Re: HA's 52 200 Grey Ghost

Posted by d c On 2015/7/29 20:19:47

Yes well, lap belts only are usually used in 50s era cars for all the reasons you mentioned unless a racing / street- strip vehicle is being built. The reason I asked was there are some very specific angles reccomended for the lap belts. I am not sure of the type of lap/ shoulder retractor you are using- fixed buckle or the sliding style. I have replaced/ installed/ reinstalled many of factory belts of all styles and without stress testing and crash testing of the pillar post structure and your upper attachment point you may have a more dangerous situation than with a lap belt alone if the upper mount fails. Are you reenforcing the upper mount in the pillar? All the anchor points in production cars I have seen have been in the body usually backed by a reenforcement plate. Racing belts usually to the roll cage and floor. If you want info on the angle and placement of the lap belts and shoulder go to summit racing web site or nhra rule book. You will see the lap has to pull back as well as down. I know these are racing recc. Most will agree a properly functioning lap belt in a car never equipped which is driven at reasonable speeds of 60 and less is a welcome and functional addition. If this untested shoulder belt fails it may not offer any safety advantage.