Different take on seat belts
 

Jumped in the Model A supercab truck to go to the grocery store, put on the seat belt and I was reminded that a number of posters here take the attitude that belts are worthless in an A. To some extent, I agree. However, the act of buckling a seat belt is a long time habit that should never be put aside. Why ignore that habit in a Model A when you would never forget to buckle up in a late model?

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

I'm afraid I don't agree with the notion that seat belts are useless in a Model A. As the law works here, we are perfectly legal to use the car with NO seatbelt because they weren't fitted when the car was made and well before they became compulsory. It is not legal to fit seat belts unless they pass a stringent examination by an automotive engineer. WTF!!! Fitting a belt to these cars so it will pass inspection is impossible. I've installed them the best way I can and use them even though they are not approved. I feel I and my passengers are safer with what I have fitted than without. I figure that almost ANY restraint is better than none and that those stupid regulations in fact, compromise our safety. As the old saying goes, I'd rather be tried by twelve than carried by six.
Thoroughly agree with sticking with the habit of putting one on when I get into the car.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

It is not difficult to meet approved engineering standards.
Quite another thing to meet a political engineer's standards.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

ive been in rollovers. it can happen at slow speeds. ill take the belt every time. especially if someone hits you at higher speed.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Syncro in america there is over 10000 laws to follow. you get to break more than a few every day.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Creating laws is what Politicians do. We gotta keep 'em busy!!
Guess it makes them feel like they have earned their money.:D:confused::rolleyes:

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

It’s a personal decision but I would never consider wearing an after market seatbelt in a Model A or any other old car with a separate chassis and body. At best wearing seat belts in a Model A gives the driver a false sense of security; me, I much prefer to drive without, with the knowledge that my Vintage car offers me no crash protection and needs to be driven accordingly. In my modern cars with their fantastic seat belt systems, air bags, crumple zones, collapsable steering columns, carefully designed steering wheels and soft facias it’s completely different. As I said, it’s a personal decision but everyone must understand that wearing a seat belt in an A might help in a few circumstances but is outright dangerous in many more.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Who here has said that seat belts are useless in the A? Come on you have to be out there, fess up! Why would Denis say so if it's not true. Come on!

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

x2

John

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

When we drive any car we are playing the odds of being involved in a collision or not. In my opinion, it is just another game of odds as to whether a seat belt will help you or make things worse. It depends on the circumstances. I happen to belong to the school that believes they are more likely good than bad. Others may weigh things up differently but I'll keep wearing mine.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

X3..Well said!

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

On these great vintage vehicles, "yes and no" on seatbelts is just up to the owner of the car!

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Yep...the owner can choose seat belts, white walls or type of oil :)

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

I see seat belts in Model A's to keep you in place if the doors come open more then anything.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

I like White Walls

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Denis,
dont forget to put your seat belt on while driving your motorcycle............

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

I’m having difficulty finding sheet metal screws big enough to hold the seat belt anchors on the mufflers

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

Please post a picture of a crash where the frame separated from the body.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

There are PLENTY of photos showing badly wrecked cars from this era and I've yet to see a one where the body has separated from the chassis. Some old wives have been talking, I suspect.

Re: Different take on seat belts
 

I know, some people can only see it their way.