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Safety Belt Restraint System Installation For A 1971 Chevrolet Pickup - Buckle-Up Pick-'Em-Up

Install The Truck Stop's 3-Point Inertia-Reel Seatbelt in a '67-72 Chevy
February, 2009
By Bob McClurg
Photography by Bob McClurg
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
Fullerton, CA's The Truck... 
   
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Belt Installation
Fullerton, CA's The Truck Stop Specialty Conversions is recognized as a leader of the OE seatbelt replacement and upgrade aftermarket, with a wide variety of products for restorations, street machines and custom classic trucks. Shown is the company's 100-percent bolt-on '67-72 Chevrolet and GMC three-point, inertia-reel seatbelt restraint system, available in six colors. The installation requires around 45 minutes, using common hand tools. Price is around $220, plus shipping, or through participating retailers.
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
The subject of this installation... 
   
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Belt Installation
The subject of this installation is The Truck Stop customer Dutch Sittig's carmel-colored '71 Chevrolet shortbed. This Chevrolet pickup was originally equipped (from the manufacturer) with a set of standard lap belts.
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
The Truck Stop's Bob Daniels... 
   
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Belt Installation
The Truck Stop's Bob Daniels began by first removing the driver-side outer retractable lap-belt assembly using a 7/16-inch socket and air wrench. We saved the OE 7/16x20 bolts for use with the inertia-reel belt system.
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
Next Daniels repeated the... 
   
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Belt Installation
Next Daniels repeated the process where the OE seatbelt latch assembly was bolted to the Chevy's transmission tunnel using the same air wrench and 7/16-inch socket with an extension.
Belt Installation
Bob's next step was the removal... 
   
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Belt Installation
Bob's next step was the removal of the plastic plug located in the inner cab panel of all '67-72 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton trucks above the seat back. It easily popped out with a blade-type screwdriver (or putty knife).
Belt Installation
Belt Installation
With everything basically... 
   
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Belt Installation
With everything basically made ready, Daniels slid back the plastic trim cap on the upper swivel bracket just enough to install the kit-provided 7/16x20 bolt.
Belt Installation
Just a word of warning: This... 
   
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Belt Installation
Just a word of warning: This shoulder strap should be worn in front and across your chest (not under your arm). We have seen motorists stopped by the local police for this, as it appears from outside the vehicle that the belt is not being worn.
Belt Installation
Once again, installation was... 
   
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Belt Installation
Once again, installation was straightforward-Bob used an air wrench and a 7/16-inch socket.
Belt Installation

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Belt Installation  Belt Installation
Belt Installation  Belt Installation
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