Restoration: Add Rear Seatbelt Mount Points? (1 Viewer)

[seth]

Some of you may have seen my build thread, but for those that haven’t — I’m working on my (quite original) 1965 FJ40 factory soft top. Full frame-off restoration down to bare metal and trying not to cut any corners — but doing most of the work myself.

I’m preparing to add new rear wheel skins, and the consideration popped up to potentially add (factory-looking) seatbelt mount points to the skins. This would include supports under the skins, tied in similarly to the way the front seatbelts are attached.

My question is this:
Since I am trying to do a true “restoration” and not a “restomod” would I be forgiven by the Land Cruiser gods for these thoughts?

Interested to see what others think about making something that looks like it could have been an original Toyota feature. Thanks all!
-Seth

 

[Relot76]

Hi Seth. I am not a seat belt safety expert but I do have an original 69 FJ40 and have worked hard to keep it that way. I understand your dilemma (today's safety norms versus original equipment) and have given thought from time to time of adding rear seat belts. Unless you plan to install an after-market roll bar, rear seat belts are only going to help reduce how much rear passengers bounce around on rough roads and keep them from being ejected in a non-rollover collision. I rode more than 6,000 miles in the back of my FJ40 while my older brother and father occupied the front seats, but today my adult children are very uncomfortable riding in the back because they grew up with seat belts.

I have an old Triumph TR3 and the mechanic that did the majority of the restoration used large, thick fender washers to anchor the seat belts he installed for me. Since the anchor bolts and fender washers are under the floorboard (or rear wheel wells for the FJ40), the installation looks like it was done at the factory to anyone who does not know when seat belts were added as standard equipment. I am sure I don't need to remind to be sure to seal the bolt holes from the top and bottom to prevent water from entering rear interior.

Another similar safety dilemma that you will face is if you keep the original single brake master cylinder or if you install a dual cylinder. I kept my single but I make sure that my emergency brake actually works.

Good luck with the rest of your reservation!