Seat Belt Conversion

[Axle]

Originally Posted by KShortell

My recollection is that many vehicles were required to have the provision for 3-point belts, but not the belts themselves. The rear seats in cars, for example, had the anchor points in the late 60's (?)and for sure into the 1970s and 80's, but not the 3-point seat belts themselves-- lap belts only. It's possible that the regulations of the day made a similar provision for the trucks-- not mandated as standard equipment, but to have the provision for them either as an option or an aftermarket add-on.

Even my 1986 Suburban has anchor points underneath the pillar trim for 3-point belts in the rear (2nd row) seating, but only the stock factory lap belts installed.

At one time I knew the dates for this stuff, but for passenger cars, the provision for front AND rear shoulder belt anchor points has been there since the late 60's, maybe 1970. I don't have them, but rear shoulder belts for my Nova was a $17 option. Having had the interior out of it, I can confirm that there is a threaded anchor point for rear shoulder belts in the car. I have never seen a pre-mandated domestic car with rear shoulder belts though.

Alex.