $60. It's only a lap belt not a three point harness though and requires drilling only a couple of holes under the seat. When not in use they can easily be slid through the seat back and bottom and disappear completely...
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Aug 4, 2008 at 02:33 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Weston-super-Mare (UK)
The mid fifty weld in mount looks good, but it really is very easy to fabricate one up - I got some nice thick plate and shaped it to the curve. Welded it in and its done ready for a 3 point belt.
Look at the ones out there for ideas and sort your own, or the shop mounts are relatively cheap anyway.
Look at the ones out there for ideas and sort your own, or the shop mounts are relatively cheap anyway.