Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Matt Cramer · 05-01-2012, 08:23 PM

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** · 05-01-2012, 08:30 PM

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 · 05-01-2012, 08:37 PM

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 · 05-01-2012, 08:39 PM

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

Looks like Ironhorse beat me at typing.

Matt Cramer · 05-01-2012, 08:55 PM

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

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-01-2012, 09:12 PM

I'm going to do this to my truck some day too.

Welcome to the board!

Hubscrub · 05-01-2012, 09:47 PM

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 · 05-01-2012, 09:48 PM

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!
Posted via Mobile Device

hounddogs! · 05-01-2012, 09:54 PM

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 · 05-02-2012, 12:13 AM

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....!!
Posted via Mobile Device

fasttech · 05-02-2012, 07:03 PM

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.
Posted via Mobile Device

Mufrat62 · 05-04-2012, 09:19 PM

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 · 05-05-2012, 12:46 AM

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

fasttech · 05-05-2012, 11:28 AM

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** · 05-05-2012, 02:09 PM

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

Steve Hafner · 05-06-2012, 07:51 AM

. . . .

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

. . . .

jjzepplin · 05-06-2012, 08:32 AM

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

Steve Hafner · 05-06-2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

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 · 05-06-2012, 02:21 PM

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 · 05-07-2012, 08:45 AM

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 · 03-05-2016, 04:13 AM

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** · 03-05-2016, 10:02 AM

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

89AKurt · 03-05-2016, 09:20 PM

I was wondering...... bookmarked.

kevmcrae · 03-06-2016, 01:13 PM

Quote:

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

**special-K** · 03-06-2016, 10:47 PM

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

05-01-2012, 08:23 PM	#1
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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.

05-01-2012, 08:30 PM	#2
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,294	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks Last edited by Ironhorse; 05-01-2012 at 08:31 PM. Reason: Can't spell sometimes, LOL !

05-01-2012, 08:37 PM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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.

05-01-2012, 08:39 PM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 Yeah, forgot to welcome you to the site... Looks like Ironhorse beat me at typing.

05-01-2012, 08:55 PM	#5
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 Thanks guys! Seems like this will be a pretty easy mod!

05-01-2012, 09:12 PM	#6
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 I'm going to do this to my truck some day too. Welcome to the board! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-01-2012, 09:47 PM	#7
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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! __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

05-01-2012, 09:48 PM	#8
Cruisin' Oklahoma Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Skiatook, Oklahoma Posts: 27	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 69' Stepside, 350SB/TH350, Holley 600 4 Barrel, Headers, Edelbrock Intake, Valve Covers, and Breather, 275/60 R15's, Disc Brake conversion. "For we know that God works all things for the good of those that love Him, to those that are called according to His purpose." --Romans 8:28

05-01-2012, 09:54 PM	#9
hounddogs! Restoring it $200 at a time... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 887	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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. __________________ Charter member of the 'Put the dimmer switch back on the damn floor where it belongs' Society '68 5.3L-4 speed LWB C20; grandpa bought it for the farm in '71. Now LS 5.3, rather than 327. DD '09 Pilot Weekender '65 Skylark 300-4V-4 speed Wife's '07 Lexus ES350; 117 actuator motors and I can't see the engine. Son's '04 F250 SuperCab 6.0

05-02-2012, 12:13 AM	#10
swammie911 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 17	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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....!! Posted via Mobile Device

05-02-2012, 07:03 PM	#11
fasttech Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 77	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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. Posted via Mobile Device

05-04-2012, 09:19 PM	#12
Mufrat62 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Brandon, Manitoba Canada Posts: 16	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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???

05-05-2012, 12:46 AM	#13
kevmcrae Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kalispell Montana Posts: 92	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 type this in the search bar "aftermarket 3 point seatbelts" for more info and pictures

05-05-2012, 11:28 AM	#14
fasttech Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 77	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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. Attached Images

05-05-2012, 02:09 PM	#15
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 The pillar mount takes a 7/16" 20 bolt (fine thread)....unlike the floor mounts which use a coarse bolt. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul



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05-06-2012, 07:51 AM	#16
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 . . . . I didn't do the work when mine were installed, but it was an easy, bolt-in process. . . . . Attached Images __________________ . . . . Life is short . . . we only have, right now. . . . . My 70 C-10's BUILD THREAD: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475526

05-06-2012, 08:32 AM	#17
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 That's one nice interior Steve! Say, what's that second knob to the left under your light switch?

05-06-2012, 02:21 PM	#19
Matt Cramer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 386	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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. __________________ Matt Cramer 1972 Chevy C10 - 4.8 swap, long bed, and maybe one dent free body panel somewhere - SOLD 4.8 LS build thread

05-07-2012, 08:45 AM	#20
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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? __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

03-05-2016, 04:13 AM	#21
gijoecarlos Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Salinas Ca. Posts: 45	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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!

03-05-2016, 10:02 AM	#22
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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 __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-05-2016, 09:20 PM	#23
89AKurt Registered User Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Prescott Arizona Posts: 621	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 I was wondering...... bookmarked. __________________ 1968 Long Bed 2016 Honda Civic Coupe EX-T ticket magnet

03-06-2016, 10:47 PM	#25
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Installing 3 point seat belts in a 1972 C10 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 __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

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