How can you tell if threads are there for seatbelt conversion?

[jelliottoregon]

Is there a way to find out if the threads are there without disturbing the headliner?
For instance when looking to buy.

 

[FJ40Jim]

The weird thing is that the threads are there in earlier bodies, 81 through about 84, then there are no thread-serts in 85-87 trucks. Obviously the threadserts are back in the 88-later bodies, as they come w/ rear shoulder harnesses in USA.

HTH

 

[jelliottoregon]

There are some 87's with threads though right?

 

[FJ40Jim]

Maybe, since FJ62's have rear belts, and they started in 7 or 8/87.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Just checked 3 FJ60's: 9/85, 10/86, 12/86.

None have threadserts.

Sometime between 1/87 and 8/87 the threadserts musta started back in production.

 

[Norris Marshak]

My 85 (7/85) has them and made the conversion easier. However,the conversion can be done without the threaded nuts OEM. Briefly, you have to drill a secondary access hole in the pillar below the factory hole, about 1 and 1/4 to 1 and 1/2 inch in diameter. The lower this hole the better for the sake of the structural integrity of the pillar. Then the installer has to have very long, thin fingers to place two large fender washers and a nylon nut in position to accept the upper shoulder harness belt bolt. Once this joint is completed the access hole can be plugged with an insert generally available at a plumbing supply house. The hanging section of the belt will "hide" the plug.