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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: brewster on March 29, 2016, 09:12:11 pm

Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 29, 2016, 09:12:11 pm
I need some help find good three point seat belts for my 1975 Chevy k20.  I tried a set and they did not fit at all, since then I have been looking and I have seen that Julianos seat belts are good and that retro belts are good, so I was wondering should I go with Julianos, retrobelts, or find some factory ones and restore them. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/1ecfa8de7e29272648053a4fdc98ddf2.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/95a3840d6cc965833f2665b2c453122e.jpg)


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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 29, 2016, 10:04:16 pm
Finding OEM belts are tough. Mine were deteriorated, so i went with two sets and the middle lap belt from classic parts. They look and work great. I think they were like $80 for each set.  EZ to install.

The site store may have also.

Dont get me wrong, would love to have oem, and if i ever find a mint cond. pair, i may get them.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: zieg85 on March 29, 2016, 10:12:59 pm
The problem with the most that you will find is your seat doesn't curve in at the back for the room needed to get OEM style in there.  Pictured is my 84
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 29, 2016, 10:28:40 pm
I see what you are talking about zieg, just looking at the pictures comparing my truck to yours, you can see more room for the seat belts


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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 29, 2016, 10:32:15 pm
But if I remember correctly I think 3 point seat belts were offered in these trucks beginning in 1975, so does that mean that the trucks in 1975 that had 3 point seat belts, that the seat belts were smaller to accommodate the seat or does that mean that the trucks offered with 3 point seat belts in 1975 had smaller seats to accommodate the seat belts like ziegs truck

Sorry that explanation is confusing


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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 06:58:57 am
Do you have this on the inside of cab?

Or just the lap? (Obviously thats what it looks like)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/ea5e34d6ee095aefc8a2ba32df3ab4cf.jpg)
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:03:26 am
Yes I do have that top mount


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 07:05:20 am
Ok, then whats wrong with your nice oem belts, they look great.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:06:05 am
They're only two point, I want something safer


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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 07:13:22 am
Looking at your picture, that lower belt comes across your lap and you said you have the upper mount...which pulls down across the chest. That's three points.   ??
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/a3c46d91430fc9575e735f359135da78.jpg)
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:14:12 am
No no, I just have the mount on top, not the belt


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 07:18:32 am
Ok, then thats good. Now you can easily install an aftermarket 3 point.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:21:42 am
That what I thought too but then I ordered some and they were not even close to fitting


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:22:12 am
So if you know of a good pair of 3 points, let me know


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 07:22:50 am
I just checked, the site store has really good ones.

http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=RB-7391GMTKKT-BE&Category_Code=7387INT
Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 07:27:21 am
Ok I have a question first though, why does it say "This is the shoulder 3 point pair only. If you need the lap belt please choose that from the options list." Wouldn't the three point seat belts include lap belts with it, I don't understand


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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 07:52:11 am
Its a 3 point lap and shoulder belt for the bench seat. A 3 point MUST cover the lap. You can also buy JUST the lap belt which is for the passenger that sits in the middle.

What you see in the picture is what you get, which is one full 3 point belt system for one person.  But for each side of seat.

But it does say "this two passenger....."  So does that mean two passengers? The driver is not a passenger. I dont think.

Best bet, send Chris an email. He is the owner. Click "contact us " on the home page. You wont have any problems. The store has quality parts.

Oh, and you cant use that large online truck catalog place in a reference on the forum. The others are ok.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 08:05:32 am
Ok I'll try those


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on March 30, 2016, 09:31:52 am
To clear up any confusion, "passengers" is in reference to anyone sitting inside the vehicle, driver included. So a "two passenger" kit is for the driver seat and right passenger seat. The optional lap belt is for the middle seat over the trans hump. If it was for a 3 seats, driver, middle and passenger, then it would be a 3 passenger kit.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: Rattler12 on March 30, 2016, 03:59:19 pm
There's a place out of Florida that has a large assortments of colors to pick from. I couldn't use OEM colors because they didn't go with my interior colorscheme.......seatbeltsplus.com
Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on March 30, 2016, 04:05:21 pm
I went there and yes there are a lot of color choices but if the picture of them is correct those are the ones that won't work with my truck they look the same as the three point seat belts I already tried


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on March 30, 2016, 10:00:25 pm
Quote from: LTZ C20 on March 30, 2016, 09:31:52 am
To clear up any confusion, "passengers" is in reference to anyone sitting inside the vehicle, driver included. So a "two passenger" kit is for the driver seat and right passenger seat. The optional lap belt is for the middle seat over the trans hump. If it was for a 3 seats, driver, middle and passenger, then it would be a 3 passenger kit.
Ok, LTZ thanks for clearing that up. I always thought a passenger was a ..."passenger". Ya hey whatever man, i get it. Lol
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on March 31, 2016, 12:21:22 am
Just wanted to make sure everyone understood it.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 07, 2016, 08:25:24 pm
Ok I got the seat belts from the 73-87 chevy trucks store, and no luck, I tried as hard as I could to make them fit but it never worked, here is a picture of them,  in the picture that is as close as I got to making them fit correctly, not how they suggested in the directions with the belts
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/08795a8a8eea82a9df6c0a9d5895db0d.jpg)(http://[IMG]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/2936a371dfb8a997b55b54efb2900be3.jpg)

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 07, 2016, 10:36:59 pm
On my 77, that part you show in the picture is mounted higher up in the cab, almost behind the door striker. I will take some pics first thing in the morning.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 10:53:57 am
I hope i have mine right, if not somebody let me know.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/0bc05c13eccb12fcd2a81b71273e025c.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/a0085d79b4d8a2b0e0ac068e6446c488.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/fe2b00e75a043bb905125762e8cb2011.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/7ebdc3e7b81dc3c4d0ea17ec26e7c2c9.jpg)
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 08, 2016, 05:19:35 pm
Ya about that

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/6953585d5bcbaa792c061f2ebc031a93.jpg)

I don't have that mount in my 75

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 06:20:49 pm
So you only have a lap belt correct?
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 08, 2016, 06:25:41 pm
I only have a lap belt but I have a bolt hole for a high mount

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 06:43:33 pm
Ok, i am sure there is a 3 point belt out there that will fit your truck. A little research should come up with something. Thats what this forum is about. Nonetheless, you have real nice matcing oem belts. But i know, you want safety.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 08, 2016, 07:00:27 pm
Well currently I'm thinking I'm gonna go to a junkyard and see if I can find one that fits

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 07:33:54 pm
Well i think i need to reposition mine, that retractable unit i believe mounts at the lower bolt by the seat and not on the inside of the cab behind the dr striker. I am going to mess with it tomorrow. I'll let you know how it works out.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 08, 2016, 08:25:55 pm
Ok ya that looked odd when you sent those pictures, did you drill that hole yourself or was it there originally, that regarding to the one by the door striker

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 08:58:08 pm
No drilling, that hole was there originally. It was used by the oem belts.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 08, 2016, 09:15:42 pm
I just remembered I have some seat belts out of my parts 79 truck. One I think is original and the other may be out of an 80s model, either way, when they were in the cab, they fit and worked fine and the drivers had a belt warning switch that turned on a buzzer and light in the dash. If you guys would like, when I get home either tonight or tomorrow morning, I will try to find those belts and I'll lay them out and take pictures and post them. Hopefully this will give you guys an idea or help show how they are supposed to be.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 08, 2016, 09:59:32 pm
Ok that could help, thanks

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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 10:38:17 pm
I remember my original ones out of my 77, they looked different than brewster's. There was a boxy unit by the seat and another boxy unit mounted behind the dr. striker. There were wires and everything. Must have been the buzzer and light like you mentioned. The aftermarkets are fine, i got mine from *mc. They can pretty much only mount one of two ways. I'll still look at those pics, thanks.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 08, 2016, 10:44:53 pm
The ones I have mounted to the floor and the B pillar, that's it. Nothing around the striker bolt area. I hope I can find them.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 08, 2016, 10:47:09 pm
Ok, nighty night. Its midnight here, your still probably out working on your truck, in the sunlight!  Lol
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 08, 2016, 10:53:56 pm
Lol. Actually it's dark now, oddly enough it rained earlier. Still kinda on and off rain now. And it's a chevy, I don't have to work on it.

Yes, go to bed, it's past your bedtime.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 09, 2016, 03:27:53 pm
I tried to reposition mine, they do fit with the retracting unit mounted on the floor, but did not operate very good, belts were twisted and binding. The original way i had them, everything lines up nice and tight and straight and the belts flow correcty and latch properly and work correctly and are comfortable. With the belt on, if i lean forward fast they lock up nice.

If all i had were lap belts, i would still be fine with that. I put put around town and hardly go over 40. And i always watch the other guy. Just being a good driver cuts out the chances for an accident exponentially.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 09, 2016, 04:53:29 pm
Interesting that the belts work better with the bolt by the door striker, ps im gonna put in 3 point seat belts sooner or later, im planning on taking apart the truck in the summer to coat the frame in chassis saver and if I don't find three point seat belts that work by then I may put in different seats maybe some out of a new chevy or maybe a tmi seat and then put in the 3 point seat belts from the 73-87 chevy trucks store because I will have more room with the new seats

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 09, 2016, 05:41:46 pm
Ya that is a good plan. The belts you did buy from the store look really nice.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 09, 2016, 07:00:13 pm
Ya hopefully I can make some work with the original bench though

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 09, 2016, 08:19:49 pm
I agree completely! Try to keep original. I would not sacrafice originality for safety. But thats me.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 09, 2016, 11:25:27 pm
Whatever I do to this truck I always want it to be reversible, i  drilled like 6 holes total in the truck when I put in a new sound system, so it would be very easy to bring it back to the stock radio delete

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 03:39:46 pm
As luck would have it, I found the belts out of my parts truck.

Now, the tan/saddle colored stuff I believe was original to the truck, the blue stuff was swapped in some time before my ownership, the reason, I haven't the faintest clue.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/554edd358ec492edfd59e26435def90a.jpg)

Appearing left to right:
-pass side 3-point belt
-pass side buckle
-middle lap buckle
-middle lap belt
-driver side buckles (yes, 2 were installed, idiots....)
-driver side 3-point belt

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/4a777ab4e97609ec50973678924a8e67.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/4769040c4e3ef92283c07da59058b851.jpg)

Now, the reverse side
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/60911f6440c421aa35dc4ad6d23fc260.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/0d8d7ac5b9fa413cd7bfc15b8c69ea47.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/e127b3c72e37055cdbba03a9e7ef9e9d.jpg)

The seat belt warning system was an in-dash light and a buzzer. The retractor unit had a single 1 wire plug. Unbuckling the belt would turn on both light and buzzer, buckling would complete the circuit, (grounding it is think) and turn them off. This was all of course we key on and it worked great.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160410/6e0b1a7fc01b43147ed52edcd74586e2.jpg)

The buzzer was annoying as heck tho, especially when you were trying to do something that didn't require a belt to be worn but the key was still on. I think the buzzer should have been wired to the headlight switch.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: big_al273 on April 10, 2016, 07:02:09 pm
I would say based on what i'm seeing that as your truck came with only lap belts you appear too have a wider bench than the trucks with 3 point belts so i would guess that if you switched your bench for a bench from a 3 point belt truck that you would then be able to fit OEM style three point belts. In your picture the bench protrudes over the top of the lap belt assembly, now in my first picture you can see that the newer style of bench does not and would allow me to put a OEM three point belt assembly in the same place. My second picture is another 80's Bench seat out of the truck, the last picture shows the the point harness in my Dads 85 and shows the three point belt assembly, the gap is caused by the fact that the bench in the 85 if from a 90's GM truck and so is narrower.

Quote from: brewster on March 29, 2016, 09:12:11 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/1ecfa8de7e29272648053a4fdc98ddf2.jpg)


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 08:45:10 pm
These are pretty beat up, lot of the plastic is worn and torn, the belts them selves are heavily stained and deformed and separating in places, if they were nice enough to use, I would put them in my 73. I'm actually considering trying to find a good used or repro set to put in my 73 to replace the lap belts it has. That's why I've been following this thread rather closely.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 08:48:40 pm
I think Big_al has a point here, the width of the bench is a factor. Notice the last pic he posted, the black belt with the 90's truck seat is the same design as the ones I posted.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 10, 2016, 09:37:19 pm
Ok big_al thanks for the help, I think you're correct so I may try a different seat and then use my belts that I bought from the 73-87 chevy trucks website, but one more question will a "3 point" seat bolt up to my truck?

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Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 10, 2016, 10:10:45 pm
That brewster is the big question. My oem belts on my 77 were different than all y'alls. I had two retracting units one floor mounted and one mounted  behind the dr striker. It was however wired for a buzzer and light. Because i have that mount behind the door striker, that enables me to have a 3 point. I have seen a few videos where they often had to drill and weld the upper mount to get a 3 point. Then again, brewster you have a top and bottom mount, therefore with a floor mounted retractable unit that fits, you should be able to do it.
Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 10, 2016, 10:23:34 pm
The tan set in the pic is exactly what i had. This guy also did exactly what i did with the same *mc brand black belts. He used the middle mount for the retractable unit. Here is the pic and the linc which gives some info.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160411/ffaf0b7c88097fbeadeb2bd9a17fffb5.jpg)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=674613&highlight=
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 10, 2016, 10:24:36 pm
Ok I think I'm gonna go with an aftermarket 3 point belt like I got from 73-87 truck store and maybe factory seat, maybe a seat from tmi, or maybe a seat from like a 2015 silverado high country

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 10, 2016, 10:29:12 pm
Right, i should have mentioned, most of the seat belt videos where they drill and weld, DONT have the upper mount. You do, so you should be good.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: big_al273 on April 10, 2016, 10:34:13 pm
the three point belts that were in the 80's trucks only mount with a single bolt and i do believe with a narrower bench they should bolt right in as GM never made any big changes in the cab, the hole in the rear of the door jam isn't drilled in either My or my dads trucks so i would hazard a guess that the 70's three point belt was two separate pieces and that this one that Philo_beddoe posted is the 70's oem style, of course that being said from what my research has lead me to believe on these trucks holes were only drilled for the options the truck had, so if your truck was a factory lap belt truck it may not have the nut in the upper shoulder belt mount and may not have the hole drilled in the rear door jamb, of course this is mostly speculation.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/a0085d79b4d8a2b0e0ac068e6446c488.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/fe2b00e75a043bb905125762e8cb2011.jpg)
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 10:56:19 pm
Quote from: brewster on April 10, 2016, 10:24:36 pm
Ok I think I'm gonna go with an aftermarket 3 point belt like I got from 73-87 truck store and maybe factory seat, maybe a seat from tmi, or maybe a seat from like a 2015 silverado high country

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I would love bucket seats from a high country, good luck tho, that model of seat, from 2014 and up will be north of 1,000 bucks per seat. They are full power, dual zone heated and cooled leather with embroidered high country labels, side impact air bags and they only come in one color. And that's if you buy them used, you don't even want to know how much the seat would be if you bought the whole thing brand new. Cost alone is the sole reason I don't already have a set. Not to mention I can't imagine there are a lot of wrecked high country models out there that have had their seats removed and put up for sale, high country in itself is a low selling trim model compared to other trim levels, being it's the most expensive model one can purchase. Plus, depending on the impact, the side impact air bags in the seats will be deployed and that's a drag because now the leather is ruined and will need to be replaced with new, repairing wouldn't look very pretty, even if done nicely, it's extremely obvious.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 10:59:36 pm
Ok, obviously, Philo's truck is 77 and he's got a different style of mounting, so the late 70's-80's style won't fit easily.

Brewster, what year is your truck? You have 3 point mounts already? What color belts are you looking for?
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 10, 2016, 11:17:57 pm
My truck is a 75, I have the bottom mount and the top mount , and I need tan belts

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 10, 2016, 11:18:42 pm
Ya the high country seats and the tmi seats are both super nice but both super expensive

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 11:47:50 pm
Quote from: brewster on April 10, 2016, 11:18:42 pm
Ya the high country seats and the tmi seats are both super nice but both super expensive

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Superrrrrr expensive.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: big_al273 on April 10, 2016, 11:51:10 pm
personally i like the older benches better than the modern seats, the new stuff isn't soft enough for me
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 10, 2016, 11:51:37 pm
Quote from: brewster on April 10, 2016, 11:17:57 pm
My truck is a 75, I have the bottom mount and the top mount , and I need tan belts

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So 1 bolt hole at the bottom corner of the seat and 1 bolt hole about 3/4 up the B pillar? Nothing in between top and bottom and you had bench seat factory? How important is it that they are tan? Is the whole truck tan inside?
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 11, 2016, 06:52:41 am
You are correct, and it is very important that they stay tan because everything else is

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 11, 2016, 10:12:18 am
Ok, that throws my idea out the window, I found a complete OEM set on ebay but they are black. I looked all around for tan but everything is say on there was disgusting.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 11, 2016, 03:40:49 pm
Well I'm gonna call the local upholstery shop see if they can make my bench seat cover fit on the smaller seat and then I found a cheap bench seat for like 40 dollars on car part.com that is near me and is in good condition. I'll post again once Im finished and show pictures, that might be a while

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 11, 2016, 07:15:40 pm
Sounds like a plan.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 12, 2016, 04:21:31 pm
Quote from: LTZ C20 on April 11, 2016, 10:12:18 am
Ok, that throws my idea out the window, I found a complete OEM set on ebay but they are black. I looked all around for tan but everything is say on there was disgusting.
Whoa there LTZ,,,BLACK OEM??!! Is this just for brewsters 75 or are these the same as my 77??
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 04:24:30 pm
They are like mine and his. But as long as they you have a single floor bolt and a B pillar bolt, they will probably fit. The bolt behind the striker wouldn't be needed. You could leave it empty or use it mount something, like a fire extinguisher or some other item.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 12, 2016, 04:32:53 pm
Ok, send me the link if you have it.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 04:57:13 pm
EBay item#381595528013
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 12, 2016, 09:15:48 pm
Ok, got it.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 09:23:04 pm
What ya think of them?
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 10:17:27 pm
They look very nice, makes me wish I had a black interior

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 10:30:27 pm
Haha. There is another like set from the same seller in a dark brown color. I'm keeping my eye on those as they would fit my interior well. The price so far is much lower but we will see how high it goes as it gets closer to the end of the auction. To bad they don't have a tan set for you.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 10:35:32 pm
Well it's ok I'm Gonna have to keep my retrobelts that I ordered because apparently all sales are final which makes sense, plus those retrobelts will fit with my new bench seat

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 10:54:29 pm
I don't see why all sales would be final? Retro Belts are made in a slew of colors and are universal or conversion belt kits. Installing them in your truck wouldn't make them useless in any other vehicle. Where did you buy them again?
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 10:57:20 pm
I bought them from the 73-87 chevy trucks website, I haven't called them yet but on their website it says under the return policy that all sales are final

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 10:58:45 pm
I think what they are worried about are people messing with them and retrobelt being held accountable when something goes wrong with the new owner

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 11:07:09 pm
I can see how that might be an issue, but all returned units should be completely inspected and thoroughly tested. As long as they meet regulations for new belts, I don't see why they couldn't be sold again.

Maybe if they came in a sealed package, you could return them as long as the package wasn't opened.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 11:21:18 pm
Well I opened the package, but it doesn't say anything about that in their website
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160413/5af4fccf5d0fc9ec03b82f1b70b5aed6.jpg)

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 12, 2016, 11:37:21 pm
Well fudge sticks, looks like your guess is probably right then, it would be nice if they listed exactly why tho. Oh well. I hope they weren't to expensive.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 12, 2016, 11:50:17 pm
They were pretty equally priced, and I'll call them and I'm sure they'll work with me

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 13, 2016, 01:49:52 am
Good luck. I think this site is the sole reason I'm up late and wake up late, I'm addicted! I neeeeeeed to go to bed.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 14, 2016, 03:12:09 pm
I saw the ebay belts, nice and they would fit, but more like brewsters. Pricy!! $265!!!
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 14, 2016, 03:36:25 pm
You have to pay to play when you want OE.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 14, 2016, 09:18:23 pm
Ya really, lol...
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 15, 2016, 09:53:03 pm
I got out bid on fleebay by $2.50 in the last 5 seconds on the complete brown seat belt set I was watching. Dag nabit... I should have bid 20 bucks in the last 10 seconds not 10 bucks. Bunch of jack wagons!
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 16, 2016, 07:44:57 pm
I know what you mean, lotta ebay freaks out there, they work the system, jump in at the last couple seconds. Oh well, make em pay.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 19, 2016, 06:10:59 pm
I messaged the seller and he said he was going to check what he has and see if he has another set or at least a few pieces.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 19, 2016, 10:38:05 pm
Hey, ever watch mecum or barret jackson auctions or those restoration shows on disc or velocity? How the heck do they get perfect OEM belts every time?!
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 20, 2016, 12:58:30 am
Muuuuchoooo dollars.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: philo_beddoe on April 20, 2016, 07:19:33 am
Yup, that must be it. $$$
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 21, 2016, 07:49:20 pm
Ok so I went to a local junkyard and I found quite a few nice bench seats that got skinnier near the seat belts, but (there's always a but) the latch to allow it to tilt were broken on all of them, there was a little thing on the frame of the seat that spun, and the metal part on the seat itself had some weird thing on it anyways, my question is how can I fix that, did it have a latch to allow the seat to flip forward that broke or is it just free like some of the older chevy bench seats, if anyone has pictures of their latching mechanism on their 1980-1987 chevy truck that would be helpful, thanks

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 21, 2016, 08:42:55 pm
The latching mechanism is similar if not the same I believe as the late 70's type. It's a hook latch with a door striker type stud. The latch holds the seat in the upright position, pull the little lever up and it releases the latch to tilt forward, fold the seat back to the upright position and it re-latches on its own. All of the parts are bolted on I think so you might be able to take them apart and get enough pieces to make one working seat

I may try to take my seat cover off tonight if we get all out errands done and eat dinner at a reasonable hour.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on April 21, 2016, 09:57:35 pm
Ok my bench seat that I have now is like the hook latch and door stiker type, but these didn't look any thing like it, I didn't see a door striker on the nonmoving part and on the moving part it look like a piece of flat metal that was flush with the seat and it had notches cut into it, it was weird

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on April 22, 2016, 12:13:24 am
Well then maybe I was on the wrong track, but to my understanding, the mechanism to allow forward folding of the seat back was the same, no reason to make it over complicated. The setup still works on my seat.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on June 10, 2016, 07:21:20 am
I know this is a bit old, but I figured it would be a good place to add my new stuff. I finally got my hand on a good set of seat belts from a donor truck, i.e. pick and pull. I found a truck at p&p that had a complete, matching set of seat belts.

So these belts are a matching set. They have all of their trim sleeves/covers. The plastic is in very good shape considering the truck I removed them from. I let them soak in a 5 gal bucket of water and professional all purpose cleaner our detail department at work uses and then pressure washed them clean. Now they are soft and fully flexible and they don't stink. All of the buckles and retractors work great. I haven't cleaned the big covers for the driver & passenger retractors yet but I will soon and I have all of the factory mounting hardware. In total, with all the other little pieces I picked up, plus the entry fee to p&p 1 person 1 day and 2 people the second day, I'm into this whole deal for $100 flat.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/2630dbf7fb3baee615c8a753b4ad854f.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/0acadb55f7c071758b7a92310c6ca5de.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/b2fb8e00708e8b032d44ffc7148978c5.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/12f34445afbdf6cc9898abb107a8c902.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/4a82e797db0261687ac068831990850b.jpg)


(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/54267b7d7cd44f76af27e8b0b5cf1648.jpg)


I also picked up a few random parts. Some bow tie side trim badges, wire loom holders, seat belt B pillar mount covers and 2 very nice vanity mirrors for the sun visors. Both of those came out of 80's trucks, the glass in them was failing so the mirror image on 1 was bad. I went down to the local glass store and had 2 new mirrors cut the shape of the old ones and I put those into the backings. They look great now, just like new. I'm pretty proud of those.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/76c1a11946ab19ebb76dd02f5a68e83e.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/f9e078c4ba9d0db457de5c0aa36d0f16.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/7adef404bbce10ac94460acd2abc3531.jpg)

These are GM part #14016671. The old pieces of glass are next too them.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on November 21, 2016, 09:28:10 pm
Alright I FINALLY got around to finishing up this project, so kind of a recap I wanted 3 point seat belts in my 1975 truck but I needed a 1980-1987 bench seat because of the curve near the back of the seat. The curve in the back of the seat allows room for the 3 point seat belts, so I got the nicest bench seat from the local junkyard and it was crusty, dusty and blue, which didn't match my tan interior very well, so after driving around with that seat ,with a blanket over it, for about 4 months I finally got my seat reupholstered with my old bench seat material, I got new tan vinyl, but kept the old plaid plastic?? part because it was hard to find and expensive

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on November 21, 2016, 09:36:20 pm
This is my reupholstered 1980-1987 seat
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161122/31f935d409e3e42b8773e6464c67bfc2.jpg)

This is my seat belt retractor, the color is a great match but I may paint it to match later
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161122/f446cf695888a4a9302cad7459451f7e.jpg)

As you can see in these photos, on the seat bottom towards the back of the truck, is where the seat itself curves in to make room for the retractor, this is the most important part you need if you want 3 point seat belts in your truck

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: brewster on November 21, 2016, 09:40:49 pm
The seat from the junkyard was free, and the upholstery on the seat cost me about 300 dollars, the seat belts themselves cost about 200 dollars, the ace warm brown spray paint for the seat side covers costs about 5 dollars , so overall I have about 505 dollars in this project, which may seem like a lot for three point seat belts but it looks great and I won't be complaining about the cost if I were to get into an accident.  If you have any questions about this, please post to this thread or message me I would love to help

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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: LTZ C20 on November 22, 2016, 10:09:53 pm
Good job. Good to hear. Looks really nice.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: roundhouse on November 26, 2016, 10:34:39 pm
It's always a lot of work
Mine is a 75-77 can with the shoulder mounts on the door post
We used a bench from a 82 and belts from a 82-87
But the anchors were no good so we used anchors from a explorer

We gotta nice seat cover on eBay
If you get the slip on seat cover get the two piece kind that has a separate piece for the bottom and the back
 


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Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: MrFiveOh on November 28, 2016, 08:28:22 am
Alot of people dont know this, but there was slight changes in the mounting location for seatbelts in these trucks, I found out the hard way. 73-79 models work in 80-87, but 80-87 model seatbelts dont work in 73-79 cabs. Mounting holes are slightly different between the two cabs. I still looking for belts on my 74.
Title: Re: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: Captkaos on November 28, 2016, 11:14:03 am
I have/had 1985 3 points in my 1973 truck and ran it that way for years before I tore the truck down.
(http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/images/sueinside.jpg)


The seat and the actual belt setup changed.
We sell Retrobelts but had an issue with a set we sold to a customer last.
Title: Problem finding three point seat belts
Post by: roundhouse on December 17, 2016, 09:08:25 am
Quote from: MrFiveOh on November 28, 2016, 08:28:22 am
Alot of people dont know this, but there was slight changes in the mounting location for seatbelts in these trucks, I found out the hard way. 73-79 models work in 80-87, but 80-87 model seatbelts dont work in 73-79 cabs. Mounting holes are slightly different between the two cabs. I still looking for belts on my 74.
The later model ones worked fine for us
We installed the entire interior from a 82 into our 76 with no issues at all other than swapping the window  crank handle splines for longer ones because the 82 for panels are thicker , which opened a big can of worms when we figured out we had the one year only 1973 doors with the tiny rollers so you couldn't swap the entire regulator, had to swap just the crank splines, which is doable but you gotta use C-clamps and be careful to not lose a finger. The regulator spring is plenty strong  enough to chop off a digit


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