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I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere, but a quick search of these forums using "seatbelt" and "safety" failed to turn up much. As far as I've been able to find out, pre-war Packards didn't come with seatbelts or other safety features (besides maybe a padded dash??). Is installing seatbelts looked down upon, or points deducted in judging? And is it even possible without overly modifying the car? Is there anyone with experience in doing this?

Eventually I want to restore a pre-war Packard and I'm interested in keeping my family safe while driving it. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Seatbelts are the one modification that isn't deducted points at car shows and Concourse events.

Installing seat belts is a good idea in my opinion. Installing lap belts is relatively easy in late '30's and up Packards with steel floors. Installing them in cars with wooden flooring would be very difficult to do properly but I wil let others more familiar with these cars to respond. Installing shoulder belts would be difficult in any Packard and probably would could not be properly braced to be reliable in an accident. By all means install lap belts.

KevinPackard,

Yes, definitely seat belts in pre-war drivers make sense. I also put lap belts in my Clipper.

I can't find a picture but here is a supplier I have used and appreciate the product. Mutton Hollow Chevy
I have used 10 seat belts in 2 cars

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/55-56-57-Chevy-F ... 5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

DanL

I also added turn signals as essential safety feature on a driver. From my Owner Registry Page:
Quote:

It is nice to be able to hide them in existing lights or behind grille mesh, IMHO.

DanL

Complete entry at:
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/registry/View.php?ID=120

Quote:
Good point Guscha...of course nothing is more important than the safety of my family. I was going to install safety features regardless of what the answer to my question was...I was just interested in how other people viewed it this topic.

Quote:
So are there any other safety features can be or should be installed besides seat belts and turn signals?

While at Hershey last year I picked up a 6V LED third brake light for my rear window. I feel a lot better with it on- I also installed seat belts and turn signals. I do go to local shows and cruise nights but mostly my car is used for driving.

For Classics with very small tail lights, the 3rd brakelight in the rear window is a real fine safety feature. I did that on a 1939 LaSalle that has about 2 1/2 inch dia tail lights.

I got the idea after being at the Branson PAC 44th. I was following a 1936 Packard 120 with a 3rd brake light. I could not see the regular brake lights at 100' in broad daylight, BUT the 3rd brakelight was BRIGHT and obvious. I was sold on that feature.

DanL

I've done all of the above....plus I always run on modern radials. Its another safety feature as far as I'm concerned because the cars will track straighter and you don't get any surprises on uneven road surfaces.

Here is a side note concerning tires. Last summer on a tour, a fellow with our group broke away from the 'country road' route and took the interstate to return to the motel one afternoon. It was 90+ degrees, he was traveling 70 mph in his '64 Thunderbird and, you guessed it, a rear tire blew. Luckily he was able to control the bird, but just barely according to a fellow behind him. The tire in question had plenty of tread and looked fine. Problem was it was 19 years old! I know they're expensive, but if we're going to drive, we gotta keep 'em fresh!!

Denny
Not only have you done all the above BUT
You have changed your avatar photo.

Was that a safety feature move too?
(Hope your romance with your 41 Clipper isn't on the rocks.)

DanL