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I apologize in advance if this has already been addressed, but I can’t seem to find exactly what I’m looking for. Hope you could help my 63 did not have seatbelts when I got it. I got a set located the holes in the floor. Once I pull the carpet back, I found that all four holes are just wasted. I tried to get a tap in there absolutely nothing. With two of the holes being blind does anybody have any other suggestions on how I could fasten these bolts, maybe some sort of bracket that goes off the bolts holding the seats in I’m kind of at a loss. Also if you do have an alternative way, pictures would be great. I would appreciate it. Thanks everybody.
I apologize in advance if this has already been addressed, but I can’t seem to find exactly what I’m looking for. Hope you could help my 63 did not have seatbelts when I got it. I got a set located the holes in the floor. Once I pull the carpet back, I found that all four holes are just wasted. I tried to get a tap in there absolutely nothing. With two of the holes being blind does anybody have any other suggestions on how I could fasten these bolts, maybe some sort of bracket that goes off the bolts holding the seats in I’m kind of at a loss. Also if you do have an alternative way, pictures would be great. I would appreciate it. Thanks everybody.
You can’t attach the belts to the seat attachment points. This is a no-no.
There is no easy way to do this on a Corvette. You are either going to have to lift the body or just forget about seat belts.
Dinobob. Thanks for the response. I know you’re right I just can’t wrap my mind around it. The thing that bothers me so much is that the car had a frame off in like 1990 or 92 I know the guy who did it. I still see him from time to time he’s not in very good health although I’d love to question him about it, I just don’t bother.
If I remember correctly, the way I resolved a similar problem with my 63 was to drill (from inside the car) the rivets that attach the metal brackets to the floor, remove the old brackets, and install new ones. I used custom length bolts and jam nuts to be able to get the outboard brackets secure. There is only about a half inch clearance between the outer brackets and the frame, but it can be done if you know enough cuss words.
You really should get a copy of the AIM or Assembly Instruction Manual. It is the manual used by the line staff to build the car. It contains diagrams of the sub assemblies of the car. It will show you where the attachment points are for the seatbelts. It is one of the best sources for the restorer. Getting a good set of 63 belts and buckles is another story all together. Try Snake Oil or Charlie at Seatbelt Sity. Jerry
Your real problem is the seat belt mounting plates it sounds like. The inner ones can be replaced from under the car pretty easily, the outer ones you will need to raise the body off the chassis to do that. Take a look from underneath and see what shape your mounting plates are in and try to work with the outer ones. If the nut is still in tact, you should be able to carefully re tap the threads if they are messed up.
Thanks for the offer of the belts but I do have a set. I will look to see if I have an AIM book. Pilot Dan thanks for the picture I will get under there ASAP I’m in the process of moving but just setting up my garage. I will also try tapping again just super nervous don’t need to break a tap. Thanks again
Make sure you use the proper tap I think it's a 7/16 -20 thread if I recall correctly. Use plenty of oil and go slow and back off, clean the tap then go again. from what I can see, the nut is still there and you should be able to fix the threads luckily. The nut is only tack welded so don't put too much force on it all at once.
Your right it is 7/16-20 I just picked up 2 new taps I did try to tap before but I didn’t have a socket the right size to firmly hold the tap straight so I wasn’t getting a nice straight shot. I’ll go back at it but thanks for the heads up about the tack welded nut good to know thanks
I would try a thread chaser first...just to remove any crap in the threads...then a tap if necessary...if you use the tap first it might take out too much material, then your 'stock' bolts will be too loose.
Also, the tap/chaser need to be flat to the floor...
Does anyone have experience with these belts? I know the right answer is Seat Belt Sity, but it's hard to drop ~$500 on a "nice used set" when all I'm interested in is something that will look stock and plug into my stock storage bracket. A previous owner put in Ford branded belts
07-14-2023, 10:22 PM
Seatbelts
Seatbelt city is where I would go . I used Snake Oil about 20 years ago. The gave me original belt fabric that hasn't held up well .
