Author Topic: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird  (Read 3428 times)

BlueBaron762x39

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3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« on: May 22, 2021, 09:51:20 PM »
I remember seeing a thread online before that I think was on this site before it crashed.  If I remember correct, there was an optional but rarely used 3 point seat belt setup available for 2nd generation f-bodys.  The retractors were basically mounted on top of the rear package trays.  I want to add rear 3 point seat belts to my 1979 Trans Am but am having some difficulty locating an available set that matches this original factory option.  So far the only possible match I've found is part # MCSBR-3-BK which is a Morris belt but it's listed as being for 1970-1973 Firebirds.  Is the package tray of the 1970-1973 similar to that of the 1979?  I'm not sure if the holes to mount these are already present on the 1979 package tray for easy installation or if significant modifications would need to be done.

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2021, 10:01:02 PM »
These are from an original '71 TA with the rare belt option, one of the many options that should never have been dropped. It should have been developed into a rear retractor to match the fronts so not ideal in the form shown, but still better from a safety point.

The anchor points remain. It would be good if they could customise so that the belt colour and retractors match the fronts for later years, somewhat.

Seatbelt rare option shoulder harness3 71TA by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Seatbelt rare option shoulder harness1 71TA by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Seatbelt rare option shoulder harness2 71TA by Aus78Formula, on Flickr
« Last Edit: May 22, 2021, 10:03:41 PM by Wallington »

BlueBaron762x39

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2021, 10:11:47 PM »
That's a different setup than the one I remember seeing but might work for me to if I could find a set.  Looks like the setup you posted doesn't have a retractor but the Morris belts do.  Do you know if those same anchor points on the package tray are there on the later 2nd gen package trays too?

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2021, 02:16:22 AM »
That's the stock version, the retractor version wasn't original, installed by many over the years. Above the shelf looks clumsy, below the shelf obviously needs a lot more work. Some guys have made custom covers and trim to hide it, looks better than simply bolt-on assembly.


stros

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2021, 09:14:34 PM »
The 70-73 Morris rear 3 point belts fit my 77 and yes, the retractors are on top of the package tray. 
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2021, 09:14:34 PM »

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2021, 02:46:14 AM »
Have you got a photo of them installed? Are the similar to being a front belt set for the rear?

stros

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2021, 08:53:21 PM »
Have you got a photo of them installed? Are the similar to being a front belt set for the rear?
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

b_hill_86

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2021, 09:55:13 PM »
That’s pretty cool actually!
-Brian-

1977 Trans Am 400 4 speed

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2021, 04:09:57 AM »
Thanks. That looks fairly neat. The cover is not there on some and looks quite industrial and added.

stros

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2021, 01:17:33 PM »
Thanks guys.  I’m sure they’d look better if my entire interior was black.  I don’t believe they offer other colors.  The folks at Morris are also super nice to work with - I believe they’re just a mom and pop shop.
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

BlueBaron762x39

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #10 on: May 26, 2021, 10:31:27 PM »
Thanks guys.  I’m sure they’d look better if my entire interior was black.  I don’t believe they offer other colors.  The folks at Morris are also super nice to work with - I believe they’re just a mom and pop shop.

I ordered a set of them a few days ago to try.  Looks like they won't be too difficult to install.

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2021, 10:40:18 PM »
Can you recolor the covers to match the armrests or rear shelf, perhaps, like it's a GM option? Of course, not much you can do with non-matching black belts, especially if fronts are good and don't need replacement.

One problem I have, ongoing, is that the tan belts I restored don't use webbing that meets local standards, even the new Morris and similar don't if you get someone picky. Many accept it as a classic and they function as they should, but not all. That's not the main issue, the problem is that no one here has come up with a tan or gold belt remotely close that I could even reweb them with. If that were the case I'd possibly consider a rear retracter option, knowing I'll never have passengers, but you never know what requirements they may think of, the rears were already a decade behind others when new.


FormTA

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #12 on: May 28, 2021, 03:18:42 AM »
GM didn't think owners would have rear passengers either. Just look at the leg room.  :lol:
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

stros

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #13 on: May 28, 2021, 09:33:37 AM »
Can you recolor the covers to match the armrests or rear shelf, perhaps, like it's a GM option? Of course, not much you can do with non-matching black belts, especially if fronts are good and don't need replacement.
/quote]

I can't see why not, they're just plastic covers.  But yes, you're correct, the black belts match my front black belts - which are also new Morris belts. 
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

Wallington

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #14 on: May 29, 2021, 01:23:39 AM »
Oh, the fronts are now black also. Bonus. Regardless of fresh webbing, how do they operate compared to old original retractors?

Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #14 on: May 29, 2021, 01:23:39 AM »

stros

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Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #15 on: May 29, 2021, 10:52:01 PM »
Oh, the fronts are now black also. Bonus. Regardless of fresh webbing, how do they operate compared to old original retractors?

Yeah if I remember correctly my originals were black. 

I think they’re fairly similar to the original retractors.  Only negative I’ve noticed is when taking off the front belt sometimes I have to pull down on the belt to get it to retract back up to the seat triangle.  The rears always retract immediately up though.
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

Re: 3 point rear seat belts - 1979 Firebird
« Reply #15 on: May 29, 2021, 10:52:01 PM »
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