73-87 seat belt tech - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Pyrotechnic · 09-09-2009, 12:45 PM

I haven't seen any info on seat belts on this site so I'd like to start a thread to see if we can collect our knowledge. Until I started trying to replace my seat belts, I thought all seat belts for these trucks were the same over their 14 year run. Not true.

73-74 had lap belts. Some may have had 3 point belts as a dealer option but most I've seen just have lap belts.

75-77 had 3 point belts which utilize the retractor on the floor from the lap belt, and adds a retractor behind the seat.

78+ did away with the retractor behind the seat. The belts still use dual retractors, but both retractors are now integrated into one box on the floor.

I tried putting 78+ belts in my 77 and it did not work. Seemed like they moved the mounting hole on the floor for the later trucks.

Hopefully this helps and if there is anything I missed feel free to add it. I would also be interested in seeing what you did to restore/replace your seat belts if you've done it.

**old Rusty C10** · 09-09-2009, 06:14 PM

my 1982 has no retractor in the center its just a lap belt.... also belts are not interchangable between pickups and other vehicles like burb and blazer

Number21 · 09-09-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

also belts are not interchangable between pickups and other vehicles like burb and blazer

Ahh...poop. I was just going to gut a 'burb for it's doors and belts.

What about the buckles on the seat? Are they interchangeable between the years/bodies?

S10Fan · 09-09-2009, 09:09 PM

I'm using these.................

http://www.trubelt.com/products/details/id/3

I love them!

Bryan

1985-GMC · 09-09-2009, 09:52 PM

LMC has these http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=110 and http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=111

Pyrotechnic · 09-09-2009, 10:31 PM

I tried some of those universals from LMC. Didn't like the way they fit at all so I sent them back. Also, the single retractor arrangement made the belt feel a little weird to put on. That retractor had a hard time taking up the slack when you took off the belt as well. You had to feed the belt back in before you got out.

S10 fan I would like to see the way you installed those if you have any pics.

77gmcjoe · 09-10-2009, 09:02 AM

My '77 had the two seperate retractors originally, but I found that they would continue to "cinch up" every time I moved in the seat or hit a bump, so that eventually they would be extremely tight on me. I ended up using belts from a newer model, and as Pyrotechnic says, the mounting points are different. I just drilled a hole in the correct spot and mounted the new ones with a bolt and nut. Also, the male and female buckles aren't the same between the newer and older styles of belts. I had to replace the short female belts too, but naturally they used the same mounting holes as the originals.

Damien · 09-10-2009, 10:44 AM

My dad has a '76 with lap belts only. I think it was a fleet truck at one time.

ShowSS12 · 09-10-2009, 10:49 AM

I just had my stock belts rewebbed...... But I have an 87 which used the dual set-up mounted on the floor next to the seats.

2tone77 · 09-10-2009, 05:49 PM

How do you get your belts rewebed? Thats what I would like to do, as my belts work fine, they just look bad.

ShowSS12 · 09-10-2009, 06:04 PM

I just took them down to my upholster and he had some grey seat belt material which he stitched to match the factory stitching so the look OEM all I need to do now is paint the beige cover grey and install them... I'll see if I can get a pic...

S10Fan · 09-11-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

I would like to see the way you installed those if you have any pics.

I'll snap a couple this weekend.

big10ratrod77 · 09-12-2009, 06:15 PM

i know on my 77 the farther you drive the tighter the seat belts get makes it hard to breath

Tony_SS · 09-12-2009, 06:27 PM

Here are the ones I'm using.. the don't fit exactly like stock, they just require a nut as a spacer but you cant beat the price!

http://www.infiniteinnovations.com/main.asp?p=3_232

TheSunDanceKid · 09-12-2009, 08:37 PM

tony and s10fans are EXACTLY the same as a stock rear belt out of 87-94 s10 blazers

Justins76 · 09-12-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big10ratrod77

i know on my 77 the farther you drive the tighter the seat belts get makes it hard to breath

Same here. Bump, click, bump, click. gasp.

S10Fan · 09-13-2009, 10:11 PM

OK, here ya go. I mounted mine by making brackets from sections of 2" square 3/16th wall tubing. The brackets were mounted in the stock locations using the stock bolts and holes.

1969stepside · 09-13-2009, 10:12 PM

can a set of 73-87 belts work in a 72?

Pyrotechnic · 09-14-2009, 11:31 AM

Nice job S10fan. Looks like the universal belts work pretty well with those brackets you made.

Since my 77 has those mounting points behind the seat, I'm thinking about running these style of belts but putting the new retractor behind the seat and the lap belt anchor on the floor. I'm trying to avoid rewebbing/rebuilding as I've heard it's costly so that leaves universals or finding something out of a newer vehicle, maybe those S10 belts that TheSunDanceKid mentioned earlier.

09-09-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	73-87 seat belt tech I haven't seen any info on seat belts on this site so I'd like to start a thread to see if we can collect our knowledge. Until I started trying to replace my seat belts, I thought all seat belts for these trucks were the same over their 14 year run. Not true. 73-74 had lap belts. Some may have had 3 point belts as a dealer option but most I've seen just have lap belts. 75-77 had 3 point belts which utilize the retractor on the floor from the lap belt, and adds a retractor behind the seat. 78+ did away with the retractor behind the seat. The belts still use dual retractors, but both retractors are now integrated into one box on the floor. I tried putting 78+ belts in my 77 and it did not work. Seemed like they moved the mounting hole on the floor for the later trucks. Hopefully this helps and if there is anything I missed feel free to add it. I would also be interested in seeing what you did to restore/replace your seat belts if you've done it. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

09-09-2009, 06:14 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech my 1982 has no retractor in the center its just a lap belt.... also belts are not interchangable between pickups and other vehicles like burb and blazer __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! Last edited by old Rusty C10; 09-09-2009 at 06:14 PM.

09-09-2009, 09:09 PM	#4
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,640	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech I'm using these................. http://www.trubelt.com/products/details/id/3 I love them! Bryan __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F*d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. Last edited by S10Fan; 09-09-2009 at 09:12 PM. Reason: wrong url*

09-09-2009, 09:52 PM	#5
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech LMC has these http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=110 and http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=111 __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

09-09-2009, 10:31 PM	#6
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech I tried some of those universals from LMC. Didn't like the way they fit at all so I sent them back. Also, the single retractor arrangement made the belt feel a little weird to put on. That retractor had a hard time taking up the slack when you took off the belt as well. You had to feed the belt back in before you got out. S10 fan I would like to see the way you installed those if you have any pics. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 09-09-2009 at 11:03 PM.

09-10-2009, 09:02 AM	#7
77gmcjoe What do we get for $10? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Beardstown, Illinois Posts: 341	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech My '77 had the two seperate retractors originally, but I found that they would continue to "cinch up" every time I moved in the seat or hit a bump, so that eventually they would be extremely tight on me. I ended up using belts from a newer model, and as Pyrotechnic says, the mounting points are different. I just drilled a hole in the correct spot and mounted the new ones with a bolt and nut. Also, the male and female buckles aren't the same between the newer and older styles of belts. I had to replace the short female belts too, but naturally they used the same mounting holes as the originals. __________________ 1977 GMC K25 400/400/205 1989 Chevy Suburban R1500 350/700R4 (work beater) 1994 Chevy K3500 dually 454/4L80 1996 Corvette LT4 350/ZF 6 speed 2000 Bonneville SSEI Supercharged 3.8 Liter V6 1966 Chevelle 2 door sedan (Needs major repair )

09-10-2009, 10:44 AM	#8
Damien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Farmington, MN Posts: 928	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech My dad has a '76 with lap belts only. I think it was a fleet truck at one time. __________________ I can still count my vehicles on two... wait three hands.

09-10-2009, 10:49 AM	#9
ShowSS12 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sugarland,Tejas Posts: 356	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech I just had my stock belts rewebbed...... But I have an 87 which used the dual set-up mounted on the floor next to the seats. __________________ Adam M STX Designs Motorcycles \| Choppers \| Hotrods

09-10-2009, 05:49 PM	#10
2tone77 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: nederland, TX Posts: 23	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech How do you get your belts rewebed? Thats what I would like to do, as my belts work fine, they just look bad.

09-10-2009, 06:04 PM	#11
ShowSS12 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sugarland,Tejas Posts: 356	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech I just took them down to my upholster and he had some grey seat belt material which he stitched to match the factory stitching so the look OEM all I need to do now is paint the beige cover grey and install them... I'll see if I can get a pic... __________________ Adam M STX Designs Motorcycles \| Choppers \| Hotrods

09-12-2009, 06:15 PM	#13
big10ratrod77 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: hillborough nc Posts: 410	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech i know on my 77 the farther you drive the tighter the seat belts get makes it hard to breath __________________ 77 chevy BIG 10 350/sm465/12bolt w 3.73 bout 240 horse power NO power steerin 79 chevy 1/2 ton 250/three on the tree/3.08s soon to get built 250/floor shift conversion/3.08s 81 mercedes 300d 25 MPG 77 chevy BIG DOOLEY 454/sm-465/14 bolt 4.10s "fully loaded" 73 plymouth duster 225 slant six/230 3 speed/8 1/4 trying to acheve 300 horse six http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3135091 '77 chevy trucks. built to stay tough. life is short build a hot rod Last edited by big10ratrod77; 09-12-2009 at 06:17 PM.

09-12-2009, 06:27 PM	#14
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech Here are the ones I'm using.. the don't fit exactly like stock, they just require a nut as a spacer but you cant beat the price! http://www.infiniteinnovations.com/main.asp?p=3_232

09-12-2009, 08:37 PM	#15
TheSunDanceKid Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: chandler, arizona Posts: 125	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech tony and s10fans are EXACTLY the same as a stock rear belt out of 87-94 s10 blazers

09-13-2009, 10:11 PM	#17
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,640	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech OK, here ya go. I mounted mine by making brackets from sections of 2" square 3/16th wall tubing. The brackets were mounted in the stock locations using the stock bolts and holes. Attached Images __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

09-13-2009, 10:12 PM	#18
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,176	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech can a set of 73-87 belts work in a 72? __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

09-14-2009, 11:31 AM	#19
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: 73-87 seat belt tech Nice job S10fan. Looks like the universal belts work pretty well with those brackets you made. Since my 77 has those mounting points behind the seat, I'm thinking about running these style of belts but putting the new retractor behind the seat and the lap belt anchor on the floor. I'm trying to avoid rewebbing/rebuilding as I've heard it's costly so that leaves universals or finding something out of a newer vehicle, maybe those S10 belts that TheSunDanceKid mentioned earlier. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.