The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Seatbelts in 47-54 trucks

MARTINSR · 01-25-2014, 07:04 PM

That area up there above the window isn't strong enough to mount a shoulder belt. It's only sheetmetal, sheetmetal that is spot welded on. I know, I have removed that piece of metal from my truck and it's not very strong, not anywhere near strong enough for a shoulder belt.

Now, this is the fact that only you can answer for yourself. The fact is, this truck wasn't designed for these seat belts, there is no "energy management" designed into this truck for a collision. A VERY light hit and you are thrown into the steering column that is NOT collapsing like a late model car, not by a long shot. So that shoulder belt mount, as weak as it is would probably help you from falling into the steering column in a slow speed accident. So it does have some value. Any faster than a slow speed accident and it will do nothing, it will rip that piece of metal out and whack you in the back of the head as you slam into the steering column.

Not a pretty picture but those are the facts. I look at driving these old cars like riding a motorcycle, not one bit different. And I have ridden a motorcycle regularly so I have an understanding of the difference from a late model comfortable "safety capsule" car.

I drive my 59 Rambler every single day, with the understanding that I WILL be injured if I have a minor accident. I have been in the autobody collision industry my whole adult life (and a little before that) I know accidents and what happens. And I have cars at the shop right now VERY badly damaged where the person didn't get so much as their hair knocked out of place. I know that isn't the same on a motorcycle, a plane, or my Rambler. And for that reason I drive COMPLETELY different leaving LOTS of room, MANY car lengths. I drive under the speed limit NEVER trying to push yellow lights, never jumping in and out of lanes. I have totally and completely changed how I drive from years ago when I didn't understand this being a young punk.

My Rambler does have simple lap belts (it had no belts until I bought it five years ago) and that is all I have. I have thought about putting shoulder belts in it but thought about what I have told you here and figured I would just ride the motorcycle more carefully instead.

My advice is to drive much more careful with or without that shoulder harness.

Brian

01-25-2014, 07:04 PM	#7
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,043	Re: Seatbelts in 47-54 trucks That area up there above the window isn't strong enough to mount a shoulder belt. It's only sheetmetal, sheetmetal that is spot welded on. I know, I have removed that piece of metal from my truck and it's not very strong, not anywhere near strong enough for a shoulder belt. Now, this is the fact that only you can answer for yourself. The fact is, this truck wasn't designed for these seat belts, there is no "energy management" designed into this truck for a collision. A VERY light hit and you are thrown into the steering column that is NOT collapsing like a late model car, not by a long shot. So that shoulder belt mount, as weak as it is would probably help you from falling into the steering column in a slow speed accident. So it does have some value. Any faster than a slow speed accident and it will do nothing, it will rip that piece of metal out and whack you in the back of the head as you slam into the steering column. Not a pretty picture but those are the facts. I look at driving these old cars like riding a motorcycle, not one bit different. And I have ridden a motorcycle regularly so I have an understanding of the difference from a late model comfortable "safety capsule" car. I drive my 59 Rambler every single day, with the understanding that I WILL be injured if I have a minor accident. I have been in the autobody collision industry my whole adult life (and a little before that) I know accidents and what happens. And I have cars at the shop right now VERY badly damaged where the person didn't get so much as their hair knocked out of place. I know that isn't the same on a motorcycle, a plane, or my Rambler. And for that reason I drive COMPLETELY different leaving LOTS of room, MANY car lengths. I drive under the speed limit NEVER trying to push yellow lights, never jumping in and out of lanes. I have totally and completely changed how I drive from years ago when I didn't understand this being a young punk. My Rambler does have simple lap belts (it had no belts until I bought it five years ago) and that is all I have. I have thought about putting shoulder belts in it but thought about what I have told you here and figured I would just ride the motorcycle more carefully instead. My advice is to drive much more careful with or without that shoulder harness. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"