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

Shown is the supplied driver-side seatbelt retractor extension bracket, which was bolted in the same place where the OE retractable lap belt was located, using the 7/16x20 factory bolt.

Both the seatbelt retractor and the lower seatbelt anchor bracket were then installed to the driver-side seatbelt extension bracket using the provided 7/16x20 nut, bolt, and washer. This very strong mounting bracket will be secure enough to withstand a tremendous amount of force during an abrupt stop.

Next, Daniels installed the standard black push-button latch assembly at the factory mounting point near the transmission tunnel, using the OE 7/16x20 mounting bolt.

With that done, Bob made sure the latch assembly protruded properly through the opening in the seat cushion, and wasn't in a bind condition.

All that remained was for Bob to slip on the molded plastic swivel bracket cover.

Daniels did a field test on the inertia-reel system to make sure everything moved and re-coiled as it was supposed to.

Installing the passenger side was only slightly different, as it used an L-shaped seatbelt retractor anchor bracket. First, Daniels unpacked the seatbelt and inspected it for any possible flaws.

Then he installed the upper swivel bracket inside the cab's rear panel just as he did on the driver side, using the OE 7/16x20 bolts.

Then Bob installed the special L-bracket in the stock seatbelt retractor mounting location near the sill plate using a 7/16x20 OE bolt. Again, the new Truck Stop seatbelt retractor and anchor swivel bracket were installed onto the bracket and secured with a socket wrench.

All that remained was the installation of the passenger-side seatbelt latch assembly, again using the OE 7/16x20 bolt.

Voila, it was done! The original lap belts were tired and inadequate. But with the new inertia-reel system, Bob's customer will travel in a safer pickup. Please, everyone remember the law: "Click It or Ticket!"