69 shoulder belts

[Chuck Poulsen]

Is there anyway to install shoulder belts in a 69 coupe. I don't feel safe with a lap belt.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

Chuck----

1969 Corvette coupes were originally supplied with shoulder belts. If yours does not have them, then that means someone must have removed them. Consequently, all of the anchor points should still be present. So, in this case, it should be pretty easy to re-install the belts. Of course, you'll first have to obtain a set. That could be the hard (or expensive) part.

[Chuck Poulsen]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

Again Joe, thanks for your response. I didn't notice any signs of shoulder belts but I will look again, very good news that they once were there. Would they have been similar to shoulder set- ups used today. Where would the upper part of the set-up been attached?

-C

[Jack H.]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

See your copy of the '69 AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual). It shows the shoulder harness (std on coup and optional on convertible) started from an interia-reel assy mounted to the top side of the rear upper wheel housings. The fabric came out of the reel housing, passed through a 'cut out' in the seat backs and the end had a buckle/clasp that snapped onto the lap belt's clasp where a spring-loaded button post is present. This way, one assy (lap belt) served both car configurations (with and without shoulder harness) and it was possible to disconnect the shoulder portion of the 3-point assy if one desired.

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

Jack, the '69 shoulder harness was configured differently than the '70+ belts. The retractor actually sits down on the side of the rear wheel housing, more toward the center of the rear storage compartment. Also, the belt passes through a retainer on top of the seatback, since '69 seats were low back with the separate headrests. '69 belts are available, but pricy.

Shannon

[Chuck Poulsen]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

Where would these belts be aavailable?

-C

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 shoulder belts

I know that Andover Automotive www.andoauto.com and Charlie at Seatbelt Sity (don't have his contact info) usually have '69 belt sets in stock. Be sure you're sitting down when you ask for the price.

Shannon