Re: Seat belt installation
Posted by HH56 On 2022/10/19 11:17:56
In addition to Tim's suggestions, if your seat has the solid enclosed frame like Packard used thru at least 1950 it may be necessary to add slots in the seat frame back so the belt will have a straighter approach to any anchoring points behind the seat. In most, if you try to come up thru the bottom and fold around the cushion, there will be sharp bends and maybe sharp metal that could stress the belts. In addition, if the seat or cushion should lift during an accident, straightening of any bends in the belt could result in enough slack that the belts would be of little value. In a 37 seat, if there is limited adjustment and a more or less straight route down you might be able to secure them under the seat frame but if you do try to go under I would wonder about the strength of the floor because of the battery opening.
If anchoring behind the seat, there will probably need to be some kind of compromise in floor location. For maximum strength you want the straightest approach possible to the anchors yet not be so far back the rear seat passengers feet would be competing for space or getting caught on exit. Also not too close to the seat so the anchor is under the frame and bends the belt when the seat is all the way back. Chances are you will not be able to catch any of the chassis frame to attach anchors so any location will most likely be in sheet metal. You will need to add a plate or large fender washers under the floor to spread the point load.
Here is a photo Mike took of his 47 showing his straightest belt approach and another photo of a seat frame showing how slots were cut in the solid back. The sharp metal edges in the slots were covered with nylon edge strip to avoid belt damage.
Attach file:
DSC_8555 copy.jpg (133.01 KB)
IMG_2173.jpg (109.67 KB)
If anchoring behind the seat, there will probably need to be some kind of compromise in floor location. For maximum strength you want the straightest approach possible to the anchors yet not be so far back the rear seat passengers feet would be competing for space or getting caught on exit. Also not too close to the seat so the anchor is under the frame and bends the belt when the seat is all the way back. Chances are you will not be able to catch any of the chassis frame to attach anchors so any location will most likely be in sheet metal. You will need to add a plate or large fender washers under the floor to spread the point load.
Here is a photo Mike took of his 47 showing his straightest belt approach and another photo of a seat frame showing how slots were cut in the solid back. The sharp metal edges in the slots were covered with nylon edge strip to avoid belt damage.
Attach file:
DSC_8555 copy.jpg (133.01 KB)
IMG_2173.jpg (109.67 KB)
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