Seatbelts??

[ABX131]

When did they become mandatory? My 63' has none..What have you put in? I know to add shoulder belts requires heavy work to the rear pillar. Other that adding a mount plate when replacing the rear window, how else can it be done?

[vin63]

Here's an article...

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/12...all/index.html

[1963c-10]

This is what I installed. Looks close to the factory style, but these are embossed with the GM logo. Seat belts became federally mandated in 1968 for cars & I believe 1969 in trucks.

[ABX131]

Very cool, thanks. I figured there had to be an easier way than upgrading to a BBW.

[ABX131]

1963-C10, where did you get those GM belts from?..I know they are not original but I like the authentic look.

[aerotruk63]

I've seen these type of belts on lift trucks.
Originally manufactured by the Irving Airchute Company for Chevrolet.
62 and 63 share the same buckle and clasp but had different webbing for the belt.
Model 5000C from Irving.
Look for belts from aircraft, they are the same as the trucks but have the Irving Airchute logo on them.
If you read the discription below, it mentions they are the same in rear passenger car applications as they are for trucks.

[markeb01]

At first I really wanted lift buckle belts with the correct single tongue male buckle end that would have been available in the early 1960’s, and this is the only company I found that produces them:

http://www.cmwauto.com/MainMenu/Inte.../seatbelts.htm

But eventually I decided to go with retractable lap belts in mine so I went with these with more of a 70’s era starburst buckle:

http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/HL256P.html

They work fine but I don’t recommend them because the company doesn’t ship what they advertise. The male ends provided don’t look like the one pictured on the website. They are supposed to have a wide metal end as indicated in this photo to prevent them from entering the plastic housing.



What actually showed up is a buckle the same width as the housing, and a big flap of seat belt material that catches the edge and folds the buckle over so it’s lying over the side of the retractor towards the door. In this first photo I tucked the flap of material into the retractor for the photo, which is what I do when attending a rod run or car show:





And this is what they look like in normal daily usage. Stupid:



I didn’t realize this design substitution/defect until after the belts were installed and I went to use them the first time. I don’t dislike them enough to switch to something else, but it’s certainly another disappointment, not receiving what was promised and ordered.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by ABX131

1963-C10, where did you get those GM belts from?..I know they are not original but I like the authentic look.

Got the off ebay....were around $50 and came with all the hardware but nuts. $2 at home depot for stainless nuts. The bolts are 7/16....funny size too find. They still sell them, saw them yesterday. They have them in quite a few colors and MADE IN THE USA.

[aerotruk63]

Those cmwauto ones look very close to original and with an aftermarket sticker on them would be very nice substitiution.
http://www.lategreatchevy.com/full-s...1961-1963.html