Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I want to install rear seat belts in my 55 Packard. Is there a special type required or is it just what ever is available?

There are a few threads on this if you search. Generally people will go with lap belts only, since there's not much that's strong to hold shoulder belts.

What model do you have?

Belts from any number of suppliers will work as long as you add some decent additional reinforcement behind the sheetmetal at the anchor points. Rear seats do take a much shorter belt than the front since there is almost no space before you reach the metal behind the seat for the anchor points. There is at least one poster who did install rear seat lap and shoulder belts utilizing the package tray metal for the upper support. He made plates to utilize and strengthen the openings for the upper belt anchorage.

His photos are here starting at post 363 in his project blog but unfortunately he left us quite suddenly and very shortly after the rear belts were done.

55 Clipper Constellation

HA was working on a 52 sedan but since the bodies were essentially the same from the cowl back in 51-56, and the visible differences year to year being due to new outer sheetmetal or trim that was bolted on, the inner structural pieces are for the most part the same. The package shelf on the 55 may have a cosmetic difference with a hole cut in a different place or be in a different shape but structurally the shelf will be the same as the 52. If you were interested in the rear shoulder support you could use the 52 work as a guide for any work you might want to do.

Retrobelt (https://www.retrobelt.com/) has what you need. As Howard said, the rear seats need much shorter belts than the front.