seatbelts for my '32 pickup

S

Sal ModelA

Junior Member
Hi Guys,

I'm not saying that I drive fast, but hey, it is a Ford V-8. A few of my nervous (male) passengers have been saying that I should fly lower and put (airline?) seat belts in the old pickup. In deference to their white-knuckling, I am considering it. But I don't know what to latch on to, considering that the gas tank is under the seat. Has anyone else had this issue and found a solution?

Thanks for helping a gal out.

(high flying) Sal
 
In my '33 I was able to bolt them thru the back side of the seat riser. Maybe you can bolt on the bottom of the cab in the space between the tank and rear wall. They should be long enough to reach up and over the tank then slip thru the seat cushions.
 
Hi Guys,

Is it a good idea to anchor the ends to the bottom of the cab, which is just sheet metal? There must be a better and more secure place. If in sheet metal, how about backing using a long metal plate, say 4 inches by 12 inches?

Thanks for your input.

(grounded for now) Sal
 
I've installed seat belts in two '34 Ford pickups and a 1950 Ford pickup. I used Juliano's kits including the backing plates beneath the cab floor. I recommend the step drill for the sheet metal if you don't know about it. Here's a step drill.
 

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There was very recently a long thread in regard to belts in our old Fords. Perhaps it may make sense to read and digest the various opinions.
Unless the belts are installed correctly, they may cause more harm in an accident than good.
Bolting them to any sheet metal is dangerous. Even with large washers, they will rip the surrounding metal out faster than you can blink.
 
Think about this. Early Fords are "body on frame" so you DON'T want to attach the belt mounts to the frame!! In case of a serious accident where the body may be separated from the frame you are better off "staying with the body."
 
2ndgeer said:
Think about this. Early Fords are "body on frame" so you DON'T want to attach the belt mounts to the frame!! In case of a serious accident where the body may be separated from the frame you are better off "staying with the body."
Click to expand...
I will agree with this.
So, the bottom line remains... these cars are not designed for belts and the installation achieves little more than some "feel good" for the driver. In reality, you do not want to be involved in a serious accident in one of these cars... period.
 
I'll go with something to slow my head down on its way to the metal dash. I don't expect to survive any head-on collisions. So, three point belts for me. Seat goes with you though, so pick your own poison!
 
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