Seat Belts

I've been doing some very preliminary research as I have the same questions/concerns for the rear seat of my 72. I can post a few websites I came across offering conversion kits.

The stock 1972-73 seat belts mounts are like in the picture I posted above (which is a Chevelle).  They are further back than the 1974-76 Torino shoulder belt mounts.  This is discussed in this thread here:

 

 

It doesn't seem to me that there is any definitive conclusion on if the later belts will work or not in the older cars.  I am also not sure if they floor mounts for the retractors are the same for the 72-73's and the newer cars.

 

The fraying of the belt is a big concern if I mount them below the package tray.  From a quick look at the tray on my car, I'd probably have to cut slots in the tray for this to work, then figure out how to prevent the belts from rubbing on the sharp metal.  I do like the clean look, but it's a lot of work.  The photos that I posted from that Chevelle, the guy used parts for a 2009 Camry to may it work (the belts are aftermarket though).

 

I also was doing some more searching through the archives and I found that member Sininenlll did do this conversion.  He did it a little differently than most of the other conversions I have seen.  Typically the retractor is mounted up high like on modern cars, with the two factory belt mounts being just solid belt mounts.  He mounted the retractor down low, mount a seatbelt loop up high on the package tray area.  It works, but it's just not as clean as other installs.  I means that you have two belts running up the seats instead up one (because it's looped over). 

 

 

Here is his install:

 

 

 These are custom reinforcement "L" brackets he fabbed:

 

 

 

Here is that thread:

 

 

It seems most of the aftermarket kits have the belt retractors mounted on the package tray. Of course there are no kits for Torinos.  I did see one company called Morris offers reinforcement prackets for the package tray mounts.  This might be a viable option, but I have to fab up my own package tray reinforcement.  Below is pics of a Morris kit installed in a Chevelle.

 

 

Here is the Morris reinforcement bracket.  I think something like this would work for a Torino. 

 

 

 

Another concern for the front belts is the unique style floor mounts that the Torino uses for the front belts.  I am not sure any of the aftermarket retractors could mount to it correctly. 

 

Jeff, I might take you up on your offer.  I am not as concerned about the front belts at this point but it would be nice to have something less restrictive and safer than the original belts.

 

 

do you have a picture of the seatbelt mount on the '74+ Torinos?  Just wondering how different it is from the '72-73 cars.

 

Don,

 

4-points are too restrictive for my needs.  The main reason I'd upgrade the front belts is for comfort, instead of the solid mount shoulder straps.

 

Here is the 1972-73 style floor mounts:

 

 

Here are the 1974 and newer style:

 

 

So I think retrofitting the newer style retractors to the 1972-73 cars would be difficult without changing the mounting tabs.  I also found a couple of good pictures to show the difference in the shoulder strap locations.  The 1972-73 cars were much further back compared to the 1974 and newer cars.

 

Here is a 1972-73, note how far back the shoulder belt is mounted to the roof:

 

 

Here is a 1974 and newer style:

 

 

 

Since the 1972-73 style tabs are on an angle, this might also make mounting an aftermarket retractor difficult.  It seems most of the aftermarket retractors mount directly to a b-pillar or at 90 degrees from the floor with a "L" bracket.  This is shown here:

 

 

 

So I think retrofitting the front belts with a modern setup might be difficult if I want to use the factory seat belt mounts (which I do).  I am wondering if I send my stock setup to a seat belt company if that can alter it and install a new retractor assembly in the existing setup.  That might be big dollars though.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on the front belts? 

 

I think for the rear, I am leaning towards going with a retractor mounted on the package tray, and a custom bracket below the shelf to reinforce the tray like the Chevelle guys use.  The 4 points would require two more shoulder strap mounts. 

 

 

Thanks Johnny, I didn't know that's what you meant in your original response.  The only issue I have, is I can't weld.  My other concern is, I am not sure if the newer style Torino belts will work with the shoulder mount in a different spot.  It's definitely an option though.  How much would you want for them?

I'm from Paris France and I have the same issue, I'm looking for a rear 3 point seat belt for my 2 years and half son. I have a 73 fastback Gran Torino.

Have you found a solution, is there a shop selling it ? Did you customized something ?

Thanks

PS : Thanks to California Johnny who led me there.

In case anyone needs a refresher on "reasons why I may drive like a maniac hot rodder, but still avoid everything at all costs..." Here is 1975 Torino crash test footage WITH seatbelts. 

Thanks for bringing back this old tread Andy.  I have not changed my belts, and I am running with the stock two piece belts and the lap belts in the rear.  I know they are not the best, but I also am not interested in modifying my car to run something like Fox Mustang belts. My car is pretty stock and I like to keep it that way. If I could swap in modern belts without any major modifications, I'd do it.  I know it would be a worthwhile safety upgrade.  The way I figure it right now, is I have to drive more carefully and accept the inherent risk to driving an old car.  Its no different that riding a motorcycle - you have to accept the risk to injury is much greater than driving a modern car.

On the crash test video, I thought the Torino did well for a car from this era.  Unlike earlier cars which may not crumple as much and have less damage, our Torinos at least had some engineering to absorb the energy of the crash. This is a good thing for the occupants, but of course means the car gets more damaged.  However, like Inkara said, the seat belts did a poor job, which is why I still think a modern upgrade could be beneficial.