Im wanting to install a retractable 3 point seatbelt set up in my 56 Ford Wagon. I have some concern about the strength of the B pillar. I searched through the old posts and found some info, but Im really wanting to know how to reinforce this area. If I cut a piece of 3/16 or 1/4 plate and welded it from the floor to the top would this be strong enough? Is there a better way? I sure my 6 month old baby girl will not want to grow up without her daddy and Im planning some longer trips this year so feel free to chip in on this. Thanks Brad
My Imperial has narrow B-pillars too, and I welded in 1/4" plate behind the mount for some extra security. Haven't had the opportunity to test it out, thankfully, but it seems pretty solid. -The lap belt part of the harness should be the one keeping you planted there anyway. Make sure you put your bolts through THICK plates, even if you tie them into floor supports. You don't need that big spear under the steering wheel to get intimate with ya!
Beta makes a good point about the steering column. Probably a very good idea to rework the column with a collapsable section in addition to the 3 point system. I have similar concerns on shoulder harness anchor. On one of my cars I am using GM seats with the built in harness system and using reinforced floor anchor points for the seat tracks. On a "B" pillar car I intend to re-inforce the pillar with plate or square/rectangle tube and sleeved holes for upper anchor. Ray
Just notch it on the edge about a 1/4 wide and as square as you can fit in there and use an oem bolt with the threaded part welded to the back of the 1/4 plate behind the hole it's going through, slide it in and weld the seam and plate at the same time and reround the edge with a grinder and then sander.
Thanks for the info guys, I thinking of using a late 80s ranger setup, I found one in the dealer I work at thats NOS and cheap since weve had it so long. Now just have to find another. Im not sure how you would make the column collapsable since it and the steering box are one, Anybody ever try this? Brad
It can be done from readily available parts...but he first question is how original do you want the column to look and be? The oringinal steering shaft can be cut off just obove the steering box and fitted with a coupling or u-joint, add a section of telescoping column, such as from a Jeep Wrangler (TJ '97-'05) or Cherokee (simialr era). Other cars have them too. The upper column needs to be anchored securely to the firewall and dash. Maybe overkill, was just a suggestion. The '56 Fords were prominently advertised for their many "safety" features, including the dished steering wheel which is designed to absorb impact and collapse, the 'dish' putting distance between the driver and the steering wheel hub/column shaft. Ray
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