I'm picking up a 56 Pontiac Chieftain tomorrow and bringing her home. First order of business is to install seat belts front and rear. I would prefer to install three point retractable belts in the front, but this is a 4 door Catalina Hardtop, and I'm not certain where I would be able to attach the upper anchor point, so that it was adequate for the job. I have used 3-pt belts on a 67 Mustang convertible years ago that anchored at the top of the door opening. Problem here is that there isn't much to bolt to on the 4dr Hardtop. Any suggestions from those who have done this? I may have to just go with lap belts for a while until I solve this. Also, looking at installing an aftermarket AC. What have you 55-57 owners done about brackets and pulleys for the 316V8?
BTT because it deserves an answer and I don't know if there is one. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Obviously the rear two corners can get 3 point belts. I think your answer is you can't. not in the conventional sense and I'm guessing what you want to do. I have seen modern convertibles with the belts built into the top corner of the actual seat, that is the only way I know of being able to do what you talking about. But the ugly factor on an old car is high then as the seats look way out of character for the car. I did wonder on this point myself I have a 55 olds holiday coupe and I did think about the mounting points just below the backseat window, but then how do the rear p***engers get in and out without tripping. So went with lap or 2 point belts in the end.
I would probably go with lap belts especially in the rear. There is a factory GM option you may find satisfactory. I had no problem with them. Check out the way 3 point seat were mounted in late 60s early 70s hardtops like Chevelles, Monte Carlos and Impalas. In the 70-72 Chevelle, Monte Carlo and I ***ume the Impala had an interesting early 3 point system. Basically it was a lap belt with a nonretractible shoulder belt that clipped into the lap belt. It had chrome clips above the window that held the shoulder belt out of the way when not in use. The roof was reinforced in that area to capture the the shoulder belt attachment.
The Jalopy Journal
