1959 How to install seat belts

[PaulB]

I've seen pictures of retractable and non-retractable seat belts in Thunderbirds. Any opinion or advice which is better? What is a good source for seat belts and is there anything special to know about the installation or just follow the directions that come with the belts?

 

[74 Harley]

Either style will do the job. When installing make sure that you use a reinforcing plate at least 4"x4"and 1/4" thick under the floor. You can look at the Thunderbird specialty houses for seatbelts.

 

[Ward 57]

Either style will do the job. When installing make sure that you use a reinforcing plate at least 4"x4"and 1/4" thick under the floor. You can look at the Thunderbird specialty houses for seatbelts.

I would assume at that time seat belt mounts were standard. I know on my '57 the mounts were already there and just had to install the belts. I like the non retractable as when laid out on the seats when not in use you don't have to hunt for them and they add a little bling.

 

[PaulB]

I would assume at that time seat belt mounts were standard. I know on my '57 the mounts were already there and just had to install the belts. I like the non retractable as when laid out on the seats when not in use you don't have to hunt for them and they add a little bling.

Thank you for those two great tips. I appreciate it.

 

[Joanne O]

I have a 1960 and the non retractsble type. The only problem I've had was when one set fell through the crack in the seat. It was almost impossible to fish it out. I almost had to take out the seat to retrieve the belt. Luckily a young man was able to force his hand down between the seat to get the belts out. After that I made a rule that everytime we got out of the car we made sure the belts were connected to avoid having the problem again.

 

[PaulB]

I have a 1960 and the non retractsble type. The only problem I've had was when one set fell through the crack in the seat. It was almost impossible to fish it out. I almost had to take out the seat to retrieve the belt. Luckily a young man was able to force his hand down between the seat to get the belts out. After that I made a rule that everytime we got out of the car we made sure the belts were connected to avoid having the problem again.

Yes, Thats exactly why i was considering the retractable type. Thank you.

 

[jpannier]

It sounds as though this thread is talking about rear seat belts. Is that correct and if so where can I buy them?

 

[paul5456]

It sounds as though this thread is talking about rear seat belts. Is that correct and if so where can I buy them?

Try Juiliano's Interior Products in Connecticut. Another outfit is Seat Belt Planet