Different take on seat belts

[denis4x4]

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?

[Synchro909]

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.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

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.

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

[mike657894]

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

[mike657894]

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

[Synchro909]

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Originally Posted by mike657894

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

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

[Cornishman]

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.

[Mike V. Florida]

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!

[aermotor]

Originally Posted by Cornishman

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.

x2

John

[Synchro909]

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.

[1928Mik]

Originally Posted by Cornishman

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.

X3..Well said!

[DHZIEMAN]

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

[Anteek29]

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

[redmodelt]

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

[Kahuna]

I like White Walls

[ronn]

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

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by ronn

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

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

[Mike V. Florida]

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

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

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

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.

[Cornishman]

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