Need Confirmation on 1968 Corvette Seat Belt Layout
I am finishing up an interior on a '68 that had the interior gutted and the parts in boxes
when purchased.
The 1968 Assembly Manual gives virtually no information concerning the layout of the
seat belt assemblies (no shoulder belts). I researched the archives and think that
I understand the correct installation, but I need someone to corroborate
that I understand it correctly:
1) The retractors (8.5-in. black plastic casing) mount beneath the seat under the carpet,
and bolt on the fiberglass floor.
2) The belt then runs around the indented outer channel of a chrome corner bracket
under the carpet that's secured by 3 bolts to the fiberglass floor next to the
rear of the sill plate, making a 90-degree turn upward through the carpet.
3) The seat belt then passes through a slit that's cut in the carpet that's
at least 3-in. wide. In this slit was originally mounted a clear vinyl insert
that was tucked in the carpet like the grommet for the dimmer light switch.
I understand that these inserts are rare and unattainable today.
If this is correct, I don't see what would keep the retractor from perhaps
pulling the lap belt completely back through the slit in the carpet when it's released,
since there's no stop there. Is this correct or am I missing something?
BTW, a big "shout-out" to Snake-Oyl for their beautiful seat belt work.
They've done 3 pairs for me and they are the best, bar none.
Thanks,
Russ Trotter
NCRS #15044
when purchased.
The 1968 Assembly Manual gives virtually no information concerning the layout of the
seat belt assemblies (no shoulder belts). I researched the archives and think that
I understand the correct installation, but I need someone to corroborate
that I understand it correctly:
1) The retractors (8.5-in. black plastic casing) mount beneath the seat under the carpet,
and bolt on the fiberglass floor.
2) The belt then runs around the indented outer channel of a chrome corner bracket
under the carpet that's secured by 3 bolts to the fiberglass floor next to the
rear of the sill plate, making a 90-degree turn upward through the carpet.
3) The seat belt then passes through a slit that's cut in the carpet that's
at least 3-in. wide. In this slit was originally mounted a clear vinyl insert
that was tucked in the carpet like the grommet for the dimmer light switch.
I understand that these inserts are rare and unattainable today.
If this is correct, I don't see what would keep the retractor from perhaps
pulling the lap belt completely back through the slit in the carpet when it's released,
since there's no stop there. Is this correct or am I missing something?
BTW, a big "shout-out" to Snake-Oyl for their beautiful seat belt work.
They've done 3 pairs for me and they are the best, bar none.
Thanks,
Russ Trotter
NCRS #15044
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