modern seat belts in a lark type

[prager]

Hello all, anybody converted to modern type seat belts in a lark or similar? I have 2 little ones and would like to figure a way to put in the 3 point type in the back seat without any super mods..front would be great too..anybody done this or know of a good way? Thanks!!

Making resverations at the poor house parking lot for me and my 62 Lark..

[jclary]

I have also wondered about upgrading our studes to modern seat belts. Not only larks, but all models. One of the questions that I have is mounting points. It would be nice to have some engineering credentialed person to weigh in on this. Of course in the litigious society we live in today, we would have to figure out a way to indemnify him from any adverse consequences of his opinions. Just because you can bolt a belt anchor to a point on a car does not mean that it is the proper mounting point, that it is safe, or strong enough to hold securely in case of a collision. The manner in which a belt is positioned across the body is as important as how well it holds. I recall reports of "rear seat lap belts" in certain cars of the '70's and 80's causing lower back spinal separations because of how they secured the body in collisions. Slapping a set of belts in a car not designed for them could give you a false sense of security. I have lap belts in my Lark, but would love to have a modern 3 point set up in all my Studes.

John Clary
Greer, SC

I have only two limitations ...BRAINS & ENERGY
SDC member since 1975

[showbizkid]

I've seen several folks who swap in the front seats from Dodge Sebring convertibles, which have the retractor for the shoulder belt integrated with the side bolster. But this is a major visual change.

Maybe a cue could be taken from some of the first cars to offer shoulder belts. In 1967, GM began welding attachment points to the upper roof rail on all cars, whether they were equipped with the belts (which were optional at the time) or not. The belts were then stowed in clips at above the door when not in use. Perhaps something like this could be retrofitted to our cars?


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard

http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

[prager]

Thanks to you both! good points from each..I had a 69 Camaro with the clipped up belts..John brought up a couple of good points..first who wants to throw out an opinion in todays sue happy world, and the false sense of security..I could see myself falling for that one..I mean, bolt in something that seems comfortable at the time..and hoping that it never fails..in the same breath we would hope that we will never need to find out if it will work or not..I do think that anything that could be done above and beyond what is there from stock is worth a shot..I've seen the seats similar to the Dodge with all in one in the seat..my Silverado has that..nice but a visual change..you bet! Not that would be a bad thing, it's that I've got the front bench and all.. and I need to secure a kid in a booster seat...this could be tricky..good ideas so far keep em comming!!..Thanks again!!

Making resverations at the poor house parking lot for me and my 62 Lark..

[bradnree]

Try here...

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=3+point+seat+belt+install&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

http://yhst-95280463928743.stores.yahoo.net/retrobelt-usa-3point-safety-belt-ki.html

http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt.html (I have purchased from here)

See GoodGuys Gazette or Street Scene back issues for more info and discussion as this is common for street rods. Contact a local street rod club. Street rodders build cars from the ground up.

BRAD

[bradnree]

Try here...

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=3+point+seat+belt+install&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

http://yhst-95280463928743.stores.yahoo.net/retrobelt-usa-3point-safety-belt-ki.html

http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt.html (I have purchased from here)

See GoodGuys Gazette or Street Scene back issues for more info and discussion as this is common for street rods. Contact a local street rod club. Street rodders build cars from the ground up.

BRAD

[prager]

Thanks Brad!

Making resverations at the poor house parking lot for me and my 62 Lark..

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by prager

Hello all, anybody converted to modern type seat belts in a lark or similar? I have 2 little ones and would like to figure a way to put in the 3 point type in the back seat without any super mods..front would be great too..anybody done this or know of a good way? Thanks!!

Our Potomac Chapter President recently bought a super nice '64 Cruiser. He installed a very neat, modern style retracting three-point belt system. If you didn't know better you would think it was factory. I don't remember what he said he used and he isn't on the Forum. You might email him directly, Bob Devore at luvmyvan2 at verizon dot net and ask him. Unfortunately, this picture is the closest to showing the belt that I have. BTW, this Cruiser is virtually totally original- paint, imnterior, etc.





Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. '64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Daytona convertible, '53 Commander Starliner, Museum R-4 engine, '62 Gravely Model L, '72 Gravely Model 430

[Rosstude]

Over the years, I have installed belts in all of my vintage drivers, in one form or another. At first it was lap belts removed from cop cars back seats during outfiting. I am not an engineer, but even so, some of my early installs scare me now to think about. I have a lot of friends into hot rods and such, and this is done all the time. I will add this though, the belts do no good if you are sitting on a milk crate (not to say you are), just to say make sure your seat(s) is properly secured if its been out or changed.
Try Julianos web site, they have some "how to" tips, and the best mounting hardware included in their kits that I found. I installed Julianos 3 point belts front and rear in our 57 wagon, wasnt an easy job geting the top mounting plate in the pillars, but not outside the abilities of a good shade tree mechanic. It can be done, plan carefuly, research the net for methods and advice, and go for it.

[img=left]http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g27/Rosstude/OldWorld2005002.jpg[/img=left]
Ross.
Riverside, Ca.
1957 Provincial X2
1958 Transtar