Installing seat belts...where not to drill?

hotroddonnie · 2013-11-10 21:21

I would like to know if you guys have any idea where to drill the holes for my seat belts front and back, wondering if anyone has pictures or measurements, drilling holes is not something I want to do twice! Thanks HRD.

modifieddriver · 2013-11-11 08:47

Quote from: hotroddonnie on 2013-11-10 21:21
I would like to know if you guys have any idea where to drill the holes for my seat belts front and back, wondering if anyone has pictures or measurements, drilling holes is not something I want to do twice! Thanks HRD.

I'm no specialist on '57 Ford seat belt mounting.

BUT a basic is to run the front seat all the way back on the adjuster tracks. Then find a location to mount to the floor. The pull on the belts shouldn't be at a 90 degree angle to the floor at this point. As the seat goes forward the angle decreases, which is better for safety.

Limey57 · 2013-11-11 10:00

I've installed VW Jetta/Golf front seat belts in my Ranchero, where the bolts pass through the floor I welded 1/8" thick steel plates (approx 3" square) under the floor to strengthen the hole when drilled. I did similar at the base of the B-post where the main retractable part is bolted and also further up at shoulder height where the upper mounting is.

If doing this with the body off the chassis, just double check any measurements before you drill the mounting holes, or you could well end up with one of the holes being directly on top of the chassis rail so you can't use it. I learn by my mistakes...........................

hotroddonnie · 2013-11-12 06:19

Thanks for the info that has been given so far, not sure if it's enough to get me drilling...but it has me thinking!

Jeff Norwell · 2013-11-12 06:43

I think HRD is looking for Factory installation points..... Jay may chime in... his car has them.

Ecode70D · 2013-11-12 07:34

HRD
I know that you want to know where to drill the holes, but this is what my seat belt brackets looked like when I got them. The top pieces and lower pieces follow the contour of the 57 floor and can't be mixed up.

I'm told that new ones are supposed to come with the diagram for where to drill the holes.

It sure would be nice if someone on the forum has a copy of that diagram that he can post or has the skills to search the computer world to find one. I'm not good enough with computers to find things.

My advice is if you are looking for factory ones, don't drill any holes until you get them because they just kinda fall into place on the floor and find their assigned spot. They are still out there though and I've heard that some of the old junk yards are finally starting to save them. They're starting to get a little pricey though.
Jay

hotroddonnie · 2013-11-12 11:27

Thanks guys. I should mention that my seat belts are not factory, they are new from a swap meet vendor....drill hole and install the huge washer type. It shouldn't be to hard to figure out, some of what Modifieddriver said makes sense.

Ecode70D · 2013-11-13 06:19

HRD
What modifieddriver stated makes sense to me.
Jay

hiball3985 · 2013-11-13 08:38

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seat-Belt-Installation-System-The-ONLY-safe-seatbelt-floor-mount-install-hot-rod-/390686677168?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1957|Make%3AFord&hash=item5af6bd98b0&vxp=mtr These are the type I bought for mine because I liked the anchor system, they also sell just the anchors separately.

hotroddonnie · 2013-11-13 17:42

Wow! I like the mounting kit better then the washer set up I have, plus I just put a new windshield in...I'd hate to shatter it with my head! Thanks for that Hiball3985.

hiball3985 · 2013-11-13 19:13

I don't like just the little washers so I was going to weld some plates but I found these and that was easier, I'm pleased with the way they worked, and they seem to well engineered.

Jeff Norwell · 2013-11-14 10:40

Quote from: hotroddonnie on 2013-11-13 17:42
...I'd hate to shatter it with my head!

Too late... ha ha ha ha

hotroddonnie · 2013-11-14 16:11

Moderator!!! I'd like to report abuse given to me by Mr. Norwell! I have proof.

TexasFordGuy · 2013-11-14 16:38

If you use plates, be sure to round the corners to prevent the cutting of the sheet meta floor in an accident. I have seen Jeeps that have been used off road, where the square corners act like an old time can opener.

Rudy Netotea · 2013-11-14 19:25

I have a custom 70A with factory belts if need where they go let me know Rudy

News:

Installing seat belts...where not to drill?