Modern automobiles travel faster and are driven more miles(per family) every year. National Traffic Safety Council statistics reveal an accurate history: There's no doubt that seatbelts save lives. Every insurance company in the country has lobbied for increased safety features, including front-seat airbags for both the driver and passenger. Ask anyone who has been involved in even a minor traffic accident about the importance of automotive safety features.
Logic and years of research have demonstrated the importance of keeping a driver and his passengers in their seats. Because of modern freeway speeds, nothing short of a three-point, inertia-reel safety belt restraint system will satisfy most insurance underwriters (not to mention each state's legal requirements).
Because the typical classic '67-72 Chevrolet or GMC project pickup came with a very basic set of lap belts, it may be time to upgrade to a much more protective seatbelt system. The Truck Stop Specialty Conversions in Fullerton, California, has a solution to the problem. The solution comes without having to drill an abundance of extra holes in your truck. In fact, The Truck Stop's new three-point, inertia-reel safety belt restraint system for '67-72 Chevrolet and GMC light-duty pickup trucks uses all the stock factory mounting points-it's simply a bolt-on process.
"All of our seatbelt applications are manufactured to meet or exceed applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and codes," said The Truck Stop's Bob Daniels. "All of The Truck Stop's three-point, inertia-reel seatbelt retractor kits [five kits, including those for bucket- and bench-seat applications] are manufactured by one of the industry's leading OE manufacturers of seatbelt restraint systems for cars like Acura, BMW, and Lexus, using the highest-quality weave material, swivel brackets, and retractors available on the market!"
In addition, a total of six OE colors are available: black, blue, burgundy, gray, red, and tan. The retail price for one of these systems is approximately $220 plus shipping.We believe you'll agree with our feelings on the importance of safety. And when you decide to protect yourself and your family, you'll install a comparable modern seatbelt system. Here's how The Truck Stop's Bob Daniels upgraded customer Dutch Sittig's '71 Chevrolet shortbed pickup.
Fullerton, CA's The Truck...
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.
The subject of this 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.
The Truck Stop's Bob Daniels...
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.
Next Daniels repeated the...
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.
Bob's next step was the removal...
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).
With everything basically...
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.
Just a word of warning: This...
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.
Once again, installation was...
Once again, installation was straightforward-Bob used an air wrench and a 7/16-inch socket.
Shown is the supplied driver-side...
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...
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...
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...
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...
All that remained was for Bob to slip on the molded plastic swivel bracket cover.
Daniels did a field test on...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!"