Restoring OEM Seatbelts

[Factory Guy]

In the older trucks (my case a 1973) is there an upper mounting point for a 3 point seat belt? I would like to get 3 point seat belts installed in my truck.

Update-8-24-2020 The upper mounting points are there!

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

In the older trucks (my case a 1973) is there an upper mounting point for a 3 point seat belt? I would like to get 3 point seat belts installed in my truck.

They started in 76, and they looked like these belts. That’s what the extra black box is. Then in 77, they look like the second pic. Which is the more common 3 point seatbelt.
Now as far as being able to add 3 point belts to your truck, I’m not sure. I have heard that someone added the 77-86 belts, but it didn’t fit, the upper retractor hole is not high enough for those belts. I would say you would have to find Blue belts, that have that black retractor box. And since it was just a one year thing, they would be hard to find. I don’t really deal that much in the earlier year trucks, so I really can’t say for sure.

[Factory Guy]

Originally Posted by TKCR

They started in 76, and they looked like these belts. That’s what the extra black box is. Then in 77, they look like the second pic. Which is the more common 3 point seatbelt.
Now as far as being able to add 3 point belts to your truck, I’m not sure. I have heard that someone added the 77-86 belts, but it didn’t fit, the upper retractor hole is not high enough for those belts. I would say you would have to find Blue belts, that have that black retractor box. And since it was just a one year thing, they would be hard to find. I don’t really deal that much in the earlier year trucks, so I really can’t say for sure.

Thanks I will consider my options. May just stick with the lap belts.

[ACS]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

In the older trucks (my case a 1973) is there an upper mounting point for a 3 point seat belt? I would like to get 3 point seat belts installed in my truck.

Same story here. My ‘76 has the mount points, but only came with lap belts. I assume they were an option.

Thanks @TKCR for the photos of what the 76 3 points look like.

[TKCR]

Got a set of Burgundy belts done. These are 84-86.
Before pics.

[TKCR]

And After pics. I also sandblasted the mounts on these.

[TKCR]

Another set a seatbelts restored for someone. These are the 81-87 Blue. These were in rough shape. A lot of rust on the buckles and the retractor casing was broken from the mounting tab. A lot of fading in the webbing. Here are the before pics

[TKCR]

After! Sandblasted & clear coated the mounts. Got the retractor casing reattached to the mounts. Thoroughly cleaned, prepped and dyed the belts.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by Factory Guy

In the older trucks (my case a 1973) is there an upper mounting point for a 3 point seat belt? I would like to get 3 point seat belts installed in my truck.

My 74 has an upper mounting point. You'll have to cut a hole in the plastic trim.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

My 74 has an upper mounting point. You'll have to cut a hole in the plastic trim.

But where would that black retractor box go? I have to admit I have never seen this style of seatbelt installed in a truck. I’m more familiar with the 78/79-87 style of seatbelt.

[K25alive]

The black retractor hooks then bolts to the rear pillar. Here is a pic of my 1977 C10 retractor. The bolt is a star head bolt.

[TKCR]

Thanks for the pics, that helps a lot

[TKCR]

Just restored a set of 87 Saddle Tan seatbelts for someone. I don’t usually do this, but he wanted his retractor casings done in Dark Saddle. But they will look good in his truck.
First pic is the Before, they were FILTHY! It took a couple of good hot baths, along with several good scrubbings.
2nd pic, is his truck the belts will be going in.
The rest are AFTER!