Re: Seat Belts

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2013/8/18 20:38:54

Tim,

Thank you for your input. I was warned away from the 3-point as requiring much modification of the "B" pillar to get it right, and even then sometimes running into very difficult engineering problems. This was from an installer with a great deal of experience, and I don't think he would have minded making the extra money he could've with 3-point belts, he just didn't think it was a practical alternative.

I have driven the car with NO restraints on the highway, and usually manage to persuade myself that I'm in less danger than a motorcyclist traveling on the same road at the same speed. I still think this is true, and if I were planning on keeping the driving pleasure solely to myself, I might not put belts in. But, I find it really hard to have passengers who might be at greater risk with no restraints. And, as I always like to say, (gallows humor intended) "I need to protect my dashboard from expensive dents."

The decapitation risk will not go away for the driver even if he has a 4-point racing harness and a helmet. I know that in a lower speed crash, the driver would be likely to get some bruises, or worse, from the steering wheel, but I think the belt would still improve things enough to be worth it. In any kind of crash, belts at least keep you inside the car, and stop you from flopping around, especially in a rollover.

Those are just my thoughts so far. Others have probably put more thought into this, and have some real world experience.

BTW I take it your friend Charlie didn't have any belt on at all? The '79 Town Car I believe, had 3-point belts if you cared to use them!