Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

JD agreed, lap belts were standard in the industry for 30+ years. The shoulder portion just keeps you upright and helps to tension the lap portion in a crash. Basically the shoulder portion keeps you from bending in half and hitting the dash with your head. The lap portion is what keeps your butt in the seat.

A lap belt is good enough for an airplane, not that a lap belt or shoulder belt would protect you that much in a plane crash.

Lap belts may not be as good as three point belts, but they were and still are effective. I worked in Air Force safety for 25+ years and saw a tremendous amount of data showing effectiveness of seat belts. As soon as I bought my 1956 400 11 years ago, lap belts were installed. I got mine from a hot rod parts company and they had dozens of colors to pick from.