Seat belt question....

[jabborabbo]

I've got a '67 GMC - it didn't come with belts, but has the blanked holes for lap/shoulder belts. I know I can get a set of aftermarket shoulder belts from LMC and elsewhere, but I'd like to put original ones on if I have the patience to wait 'til I find a set in decent condition - did GMC offer shoulder belts in '67?

[leddzepp]

They were an option. If you can find them they are very expensive, and IMO one of the rarest parts.
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[FirstOwner69]

Here's a picture of some I found in a 71 or 72 Blazer. The extra parts in the middle were for the back seat. Someone had cut them off at the boots. These measure the same as the truck belts. I'd expect a 67 to have the earlier style female/buckle end. Not sure why leddzepp says they're expensive though. These cost me $15.

[SS Tim]

Have you ever used a non-inertial reel shoulder harness? If you have not driven within the constraints of a fist's clearance then try it first if you are planning on using them. They may, like I suspect most, become no more than expensive decorations.

[weever82]

The belts I ordered from Classic Parts of America were as close to original as I could find and are awesome quality. The buckles look identical and brand new so they are nice and safe for my family riding in my truck. Some NOS ones would be sweet but hard to find!

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Have you ever used a non-inertial reel shoulder harness? If you have not driven within the constraints of a fist's clearance then try it first if you are planning on using them. They may, like I suspect most, become no more than expensive decorations.

I agree 100%. The label on the belts tells how to use them properly as you describe. They are a pain to use, but if you want original you have to accept that. We had a 69 Olds back then with a similar 2 piece setup. We always used the lap belt, but never the shoulder belt. For everyday use get the modern style belts.

[skorpioskorpio]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Here's a picture of some I found in a 71 or 72 Blazer. The extra parts in the middle were for the back seat. Someone had cut them off at the boots. These measure the same as the truck belts. I'd expect a 67 to have the earlier style female/buckle end. Not sure why leddzepp says they're expensive though. These cost me $15.

I think '67s would have had lift buckle belts which are more like airline belts, no button. If that's what you mean by female/buckle end, then yes.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by skorpioskorpio

I think '67s would have had lift buckle belts which are more like airline belts, no button. If that's what you mean by female/buckle end, then yes.

That's exactly what I mean. As such, they'd be extremely rare... and expensive. I wonder if they even made them or if the cabs were just set up for the following years.

Has anyone seen these with the airplane style buckles as used in 67s?

[skorpioskorpio]

Seatbelt solutions sells them. They were used in a lot of 60's GMs and there is a demand for them because of early Vettes mostly. There are several places that will sew up whatever webs you need if you supply the buckles.

[jabborabbo]

Originally Posted by weever82

The belts I ordered from Classic Parts of America were as close to original as I could find and are awesome quality. The buckles look identical and brand new so they are nice and safe for my family riding in my truck. Some NOS ones would be sweet but hard to find!

Those look pretty good - did the originals have "GM" on the buckle? If not, I'm going to be placing an order with Classic Parts!

[9teen69]

These guys seem to carry the old school buckles
http://www.ssnake-oyl.com
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[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Not sure why leddzepp says they're expensive though. These cost me $15.

Mine did too. But he has a better chance of being struck by lightning than finding a set at the pick n pull. Mine came from a 67 and had the aircraft style buckles on them, same as the lap belts that year. I swapped them out for the later style. The value is in the plastic boot retainers...that is the only part that is not correctly reproduced.
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[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Have you ever used a non-inertial reel shoulder harness? If you have not driven within the constraints of a fist's clearance then try it first if you are planning on using them. They may, like I suspect most, become no more than expensive decorations.

Agree 100%. If not going for original, I would not recommend using them. They suck as far as practicality.
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[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Mine did too. But he has a better chance of being struck by lightning than finding a set at the pick n pull. Mine came from a 67 and had the aircraft style buckles on them, same as the lap belts that year. I swapped them out for the later style. The value is in the plastic boot retainers...that is the only part that is not correctly reproduced.
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I agree. I was just trying to be cute about the price. I also knew the boots and the top harness metal pieces are valuable so I was thrilled to find at least that portion remaining above the back seat.