Adding rear seat belts

[bmac]

I want to add some rear seat belts to my 65 impala. Anyone have instructions on how I go about drilling the holes or what to use as the nuts for bolting them on?

Should there be some markings under the seats as to where to drill for them?

Any help appreciated...

bob

[Fabric Master]

Bob, there may be a dimple in the floor where belts would bolt. I've run into a few over the years that were drilled and plugged by someone. If not marked maybe you could find something through Chevy dealer/service. As far as bolts etc. be sure to include 2 large flat washers, one for each side of floor.

[bobs409]

Nice ride Bob! :cool:

Have you checked for existing holes yet? My '63 Impala didn't come with seat belts but the threaded holes with floor braces are there but have plugs installed.

I'd bet your '65 has 'em too!

[bmac]

thanks Bob!

Did not really mean to post it, was just playing on the new site, which is going to be great!!!

I have had my rear seat out numerous times and have not noticed any dimples there, will look this weekend. Would be awesome if the threaded holes are there already.

I bought some of the brushed buckle rear seat belts from a 66 and dyed them with Rit, they came out pretty good.

[64ss409]

Bob
Nice looking convert!

How did you come out with the block you were going to sleeve?

Ron

[bmac]

Hey Ron,

It's still at Mikes shop. I don't think he's gotten to it yet although I'm hoping soon. He looked at it and says if that's the only issue he can sleeve it. Not sure how long it will be.

Did you get your's back from him?

Also, I'm debating on going to the Bass auction... just not sure yet if I can get away or not.

[64ss409]

Bob
I got my block back, crank and .001 under mains and cam went in last night. I want to take a little off the 11/1 pistons and I am looking at, and measureing pin to deck height on a 11/1, a 10/1, and a 7.75/1 truck piston. I think I have it figured out and will start lathing tomorrow.

Mike still has the heads. I have had the block for at least a month, but "work" got in the way of assembly. The recent rain gave me a chance to work on it.

I will try to make the auction, but this rain is holding up my work plans right now, so we will see.
Ron

[dq409]

That NICE looking Impala should have everything you need already under the seat. Pull the seat and take a lookie!!,,dq

[bmac]

I took the rear seat out and I cannot determine where the bolt holes go. Here is a pic of the rear area of my car. Can anyone point out where the indents are for the belts? I can't seem to identify them...

thanks, bob

[tripowerguy]

I think you need to lift up the mat, most of the early seat belt bosses were right where the floor starts the kickup for the axle.

[bobs409]

Also, if they are there, you will see the floor braces from under the car that the bolts actually thread into.

[bmac]

Hmmm, there are no holes or dimples indicating where the bolts would go. I also looked from underneath and there are no threaded holes either. Any idea on where I'd get instructions on how to locate the correct placing? There must have been some instructions on how to do it at the time..

thanks all, bmac

[bobs409]

I find that odd but I believe you. ;) Maybe it was the fronts that were always installed? Now im second guessing myself. Im halfway stopping myself from going out and lifting some seats! :D

I would say your best bet would be to find a '65 in a junkyard and not only measure it up but cut them out so you can use the floor braces. A chisel and hammer is all that's needed and not as hard as it sounds as long as you go out around the brace. Just like opening a can! Then you can seperate the brace from the piece of floor and weld them on the bottom of your floorpan and the bolts thread into them.

You could check a '65 assembly manual for the measurements but I doubt it would be in there as this would most likely be done by Fisher and not at the assembly line. (just a guess there)

[bmac]

Thanks Bob,

I really did look in both places. I'm sure they are not there.

I did look at my assembly manual and you're right, the belts are not mentioned there. Maybe a Fisher manual will have them.

I have not found a 65 in any yard yet that had seat belts although I have not checked to see if the holes are there...

Would the location be the same for a HT and a convertible?

[bobs409]

I would guess they would be the same. I see no reason to change them because of the fact that it's a convertible. (that I know of)

Any 66-70's around your area? They might be the same too and give you more options. I think by 1968, seat belts were mandatory so you'd probably have more luck with the later years. They would be a good source for the braces if you wanted them.

Wish I knew for sure but I never had a '65 convertible. (not that I wouldn't mind one) :cool:

By the way, not sure on how much of a purist you are but thought I'd mention that seat belts are date coded so if that is an issue, look for something correctly dated when buying the belts.