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Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:24 am

I have read a few post looking for information about 3 point rear seat belts in a convertible, but not anyone posting they have actually done this. Does anyone have pics or a description of a completed install?
Thanks
Ed

Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:24 pm

Good luck finding info on this, I've been unsuccessful as well. I think the upper mount or belt travel would be blocked by the top mechanism.

Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:31 pm

Are we talking front or rear?

Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:44 pm

ach60 wrote: Are we talking front or rear?

69911e wrote: I have read a few post looking for information about 3 point rear seat belts in a convertible

Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:18 pm

Is this part of what you need to know?:

As the shoulder harness leaves the shoulder and goes aft, it should be no more than 5 degrees below or 30 degrees above the shoulder. Not exceeding 5 degrees below is the most important one to observe.

Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:38 pm

I was looking at using the threaded holes which exist holding up the rear panel carpet. These threads look to have the same reinforcement the seat belts have (I need to double check this), so they should be strong enough.
The top I have is trashed so I can't check clearence with the top mechanism down accurately. I plan on using the plastic window top without the headliner or padding so I may have a little more room than a conventional top.
Has any one try ever tried this approach?
Ed

Sat Mar 03, 2007 8:05 am

69911e wrote: I was looking at using the threaded holes which exist holding up the rear panel carpet. These threads look to have the same reinforcement the seat belts have (I need to double check this), so they should be strong enough.
:?: Did you have any luck with that? I would like to install 3-point seat belts in the rear of my convertible, too.

Fri May 04, 2007 11:29 am

Yes, it works fine. I needed belts for my kids (3&6), so the desired angle is different than an adult. The angle would not be suitable for a tall person whose shoulders were significantly above the seat back. I did it using the attachments on the firewall with non-retractable belts from BugCity ($60 for the pair). It required bending the rear attactment assembly of the belts to a right angle. Let me know if you would like pics.

Ed

Mon May 07, 2007 12:53 pm

Ed would you please send the pictures? Im wanting to put 3 points in the rear of my 73 vert. Thanks Mike.

Mon May 07, 2007 5:03 pm

Here are the pics.

The belts should be placed on the side of the seat for small children just above the seat back latch mechanism. This places the belts in the correct position.

The bracket went right into the existing threads which were covered by a plastic plug. The bracket needed to be bent at a right angle.

This pic is to demo how I will modify this when the kids are bigger. I plan on adding a headrest when needed with a padded spaced (shown here by the 2 x4 ). the spacer will position the belt to avoid a downward angle which could cause shoulder compression. The headrest supports will have a secondary function of postioning the seatbelt strap near the edge of the seatback.

Mon May 07, 2007 6:05 pm

I'd be a little concerned that bending the bracket would weaken it.

Tue May 08, 2007 2:31 pm

The bracket is thick, mild steel so it is fine to bend without weakening it. The weakest point is the entire firewall which is just as weak as the original center mount for the lap belt. So, at the very least it should be as strong or stonger than original because the load is now distributed over 3 point instead of 2.

Than being said, I am in no legally binding way stating this is a safe modification, only that I have done it. As with all things you find on the internet use your own judgement.