Do any of you guys put seatbelts in your '30s Fords?

[40cpe]

I installed three point belts in my '40 about 30 years ago. I was concerned about the strength of the metal in the B pillar that the shoulder belt attaches to. Thankfully we never had to test them in the 20 years that we traveled all over the southeast in that car.

[John R]

Originally Posted by cjshaker

That is not how belts work. New cars have explosive devices that instantly tighten the belts around you in the event of an accident. The tighter the belt, the safer you are. The amount of elasticity in a belt is miniscule, so it will have no effect on the G-forces felt.


I only mentioned NHRA specs because they have the most stringent rules for safety. Same goes with land speed racers. A 5 point system is the safest. The crotch belt stops "submarining", where you can slide under the lap belt. Each system below that offers less safety. The 3 point is a compromise because in real life, out in public, you need to be able to move for various reasons. Obviously, turning around and checking for side traffic, reversing etc is not something you will worry about on a track. Road racers will have extensive mirror systems to compensate for a lack of being able to look around. That compromise of a 3 point lessens the passengers safety, and that is why they developed auto-belt tensioning devices. In a fraction of a second, they will cinch you tight in your seat.


Everything is a trade-off and compromise. You certainly can't go driving around in public with a 5 point system, so you make compromises. The 3 point is a rational compromise. Moving the shoulder belt higher is another compromise that allows freedom of movement, especially when used with the retractors that allow forward movement, until enough force is applied that they "lock". It also allows for drivers/passengers of differing heights to fit into the same design. The auto-tensioners help correct that compromise in an accident.

A concise and informative description of the trade-offs inherent in seat belt system designs. Thanks!

[srfnken]

Not sure they would really do any good, it would all depend on how they were anchored.

[gwmartin55]

Julianos with shoulder belts in my 38. Plenty of room to put an anchor in the door post.

[Graham Freeman]

Has anyone installed seat belts in a 33/34 cabriolet?

[51woodie]

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On my '46 Coupe, I bolted the seatbelt anchors through the floor pan, with reinforcing plates. Do not anchor to the frame. I used locking nuts to prevent the bolts from coming loose.