Fitting Seatbelts to a '57

[Andrew]

I have recently bought a T-Bird and it is currently being shipped down to New Zealand. To drive it there, I need to fit seat belts to it.

I am a bit nervous about attacking the car with a 1/2" drill, can anyone give me some ideas on the best way to do this?

I note seat belts were a factory option in '57, how were they fitted?

All thoughts gratefully accepted...!

 

[Gregory]

Check out the CTCT WEB site at http://www.ctci.org/ Look under Gil's Garage and then under Seat Belts. They show the original drawings and information on how to take the appropriate precations on installing seat belts. Thanks to CTCI.
I have to do the same thing on my 57 this month.
Gregory

 

[Andrew]

Excellent tip. Thanks.

 

[Ts & As]

57 Seat Belts

Takes under 2 hours - helps to have the seat out so you can drill without obstruction. Make sure that you slit the carpet with a razorbade first before you drill so the carpet threads don't wrap around your drill bit.

While you are at it - why not add a third set of belts for the middle passenger using the same 4 holes that you already will be drilling. Store the third set back on the floor when not being used.

By the way - use hardened bolts and large fender washers to add to the safety aspect of the seat belt function.

Just a suggestion.

Tom R
57 Dusk Rose

 

[Gregory]

Tom I haven't gotten too it yet, so let me ask one more question. Did you drill in the center of the recommended location for your single bolt attach point? I'm going to do it this week.
Gregory

 

[Ts & As]

Tom I haven't gotten too it yet, so let me ask one more question. Did you drill in the center of the recommended location for your single bolt attach point? I'm going to do it this week.
Gregory

Gregory

Did mine before there were any recommendations posted - but they worked great.

My outer bolts are located directly behind the seat track just in view from the topside with the seat all the way back.

My inner bolts are 4 1/2 inches toward the outside of the car from the inner edge of the seat pleats. About the same distance back from the rear of the seat.

Does that make any sense?

Remember the large fender washers on the underside for safety.

Tom R
57 Dusk Rose

 

[Andrew]

Thanks for your help!