Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10

[Matt Cramer]

So, I have a '72 C10 with lap belts, and want to put 3 point seat belts in there. I'm going to try using a cheap retractable set since I have non-retractable ones in a Dodge Dart and it would be a nuisance to adjust this each time we change drivers. My wife has to drive this one too.

I ordered a set of these from Summit last night:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HFM-SB3PRTN/

And they got here this afternoon. The fact that I'm about 15 miles from their warehouse helps. But still, good job on their part.

Anyway, I'll be putting them in sometime this week. Any particular tips about this? It looks like it will be pretty easy. There's some sort of point on the roof pillar that looks like it would work and I'll use it unless somebody has a warning that it's not sturdy enough to sue. There's a cap in the fitting that I'm not sure if there are any tricks to removing it, such as slotting it with a Dremel or if it just pops out if you pry on it. If anyone has any tips, gotchas, or anything else to say on this, please let me know!

I'll be posting pictures of the install once I get to work on it.

[Ironhorse]

Matt, the point you are referring to on the cab wall is an actual factory mounting point for the optional 3 point seat belts from back in the day. Not a lot of people purchased the 3 point belts making them rather a hard to come by option. When you consider trying to match the interior color of your truck it would be even harder. The small plastic cap is just a snug fit, use a small slot screw driver or a pick to remove the cap. Be sure to place the caps in a small container so you don't mis-place them if you decide to remove the belts as I don't think the caps are re-poped. Not sure what the thread size is in the hole. Hope that helps and welcome to the best truck board on the web.

[68gmsee]

That plastic piece hides a bolt hole. I believe it was made for shoulder belts and I seen pictures of some of the guys here using it for their three point harness. I would just gently try to pry it off if you can do it without damaging the paint. I don't like to damage anything that I may want to use at some later date from these trucks.

[68gmsee]

Yeah, forgot to welcome you to the site...

Looks like Ironhorse beat me at typing.

[Matt Cramer]

Thanks guys! Seems like this will be a pretty easy mod!

[Dieselwrencher]

I'm going to do this to my truck some day too. Welcome to the board!

[Hubscrub]

i installed some in my wife's truck only advice i have it i used some grease on the bolt to help it go through 40 years of crap plus the previous owners paint jobs, mine were alittle tough to get going before the grease i didn't want to screw up threads/bolt stuck, that would have been a pita!

[Cruisin' Oklahoma]

Matt,

Welcome to the board! This was one of the first things I did to my truck 2 years ago since it had no seatbelts when I got it. Everybody is correct about the top plug. If I Were you, I'd pull the seat out (unless it has buckets). I didn't and it was honestly just unhandy getting to my bolts behind the seats. If you have any other questions feel,free to ask as everyone on the board is very helpful!
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[hounddogs!]

Welcome! I'm pretty sure the upper factory anchor is a 7/16-14 thread. The plug that you see is just barbed plastic-it's not threaded into the nut.

I had to use a piece of angle iron running parallel to the seat rail, but that was to mount the retractor from a Delta 88. The inside pieces all used the factory mounts on the floor.

[swammie911]

I did this to mine, really easy. The only slightly tricky part is clearance for the drivers side. If the tank is still in, it's pretty tight fit for the belt recoil mechanism. I was able to make it work quite easily with a slight bend in the bracket. Passenger side was a piece of cake!

It will be fun to watch your passengers try to figure out how to pull the belts slow enough so they don't lock up....!!
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[fasttech]

Welcome Matt! I did this a few years ago since I didn't have any seat belts and it wouldn't pass inspection. lol Any way I bucket seats so I ordered a universal set from one of the vendors who has ads in Classic Truck mag. They have the plastic holder that keeps the buckle straight up in place. I used a tap to clear out the holes in the sides of the cab. Can't remembe the size off hand. I used some 2X2 1/8" angle iron to fab up brackets for the bottom. Looks almost factory. If you are using OEM 3-point belts it should be a snap.
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[Mufrat62]

I have been thinking about the going to the 3 point belts as well. However on my cab( small rear window) so likely a 1967 cab there are holes there but they are not threaded- just a hole. Is this different than what you guys are speaking about or has anyone seen this as well???

[kevmcrae]

type this in the search bar "aftermarket 3 point seatbelts" for more info and pictures

[fasttech]

Mufrat62, I have a 67 GMC with a small rear window like yours. My holes were treaded but had the plastic covers over them. I just had to pop of the caps and chase them with a tap to clean out the threads. I have bucket seats so I purchased a set of belts from AutoLoc. See attached picture.

[leddzepp]

The pillar mount takes a 7/16" 20 bolt (fine thread)....unlike the floor mounts which use a coarse bolt.

[Steve Hafner]

. . . .

I didn't do the work when mine were installed, but it was an easy, bolt-in process.

. . . .

[jjzepplin]

That's one nice interior Steve! Say, what's that second knob to the left under your light switch?

[Steve Hafner]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

That's one nice interior Steve! Say, what's that second knob to the left under your light switch?

It's for the manual throttle

. . . .

[Matt Cramer]

Got the belts in, but not 100% happy with the install - the buckles are just barely peeking out of the seat. I need to fab up something to extend the buckle side. Using the same belt setup fasttech posted, but with a bench seat.

[jjzepplin]

Looked at my truck and it does not have the hole mentioned. It's a 1970 though. Could I just slip a bolt back there and weld it up?

[gijoecarlos]

Does someone have pictures on how these belts are mounted on the floor? do i need to drill an additional hole or do they bolt onto one hole only? Thanks in advance!

[special-K]

You need to spend more money to get a quality set. Morris makes nice sets with (newer) upgrade GM buckles.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Morris...kup,79315.html

[kevmcrae]

Originally Posted by special-K

You need to spend more money to get a quality set. Morris makes nice sets with (newer) upgrade GM buckles.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Morris...kup,79315.html

I got mine here
http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/CHT6872-Bench.html

for $239

[89AKurt]

I was wondering...... bookmarked.

[special-K]

I just knew Speedway sold the Morris belts cuz I've seen them at rod runs and wanted to show an example. He can do his own shopping. I have later OEM Suburban belts that I paid $50 for