First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I have a 1972 1/2 ton truck with lap belts and was ticketed in Indiana for not wearing a shoulder belt (my lap belt was on). The law reads that if shoulder belts were standard equipment and installed by the manufacturer, they must be worn. Optional shoulder belts for 67-72 trucks are very desirable and were definitely not standard equipment. I suspect the belts became standard in 73-75 but don't know how to prove it. Is there a document that proves the year the shoulder belts became standard?

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

They were still an option in '73, for sure.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I don't know the answer to your question, but....

When you go fight it, remind them that pickup trucks are (or were) under different laws that cars in respect to seatbelts...

Around here in GA, They've enforced proper seatbelts in cars since the 80's but they JUST 2 MOS. AGO made a law that you have to wear seatbelts in pickup trucks and vans.

Take a pic of your RPO sticker, be sure your VIN is in the pic and take that with you, you'll just have to convince them that shoulder belts were an option and show its not on your RPO sticker...

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Maybe someone has access to a '72 option book that lists the shouler belts as an option. I only know that they were an option in '73 as my '73 Custom did not have them, and the holes inside the cab were plugged.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

They were definitely not standard in a 72.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Wait a minute here - If your truck had shoulder belts, then there should be a threaded hole on both sides of the cab up in the corner near the headliner - for the bolt and pivot for the shoulder harness. - Does your truck have that threaded hole? No hole - not an available option on your truck. Officer is incorrect, in that case - take a pic of both your truck (without) and another later model square (with) and bring it to court.
My 73 C20 had lap belts only, my 76 C20 had shoulder belts.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Every truck that I have had had the option hole, only one (72) had the option belts. My 71 chevy and GMC have the hole and no belt on the SPID. My 70 Burb also has holes and no belts....I would research the spid and take that evidence to court. The officer is probably too young to know history.


Maybe this guy can help out. A85 is the option for 67-72 trucks.

http://outintheshop.com/options.html


Smitty

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Overzealous cop, the magistrate or judge should dismiss. I would also call the clerk and tell them of the situation. They may be able to dismiss before your court date. Jay

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

My 1975 C10 came from the factory with lap belts only.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I thought 76 or 77 was the first year they were standard on all trucks.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

My 74 came only with lap belts although it had the welded in nuts in the "B" pillars for shoulder belts, they had plastic plugs in them that were sealed in when they painted the cab at the factory. I believe the 3 point harness became manditory on all vehicles-cars & trucks-in '76.
But don't quote me on that.
Dave

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

according to my rpo's for up to 80's you could order with/without a suburban 2nd rear seat not installed,means no seats means no belts,and no sign of them ever installed.but i dobt that helps unless there is a rpo for no front seats

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

He/She was probably trying to get a "Click-it or Ticket" stat.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I know in Fl, the law only applies to trucks 1972 and up and cars 1968 and up, but I dont know if lap belts count or not.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

My 74 is lap belts only. The 3pt anchors in the pillars are there but capped off w/an OE painted plug.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

My 74 Cutstom Deluxe is lap only...I'll have to check my 73 Silverado I just got it's got several options so it may have them.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

my 73 Cheyenne Super has lap belts only. I am pretty sure shoulder belts weren't even available for the first few years...even though the provisions were on the cab for them.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

This is most likely crazy talk and not sound legal advice. But, make the court prove your year had standard shoulder belts. That's how it use to work, the innocent until PROVEN guilty thing. Probably doesn't have anything to do with the current revenue based laws.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Checked out my '73 Silverado and it has shoulder belts...they look original, but I have no way to prove one way or the other the RPO code sheet is long gone.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

My 75 C10 that i used to have was lap belts only. There were plugged holes behind the trim panel,but no holes in the trim panel.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I'm no attorney, but if the state argues you should have been wearing your belt under the law as written and you can't prove otherwise, then you're guilty, right?

I was in small claims court once suing a guy I paid for a motor who in turn had not paid the machine shop (so I paid twice). I tried to introduce GM documentation of what a "complete" engine is vs a long block or short block and they wouldn't take it (not authoritative or something). So what the standard for documentation is I don't know, but I'd have an RPO order sheet and a '72 owners manual with you.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

MY 76 GMC is lap belt only. I got stopped with it this year and I had to explain to the kid cop that shoulder belts weren't standard on these old trucks. I'm hoping he won't hassle old trucks any more. I do believe 76 was the last year without shoulder belts. I don't see any plug or place to mount one either.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

"If you found this post to be helpful or entertaining, please mail $1.00 to "Happy Dude", c/o Redmond, WA. "

Do I get a dollar if I point out this thread is 3 yrs old? :lol:

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

Still is a good thread 3 years old or not.. ;) . Ive gotten pulled over once because of this. 76 custom deluxe no provision for anything other then a lap belt.

Re: First year for standard shoulder belts?
 

I had a 77' with a lap belt only and my 78', and 81' has the shoulder belt. My 90' crew cab has shoulder belts in the rear as well.