72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Aarons72 · 09-10-2010, 01:08 AM

My wife and I are expecting our first child soon and I'm hoping that I don't have to part with the truck for safety reasons...What are your thoughts/experiences with putting a baby seat in the cab of an old truck? Is it not safe? Is it safer than new cars? Is it the same? Is this a stupid question? IDK...I just want to protect my little one ya know

ka_jd7and1 · 09-10-2010, 01:19 AM

My opinion is, anything "old" is a solid chunk of metal and would probably fare pretty well in an accident.

John @ BROTHERS · 09-10-2010, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka_jd7and1

My opinion is, anything "old" is a solid chunk of metal and would probably fare pretty well in an accident.

Not necessarily true. When it comes to kids, safety comes first. Just watch this.

YouTube - Crash test Chevrolet 1959 vs...

Aarons72 · 09-10-2010, 02:39 AM

WOW...that is a really interesting video...thanks for the post.

Any more opinions out there ro info?

irishman999 · 09-12-2010, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John @ BROTHERS

Not necessarily true. When it comes to kids, safety comes first. Just watch this.

YouTube - Crash test Chevrolet 1959 vs Chevrolet 2009

as soon as i read this i thought of this video my dad showed me.

wwotr · 09-12-2010, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John @ BROTHERS

Not necessarily true. When it comes to kids, safety comes first. Just watch this.

YouTube - Crash test Chevrolet 1959 vs Chevrolet 2009

OMG...
BLASHEMY!!!

How could ANYONE destroy a 59 Bel Air like that.

I'm in Tears!

hotrodhomi · 09-13-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John @ BROTHERS

Not necessarily true. When it comes to kids, safety comes first. Just watch this.

YouTube - Crash test Chevrolet 1959 vs Chevrolet 2009

bad example: that's an x frame car hitting one corner.

**fine69** · 09-10-2010, 03:04 AM

I personally think this is a silly question. It's not necessarily the vehicle you are in. But the way you drive, and where you drive.

Every person here lived through being in an old vehicle. I am sure you little one will be ok as well.

I have a 2 year old and will not hesitate to take her in my truck/old car.

Aarons72 · 09-10-2010, 03:13 AM

Ya, I totally understand but I thought I'd see what you guys have seen/heard/know etc...

I've heard that it's not safe to put babies in the front seat etc...the back seat is safer...but that all depends on where you get hit...airbags and all that. My gas tank is in my cab, but I've only heard rumors about those actually blowing up.

My wife is concerned so I told her I would ask the experts

71meangreenc10 · 09-11-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fine69

I personally think this is a silly question. It's not necessarily the vehicle you are in. But the way you drive, and where you drive.

Every person here lived through being in an old vehicle. I am sure you little one will be ok as well.

I have a 2 year old and will not hesitate to take her in my truck/old car.

x's2 and make sure you follow the safety rules for the car seat.....

Smitty

nickp51chevy · 09-10-2010, 03:16 AM

My 3 year old loves riding around in my '71, and when my '51 is on the road he will ride around in that with me also. The biggest thing that I would recommend is getting new seat belts; the retractable 3-point shoulder strap belts. Spend the extra money if you don't already have them. These trucks came equip for them.

http://www.lmctruck.com/features/cb/CBCBW.htm

andymarkv · 09-10-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

The biggest thing that I would recommend is getting new seat belts; the retractable 3-point shoulder strap belts. Spend the extra money if you don't already have them. These trucks came equip for them.
http://www.lmctruck.com/features/cb/CBCBW.htm

Very nice, I hadn't seen that!! I think in this day and age of seatbelt facts, 3-point belts are a worth while up-grade.

I think as long as you can keep the little one strapped in you'll be fine.
It all depends on what kind of collision happens. There are some crashes where no amount of safety gear is going to save you.

I did see that someone was killed on Hot Rod Power Tour this year. He was driving a 69 Camaro when a nonparticipant crossed the center line and hit him head on. It makes me wonder if he had any seat belt on. If not, could a three point belt have saved his life?

Old cars and trucks are great, but if the equipment is out there to better protect ourselves and isn't prohibitively expensive, we should really think about it.

Just because we drive cautiously doesn't mean we can control the other idiots out there.

mikewarme · 09-10-2010, 10:02 AM

Think about it this way guys. Yes the driver is important..... But it does not have to be your fault. The careless driving of another person is all it takes.

pmpski_1 · 09-10-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikewarme

Think about it this way guys. Yes the driver is important..... But it does not have to be your fault. The careless driving of another person is all it takes.

That's what I'm worried about.

Personally, I would take my daughter in the truck if I got a seat or seatbelt upgrade. But even after that and moving the tank to the rear my wife will absolutely not allow her to ride in the truck with me. It's a shame because my daughter is at the point where she loves trucks.

Even after making the old heavy steel and frame on body arguments she still won't budge. Especially after seeing the video above.

ChevLoRay · 09-10-2010, 10:35 AM

My personal feelings are like those who grew up w/o seat belts. There are six kids in my family. I'm the oldest. We didn't have seat belts and my youngest sister sat in Moms lap. Younger brother sat between Mom and Dad. The rest of us sat in the back seat. We didn't have a station wagon, either.

I hauled my daughter in my '65 C-10. Her car seat had two arms that went between the cushion and the seat back. No belts. Metal dash....no pad. She is now 35.

Whatever you do, tho....do NOT ask Click and Clack. They will tell you that nobody is safe unless you drive a vehicle with airbags, yada, yada, yada.

IRN BRU · 09-10-2010, 04:02 AM

My 2 year old daughter loves riding in my 72. Mostly because she is next to me and can see out the front. I only take her on short rides around town though, we have a car for longer family trips.

cam.man67 · 09-10-2010, 06:46 AM

Listen, I wouldn't be afraid of it (my truck's too loud for a kid, but that's a different story

). Like has been said before, it's not about the vehicle, it's about the driver. By you driving a less technologically advanced vehicle, you personally will focus more on driving, and thus be safer on the road. That's my biggest complaint about modern cars, that you're too insulated, cushy and unconscious of the road. I think it's a great opportunity for you child, a great way to get 'em brainwashed young!

My first vehicle ride of memory was in a beat-up 1970 C50 grain truck. And I loved it and have been a die-hard Chevy dude ever since.

cdowns · 09-10-2010, 06:53 AM

my parents had vehicles from the 40's thru60's when i grew up and never had car seats and i lived thru it just fine

the safety of children is directly linked with driving skill judgement and decisions of parents while in the car

big_al_71 · 09-10-2010, 09:06 AM

Any questions?

6772owner · 09-10-2010, 09:28 AM

I dont think I would hesitate either, the "no child seat in front seat" deal is because of air bags I believe. They are just too powerful and will hurt the child when they explode, I wouldnt worry about the truck. If the gas tank scares you, then just do a Blazer tank swap and get down the road.

**Zeke's Garage** · 09-10-2010, 10:01 AM

It's no safer than anything else you do in life, or just as safe... depends on how you look at it.

I was wary of 40 year old lap belts in my '67, so I installed some newer Silverado seats with the 3 point integrated belts, and my 4 year old son LOVES 'his' truck.

He just graduated to a booster seat, and it fits great, plus I wouldn't trade the time we get to ride around in it together for anything.

Besides, we all remember how 'safe' our parents were when we were growing up. I remember my Dad racing people in our '69 Vette while my Mom was screaming at him and I was shoved in the package try behind the seats

Shawn

Lippyp · 09-10-2010, 10:27 AM

I spent my childhood travelling all over Europe unrestrained in the back of a VW camper, I'm still here. I know roads today are a little more busy (well they are over on our crowded little island) so I'd maybe be a bit more hesitant about taking a newborn out in it but as soon as my truck is back on the road my 3 1/2 year old twin boys are definitely coming out for a ride in it. In fact I'm constantly being pestered by one of them about it, he's definitely going to grow up into a petrolhead, his favourite "reading" material is a diecast car catalogue. In fact here they are a while back performing shall we say their daily ablutions and reading my car magazines

50bomb · 09-10-2010, 11:42 AM

I think your never really safe in any vehicle. You take the chance everyday driving on the streets. Is it safe to walk down the street pushing your baby in a stroller? Taking the chance that some idiot drinkin and drivin or just dont know how to drive and drives right up on the curb ya know?

panda68 · 09-10-2010, 12:16 PM

i haul my wife and 4 year old daughter around in my truck all the time. accidents are very unpredictable even someone in the safest car can be injured or killed if the conditions are right. i just pay attention and keep a good distance in front of me incase i have to react. no child should be denied cruising in classic iron.lol

Christiansok · 09-10-2010, 12:35 PM

I agree with some of the people here that defensive driving on your part can only do so much. Some of the drivers on the road are just, well....unpredictable, and its a shame.

I will have to disagree with most everyone else sharing their stories of growing up with these vehicles, riding around without seat belts and turning out just fine. It's great that you survived child hood in these vehicles but not really relevant to the vehicle's safety. There are plenty of people around today that grew up in these vehicles to tell about it but there are people who didn't live to tell about it who can't share their stories here. A vehicle's safety only comes into question once you get into an accident. If you never get into an accident it isn't an issue, but when you do it becomes very, very important. Riding around in your dad's pickup standing on the front seat is a great story...until you get into an accident.

Without a doubt newer vehicles are safer but I wouldn't hesitate to let a child ride in your truck. However, I would wait until they're 1.5-2 years old like most people here. That's just my 2 cents, thought I'd share it because it seemed the discussion was getting off track with all the stories.

09-10-2010, 01:08 AM	#1
Aarons72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 233	72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? My wife and I are expecting our first child soon and I'm hoping that I don't have to part with the truck for safety reasons...What are your thoughts/experiences with putting a baby seat in the cab of an old truck? Is it not safe? Is it safer than new cars? Is it the same? Is this a stupid question? IDK...I just want to protect my little one ya know __________________ Aaron Anderson 1971 GMC Burban - Daily 1962 Nova

09-10-2010, 01:19 AM	#2
ka_jd7and1 is a fungineer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 795	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? My opinion is, anything "old" is a solid chunk of metal and would probably fare pretty well in an accident. __________________ 2003 S10, 2.2 auto- the daily driver, currently with a 2"/2" drop and some minor engine bolt-ons 1978 Impala 2-door, race 350/T350 - the new race car, in progress 1968 Chevy C10 longbed- 3/5 drop, currently undergoing a heart transplant

09-10-2010, 02:39 AM	#4
Aarons72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 233	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? WOW...that is a really interesting video...thanks for the post. Any more opinions out there ro info? __________________ Aaron Anderson 1971 GMC Burban - Daily 1962 Nova

09-10-2010, 03:04 AM	#8
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? I personally think this is a silly question. It's not necessarily the vehicle you are in. But the way you drive, and where you drive. Every person here lived through being in an old vehicle. I am sure you little one will be ok as well. I have a 2 year old and will not hesitate to take her in my truck/old car. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

09-10-2010, 03:13 AM	#9
Aarons72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 233	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? Ya, I totally understand but I thought I'd see what you guys have seen/heard/know etc... I've heard that it's not safe to put babies in the front seat etc...the back seat is safer...but that all depends on where you get hit...airbags and all that. My gas tank is in my cab, but I've only heard rumors about those actually blowing up. My wife is concerned so I told her I would ask the experts __________________ Aaron Anderson 1971 GMC Burban - Daily 1962 Nova

09-10-2010, 03:16 AM	#11
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? My 3 year old loves riding around in my '71, and when my '51 is on the road he will ride around in that with me also. The biggest thing that I would recommend is getting new seat belts; the retractable 3-point shoulder strap belts. Spend the extra money if you don't already have them. These trucks came equip for them. http://www.lmctruck.com/features/cb/CBCBW.htm __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

09-10-2010, 10:02 AM	#13
mikewarme Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Burbank,California Posts: 285	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? Think about it this way guys. Yes the driver is important..... But it does not have to be your fault. The careless driving of another person is all it takes.

09-10-2010, 10:35 AM	#15
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? My personal feelings are like those who grew up w/o seat belts. There are six kids in my family. I'm the oldest. We didn't have seat belts and my youngest sister sat in Moms lap. Younger brother sat between Mom and Dad. The rest of us sat in the back seat. We didn't have a station wagon, either. I hauled my daughter in my '65 C-10. Her car seat had two arms that went between the cushion and the seat back. No belts. Metal dash....no pad. She is now 35. Whatever you do, tho....do NOT ask Click and Clack. They will tell you that nobody is safe unless you drive a vehicle with airbags, yada, yada, yada. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-10-2010, 04:02 AM	#16
IRN BRU Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Forest Grove, OR Posts: 27	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? My 2 year old daughter loves riding in my 72. Mostly because she is next to me and can see out the front. I only take her on short rides around town though, we have a car for longer family trips.

09-10-2010, 06:46 AM	#17
cam.man67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jefferson, MD Posts: 2,397	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? Listen, I wouldn't be afraid of it (my truck's too loud for a kid, but that's a different story ). Like has been said before, it's not about the vehicle, it's about the driver. By you driving a less technologically advanced vehicle, you personally will focus more on driving, and thus be safer on the road. That's my biggest complaint about modern cars, that you're too insulated, cushy and unconscious of the road. I think it's a great opportunity for you child, a great way to get 'em brainwashed young! My first vehicle ride of memory was in a beat-up 1970 C50 grain truck. And I loved it and have been a die-hard Chevy dude ever since. __________________ '68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73

09-10-2010, 06:53 AM	#18
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? my parents had vehicles from the 40's thru60's when i grew up and never had car seats and i lived thru it just fine the safety of children is directly linked with driving skill judgement and decisions of parents while in the car __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-10-2010, 09:06 AM	#19
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? Any questions? Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

09-10-2010, 09:28 AM	#20
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? I dont think I would hesitate either, the "no child seat in front seat" deal is because of air bags I believe. They are just too powerful and will hurt the child when they explode, I wouldnt worry about the truck. If the gas tank scares you, then just do a Blazer tank swap and get down the road. __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

09-10-2010, 10:01 AM	#21
Zeke's Garage Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 288	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? It's no safer than anything else you do in life, or just as safe... depends on how you look at it. I was wary of 40 year old lap belts in my '67, so I installed some newer Silverado seats with the 3 point integrated belts, and my 4 year old son LOVES 'his' truck. He just graduated to a booster seat, and it fits great, plus I wouldn't trade the time we get to ride around in it together for anything. Besides, we all remember how 'safe' our parents were when we were growing up. I remember my Dad racing people in our '69 Vette while my Mom was screaming at him and I was shoved in the package try behind the seats Shawn

09-10-2010, 10:27 AM	#22
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? I spent my childhood travelling all over Europe unrestrained in the back of a VW camper, I'm still here. I know roads today are a little more busy (well they are over on our crowded little island) so I'd maybe be a bit more hesitant about taking a newborn out in it but as soon as my truck is back on the road my 3 1/2 year old twin boys are definitely coming out for a ride in it. In fact I'm constantly being pestered by one of them about it, he's definitely going to grow up into a petrolhead, his favourite "reading" material is a diecast car catalogue. In fact here they are a while back performing shall we say their daily ablutions and reading my car magazines __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission



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09-10-2010, 11:42 AM	#23
50bomb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hemet,Ca Posts: 1,502	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? I think your never really safe in any vehicle. You take the chance everyday driving on the streets. Is it safe to walk down the street pushing your baby in a stroller? Taking the chance that some idiot drinkin and drivin or just dont know how to drive and drives right up on the curb ya know?

09-10-2010, 12:16 PM	#24
panda68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: grand junction colorado Posts: 60	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? i haul my wife and 4 year old daughter around in my truck all the time. accidents are very unpredictable even someone in the safest car can be injured or killed if the conditions are right. i just pay attention and keep a good distance in front of me incase i have to react. no child should be denied cruising in classic iron.lol __________________ horsepower sells cars torque wins races. "caroll shelby"

09-10-2010, 12:35 PM	#25
Christiansok Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 69	Re: 72 C-10 and my first child...is it safe? I agree with some of the people here that defensive driving on your part can only do so much. Some of the drivers on the road are just, well....unpredictable, and its a shame. I will have to disagree with most everyone else sharing their stories of growing up with these vehicles, riding around without seat belts and turning out just fine. It's great that you survived child hood in these vehicles but not really relevant to the vehicle's safety. There are plenty of people around today that grew up in these vehicles to tell about it but there are people who didn't live to tell about it who can't share their stories here. A vehicle's safety only comes into question once you get into an accident. If you never get into an accident it isn't an issue, but when you do it becomes very, very important. Riding around in your dad's pickup standing on the front seat is a great story...until you get into an accident. Without a doubt newer vehicles are safer but I wouldn't hesitate to let a child ride in your truck. However, I would wait until they're 1.5-2 years old like most people here. That's just my 2 cents, thought I'd share it because it seemed the discussion was getting off track with all the stories.

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