73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Seats and Restraints => Topic started by: runnergeorge on June 29, 2020, 07:40:22 PM
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Hey everyone! I have a 75 C10 Cheyenne with lap belts. I recently picked up some 3 point belts from an 85 hoping they would work. Does anyone know if this is possible? Thanks!
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Yes but don't call it an upgrade. It's a retrofit. Upgrade is subjective :P
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Retrofit first it is then. Any advice on how to do it? The driver side mechanism has a wire connector that, according to the 85 wiring diagram, connects to the convenience center but I’m not sure if I need this to be connected to power in order for the mechanism to work. Or if it’s simply plug and play? I’m super new to this, sorry! :o
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It does not need to be connected to operate. Seat belt reminder lamp is all you will lose out on ;D
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Update. The 85 seatbelt mechanism housing is too big for the space between the seat and the door. If it’s installed then the door doesn’t close properly. Time to find other seatbelts!
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Keep in mind that the upper support needs to be bolted (secured) to a strong support or the three point belt is useless. I had to cut out the rear window metal and welded in new metal do to rust. It did give me an opportunity to see the inside. There is a metal support that the seat belt is bolted to. Getting the upper belt point bolted into the support will give you a solid connection. My picture will show you the internal support brace.
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That makes sense, I wish I had welding skills haha. There is a mounting hole already drilled in my truck on both sides from the factory so I’m guessing they reinforced the connection to make it solid. My issue is down below where the retractor mechanism bolts to the floor.
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Keep in mind that the upper support needs to be bolted (secured) the a strong support or the three point belt is useless. I had cut out the rear window metal and welded in new metal. It did give me an opportunity to see the insides. There is a metal support that the seat belt is bolted to. Getting the upper belt point bolted into the support you give you a solid connection. My pisture will show you the internal support brace.
What year cab? The provision should be right there already.
The 85 seatbelt mechanism housing is too big for the space between the seat and the door. If it’s installed then the door doesn’t close properly. Time to find other seatbelts!
Are they truck seatbelts? Got pics?
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Appears his is a 75. Did it just have lap belts?
However, it appears there must have been the three point option if there is a bolt hole for the upper point. If there was a three point option and you only have a lap belt, do a Web search and see if you can find one from a salvage yard.
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Even though they came with lap belts, the provision for the upper anchor was there. Back then most people didn't even bother putting on a seat belt. They probably saw more use holding your beer bottles from tipping over 8)
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Hey everyone I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. So my truck does have the option for 3 points to be installed. However, my issue is with clearance. For some reason the website does not like it when I try uploading photos from my phone, so when I get a chance I will upload the photos from my computer. Essentially when I take the original lap belt mechanism off and attempt to install the 3 point mechanism the 3 point mechanism housing seems to be too big for the space between the seat and the door now allowing me to install the 3 point mechanism. Did the seats get smaller during the 84-85 year trucks to allow extra space For the 3 point mechanism?
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Did you get truck seat belts or suburban seat belts? Try using the tapatalk app
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I installed the 3 point on my 76 GMC. I have the original seat. I played with the 90 degree anchor for the best spacing. Worked out great.
I did recently install the plastic cover on the seat hinge which looks good. But I had to place a washer for spacing and it still worked out. Yes the roller cover touches the pillar post, put did leave enough room for the seat to fold down ok.
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The ad stated they are original C10 seatbelts. I am attempting to load the pictures using a computer so I hope it works. Did you install the 3 point housing to the original lap belt mounting hole on the floor or did you use a different hole?
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I've never been down this rabbit hole, but would look for an alternate tie down point under the carpet.
If it's not there, you can always make a new one with a long bolt and flat washers.
Don't unravel your carpet with the drill bit.. :o
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The earlier retractors were installed about a 1/2" closer to the rocker panel. No need to drill through carpet, just heat up an old socket on an extension and press down. It will cut and seal a perfect hole.
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Clever VZ, like burning the end of a nylon rope!
Get her red hot and have a fan on, noxious gas is not good...
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noxious gas is not good...
Like if you eat Taco Bell
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That’s the same conclusion I came up with. I was hoping not to do that because where I’d have to mount it is right above the fuel tank and I really don’t want to drop a tank haha. Decisions decisions....
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You could make a heavy duty bracket. Bolt sticking up on one side, bolt it down in the factory hole.
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I am attaching a picture that will show the Seat and Seat Belt Hole locations for you on my 81 K10 that use the 3 point belt you show in your pictures.
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My 76 C10 has 3 point seat belts but with 2 retractors, one at floor level and the other on the pillar, I've seen the ones you have in the parts book but not the ones I have, mine is a Cheyenne whether that makes any difference?
I need a replacement on the drivers side as the bottom belt locks whenever you pull it.
Graham
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The ad stated they are original C10 seatbelts. I am attempting to load the pictures using a computer so I hope it works. Did you install the 3 point housing to the original lap belt mounting hole on the floor or did you use a different hole?
The belts I have in my 76 C10 Cheyenne have the mounting bracket behind the retractor whereas the ones you show have the mount alongside the retractor hence the clearance issue with the door. My retractor is goosed so I have to attach it to the buckle then slip the shoulder strap over to keep the plod from getting too nosey!
On mine there is a retractor at the base of the pillar then another on the pillar just above waist height then a slide for the belt above shoulder height.
Graham