Non-Retractable 3 Point Seat Belts

[PabloCruise]

According to SOR, it looks like our Pigs came with these style seat belts in front from 3/69 to 1/76.
When I got my '74, I think all I had up front were the lap belts.
Riderjgs sold me a pair of the non-retracting 3 point belts and I started taking a look at them.
The first picture shows the attachment point where the shoulder belt attaches to the roof. Riderjgs said when he parted his '74, the shoulder belts attached above the rear door opening (not to the B pillar). Also shown is the plastic cover.
Second pic shows how shoulder belt connects to the lap belt.
Third pic is a close up of where shoulder belt attaches to the roof line - what are the cut-out holes in the bottom of the bracket? Is that where you can hang your shoulder belt when not in use? Wouldn't you just leave it connected to the lap belt?

Also, what is best way to clean belts? These have that "old vehicle" smell to them. I think I could put them in a mesh bag for cleaning in the clothes washer, or maybe on the top rack of the dishwasher? With the dishwasher I am not sure if the hot water would be too hot for the old belts...

Thanks!

 

[scrapdaddy]

Pablo,

I don't know about the holes, but I would clean them the old fashion way. A bucket of warm soapy water and a scrub brush. Line dry.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

the cut out was for hanging the shoulder strap when one chose to not need it for whatever reason. I guess this was a work around for needing to having shoulder belts in new vehicles before there was the law to need to use it??

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks Lamb.

Seems like that would be awkward to have that shoulder belt looped in the rear door opening?

Anyone have any detail on the hardware to hang that shoulder belt? I got a bunch of washers and plastic inserts (some thick, some thin). In my mind it would go: washer, thick plastic, shoulder belt, thin plastic, washer, bolt.
Yes? No?

 

[OldBeachBob]

I've got one side (driver) still mounted in my 75. So if you can wait a day or so ill pull it off and get you the proper bolt washer order. I don't think mine has been off before on the driver side. Ive got a roll bar in mine so I usually just loop the shoulder belt around the bar upright when I'm not using it ( most of the time for short trips).

 

[PabloCruise]

I've got one side (driver) still mounted in my 75. So if you can wait a day or so ill pull it off and get you the proper bolt washer order. I don't think mine has been off before on the driver side. Ive got a roll bar in mine so I usually just loop the shoulder belt around the bar upright when I'm not using it ( most of the time for short trips).

Thanks Bob, I can wait!

 

[PabloCruise]

I've got one side (driver) still mounted in my 75. So if you can wait a day or so ill pull it off and get you the proper bolt washer order. I don't think mine has been off before on the driver side. Ive got a roll bar in mine so I usually just loop the shoulder belt around the bar upright when I'm not using it ( most of the time for short trips).

Bob, did you get a chance to look at these?
Thanks!

 

[OldBeachBob]

Look?

I'm going to drive the 55 home tonight and i'll take a look and maybe get some pics then. I keep the piglet at a train station near work and my 60 at the station near home. So i guess both are daily drivers. I'd love to swap and put the 60 at work side and the 55 at home side but the station parking at home is 76 inches clearence and the 55 is about 78 with 33's a 2 inch lift and the Conferr rack.

I hope by tomorrow i'll be able to post something for you. I still have that new Pass Front Fender - if you'll be needing it.

 

[riderjgs]

Pretty simple, TJ. The white plastic washers have lips in the center. Those face each other with the belt in between to allow the belt to swivel. Large metal washer on each side. Insert bolt and turn. You're done.

 

[PabloCruise]

Yep, I am good on the washer sandwhich, just wondering if thick plastic goes towards headliner, or thin plastic.
My OCD is in full effect...

 

[OldBeachBob]

Pablo I got pics last night ill send them if you pm me your e-mail. The thick washer goes right on the headliner.

Thanks

 

[OldBeachBob]

Here's the pics. The thick plastic washers go next to the headliner. Gee I don't have the neat black cover.


Hope this helps.

 

[PabloCruise]

Thank you much Bob!

I did throw the belts in a mesh bag for delicates and washed, threw a little fabric softener in for the rinse cycle - belts smell much better now.

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

the cut out was for hanging the shoulder strap when one chose to not need it for whatever reason. I guess this was a work around for needing to having shoulder belts in new vehicles before there was the law to need to use it??

Is there a law that says you need to have a shoulder belt in old vehicles? Mine have always hung from that bracket. I only use the lap belt. If I have the shoulder belt on, and snugged up so it will work, I can't reach the dash to operate any of the knobs.

 

[OldBeachBob]

Law

Belt laws are by state - check your state - however any law can be interpeted at roadside by any local "designated" authority. Some may say if ya got em wear em. Like you I rarely wear the shoulder belt unless there is some real reason - usually just the lap belt (often the lap belt is worn to prevent my flacky latches frfom letting me fall out if I lean on the door). I've got a roll bar in mine DD so I usually wrap the shoulder belt around the top to prevent any discussion of 'why arent you wearing it?'

I'm gonna give my belts a sniff test this afternoon Might need domestic instructions from Pablo so that mine will smell spring fresh too.

My competition belts are usually replaced every two or three years by the way.

 

[PabloCruise]

Is there a law that says you need to have a shoulder belt in old vehicles? Mine have always hung from that bracket. I only use the lap belt. If I have the shoulder belt on, and snugged up so it will work, I can't reach the dash to operate any of the knobs.

I am not sure. It seems there is some variability on these early to mid '70's Toyotas...
I do not think my '74 came with shoulder belts. It did not come with headrests, but the first '74 Pig I had did sport headrests.
In my research on 3 point belts I find references to a factory 3 point belt that anchored the shoulder on the upper B pillar. Mine has no such provision...

 

[OldBeachBob]

Belts

Mine is a 75 and the mounting is about midway over the rear passenger door windows. Between the B and C pillars. Obviously they must have provided some extra strengthing to support the mount and belt. If you don't have the factory mounts the installation could get pretty pricey? If you need more pics let me know. But I'm outa town until next Tuesday.

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks Bob, I do have the mount above the rear doors, btwn the B and C that you reference.
I saw a couple of references to a shoulder belt mount in the upper B pillar and that intrigued me. I never could figure out if it was an int'l thing, or specific to certain years, or what?