For those looking for a little more info regarding 3 point seat belts, below is a recent exchange of emails with Niklas in Gothenburg.
His installation is similar to Claus'.
There should be 5 images to view as well, assuming I posted `em right.
----- Original Message ----- From: Ridell, Niklas (C.N.) To: Dave Smith Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 2:45 AM Subject: RE: Firebird 3-pt Seat Belts
Hey
You're making me blush... "His mod was perfect and very professionally done." Let's see if you think the same after seeing the pictures. Anyway, I will try to describe the modification:
I used a generic aftermarket kit. The kit was made in Germany (I live in Europe) but I'm sure you can find something similar in US. I managed to hide the belt retractor inside the rear seat armrest. The belt comes up between the armrest and the quarter panel. I just had to shim out the armrest enough to let the belt slide freely. The only problem here is that the body structure behind the armrest is quite weak with lots of holes and stuff. I welded a patch over this area stretching down to the floor as well for support before I bolted up the retractor.
In the roof I first bolted a block of steel with recessed holes for allen head screws. The screws are recessed to allow the swirl bracket to swing around free. I also made the block thick enough to provide plenty of threads for the belt bolt. The block is bolted to the roof in what is supposed to be the original shoulder belt position. I was expecting to find some sort of weld nuts in the roof but couldn't find any. Maybe I was searching in the wrong position. I could find a sheet metal "pocket" though which I used for fixation. I drilled thru the headliner and this sheet metal pocket and then made another block of steel with two threaded holes which I slid into the pocket. I managed to do this without removing the headliner, just lifting it a little at the sail panel.
For the other belt fixation points (at the rocker and the belt buckle) I used the original weld nuts.
When the modification was completed I found that the belt geometry sucks. The roof fixation is sitting too high up making the belt rub against your neck. I'm not sure but I suppose this occurs also if you have the original shoulder belt setup. I ended up extending the swirl bracket. This improved the situation a lot. In the pictures you can see the laser cut sheet metal pieces I welded in.
Ok, check the pictures and let me know what you think.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Smith Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 5:54 PM To: Ridell, Niklas (C.N.) Subject: Firebird 3-pt Seat Belts
Hi Niklas
Bjorn Sefledt posted your info on the firstgenfirebird.org website during a discussion about 3 point seatbelts.
"Nashville68Bird" noted that you had sent him some information and plans for installing 3 point belts in a first gen firebird, and stated "His mod was perfect and very professionally done."
I'm attempting to do the same modification now, and would greatly appreciate it if you could send me the same information.
