What year did shoulder belts start? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 08-25-2005, 12:09 PM

Just curious because I recently picked up a 76 C10 and it only has lap belts.
The truck is virtually unmolested so I really don't think anyone would have changed them.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks.

bigblock73 · 08-25-2005, 12:14 PM

I thought it was 76 (because my 76 had them, and it was a bare bones truck), but maybe they were optional in 76...going to standard equipment in 77.

If you want to learn more, check this out...

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387differences.htm

**ScottH** · 08-25-2005, 12:26 PM

Thanks bigblock73, I read through the link but no mention of seat belts.

**Captkaos** · 08-25-2005, 12:32 PM

From what I have gathered, they were first optional in 1975 and by 1977 they were standard, at least on pickups.

KIILew · 08-25-2005, 03:26 PM

Scott:

With respect to the 1973 to 1987 generation of Chevy/GMC pickups, shoulder belts were first installed- -as standard equipment- -in 1976 models manufactured around January 1, 1976. Prior to that time shoulder belts were only offered as a dealer-installed accessory. This means that 1973, 1974, 1975, and early-production 1976 pickups (i.e. those 1976 models built between August 1 and late December, 1975) will not have factory-installed shoulder belts. There may be some variability in those dates, but according to factory literature, that is the story. It seems likely that government regulations established the January 1 deadline for shoulder belt installation as standard equipment in trucks. Check to see if your 1976 model pickup was built in 1975 or 1976.

It is interesting to note that shoulder belts were, in fact, offered as a factory-installed option in Chevy/GMC pickups during the 1967 to 1972 generation.

Ken Lewis

**ScottH** · 08-25-2005, 03:34 PM

Much thanks to Ken and CaptKaos for the information, greatly appreciated.
I'll take a look to see when mine was manufactured.

Scott

**Captkaos** · 08-25-2005, 04:02 PM

Thank you Ken for that clarification. And... Where have you been?

cochino12 · 08-25-2005, 06:56 PM

Weird? does that meant 73-74 shouldnt have the mounts or holes for the belts? My '73 has a mount that is threaded, but there is a plug there?

**Captkaos** · 08-25-2005, 07:59 PM

No, all of them had the belt mounting hole. As Ken clarified they were dealer optioned from 73-76.

**ScottH** · 08-25-2005, 08:43 PM

As a follow up, truck was built 10/75.

Thanks again to all.

86swb · 08-25-2005, 11:14 PM

I am not sure about the trucks but the 1970 Monte Carlo I had did have sholder belts and they were folder over and held in by some kind of spring clips on the cealing. You had to pull them out of the clips, unfold and install into the buckel. Do not know if this was a dealer option or not. Looked like a factory install to me.

ureckme · 08-26-2005, 01:49 AM

My 73 has the mount hole with the nut on the inside for sholder belts. So my 73 has sholder belts and there brown. Matt

KIILew · 08-26-2005, 02:04 AM

Scott, glad you found my comment helpful. I appreciated Captkaos' followup comments too, which in my estimation were right on target! Chris, I have sent you a message, so you should find that in your mailbox!

Ken Lewis

bigblock73 · 08-26-2005, 08:26 AM

Ken, thanks for the clarification as well, and if you don't mind, I will add it to the article on 73-87.com

By the way, how has the recovery been? Haven't heard from you in a while, hope everything is on the up and up.

08-25-2005, 12:09 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	What year did shoulder belts start? Just curious because I recently picked up a 76 C10 and it only has lap belts. The truck is virtually unmolested so I really don't think anyone would have changed them. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

08-25-2005, 12:14 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	I thought it was 76 (because my 76 had them, and it was a bare bones truck), but maybe they were optional in 76...going to standard equipment in 77. If you want to learn more, check this out... http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387differences.htm __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 08-25-2005 at 12:16 PM.

08-25-2005, 12:32 PM	#4
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	From what I have gathered, they were first optional in 1975 and by 1977 they were standard, at least on pickups. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

08-25-2005, 04:02 PM	#7
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Thank you Ken for that clarification. And... Where have you been? __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

08-25-2005, 06:56 PM	#8
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Weird? does that meant 73-74 shouldnt have the mounts or holes for the belts? My '73 has a mount that is threaded, but there is a plug there? __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

08-25-2005, 12:26 PM	#3
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Thanks bigblock73, I read through the link but no mention of seat belts.

08-25-2005, 03:26 PM	#5
KIILew Active Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Prosser, WA 99350 Posts: 147	Scott: With respect to the 1973 to 1987 generation of Chevy/GMC pickups, shoulder belts were first installed- -as standard equipment- -in 1976 models manufactured around January 1, 1976. Prior to that time shoulder belts were only offered as a dealer-installed accessory. This means that 1973, 1974, 1975, and early-production 1976 pickups (i.e. those 1976 models built between August 1 and late December, 1975) will not have factory-installed shoulder belts. There may be some variability in those dates, but according to factory literature, that is the story. It seems likely that government regulations established the January 1 deadline for shoulder belt installation as standard equipment in trucks. Check to see if your 1976 model pickup was built in 1975 or 1976. It is interesting to note that shoulder belts were, in fact, offered as a factory-installed option in Chevy/GMC pickups during the 1967 to 1972 generation. Ken Lewis

08-25-2005, 03:34 PM	#6
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Much thanks to Ken and CaptKaos for the information, greatly appreciated. I'll take a look to see when mine was manufactured. Scott

08-25-2005, 07:59 PM	#9
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	No, all of them had the belt mounting hole. As Ken clarified they were dealer optioned from 73-76. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

08-25-2005, 08:43 PM	#10
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	As a follow up, truck was built 10/75. Thanks again to all.

08-25-2005, 11:14 PM	#11
86swb Born a Chevy Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 10,221	I am not sure about the trucks but the 1970 Monte Carlo I had did have sholder belts and they were folder over and held in by some kind of spring clips on the cealing. You had to pull them out of the clips, unfold and install into the buckel. Do not know if this was a dealer option or not. Looked like a factory install to me. __________________ John or 86 (Viet Nam combat Vet-BIG RED ONE) '65-'66 1986 Chevy SWB Silverado 1984 Chevy Longbed Silverado New Kia Sportage (Wife's car and she loves it) CHEVY, American made w/pride! If you can read this, YOU NEED TO THANK A TEACHER! If you can read this in ENGLISH, PLEASE THANK A SOLDIER! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BLESS OUR FIGHTING TROOPS Last edited by 86swb; 08-25-2005 at 11:14 PM.

08-26-2005, 01:49 AM	#12
ureckme ureckmefixit2@cox.net Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mesa AZ. (Phoenix) Posts: 1,284	My 73 has the mount hole with the nut on the inside for sholder belts. So my 73 has sholder belts and there brown. Matt __________________ That's U RECK ME FIX it 2 74 Chevy Short Bed 355ci Sportsman II 64cc Angle Plug Crower Custom Grind .462in .486ex Dyno Test 422hp @ 5600 And it's got a Holley 3.73 Gears 12 Bolt 3.73 w/Posi 700R4 Going In I'm a Body Man So There! That's why it's not painted

08-26-2005, 02:04 AM	#13
KIILew Active Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Prosser, WA 99350 Posts: 147	Scott, glad you found my comment helpful. I appreciated Captkaos' followup comments too, which in my estimation were right on target! Chris, I have sent you a message, so you should find that in your mailbox! Ken Lewis

08-26-2005, 08:26 AM	#14
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Ken, thanks for the clarification as well, and if you don't mind, I will add it to the article on 73-87.com By the way, how has the recovery been? Haven't heard from you in a while, hope everything is on the up and up. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 08-26-2005 at 08:26 AM.

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