Seatbelt reinforcement bracket in tranny tunnel

[Steve L.]

Does anyone reproduce this bracket. It is U-shaped, riveted in about a dozen places - the inboard lap belt attaches to it. This is just behind the stick shift but under the body.

Nobody shows this in any of the catalogs.

This is for a 73 coupe but is probably the same for other years.

[Alan S.]

Re: Seatbelt reinforcement bracket in tranny tunnel

Hi Steve,
I've don't remember seeing the center reinforcement in any catalogues.
I have seen used (restorable) pieces at Bloomington and Carlisle.
Are you missing yours or are you looking for a new one to replace yours?
Regards,
Alan

[Steve L.]

Re: Seatbelt reinforcement bracket in tranny tunnel

Thanks Alan,
Mine is out and has a 1/4 inch corner missing due to rust but I could clean it up and re-use it.

I'm surprised that no one makes this thing.

[Alan S.]

Re: Seatbelt reinforcement bracket in tranny tunnel

Hi Steve,
My guess is they're just too much trouble/work for Bubba to take off so they stayed on cars and rusted relative to where the car lived. Mine was pretty rusted on the surface but I could save it and replate it.
Regards,
Alan

[Steve L.]

Re: Seatbelt reinforcement bracket in tranny tunnel

Thanks Alan,
Also, I suspect that the tooling costs to make this part is very high since it is a very deep draw with the two flanges on the side.

Plus, like you said, bubba's won't replace them since the only thing that hangs off of these is the seat belt, which can be ignored if it is rusted. But the only thing between bubba and a windshield faceplant is some flimsy fiberglass instead of the cable attached to the frame.

So with low potential sales and high tooling costs, the vendors have chosen not to supply these.

I wish I was around when the general was putting these tools into the landfill.