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Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!decvax!harpo!floyd!clyde!akgua!sb1!sb6!bpa!burdvax!hopkins
From: hopkins@burdvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Aftermarket seatbelts
Message-ID: <1336@burdvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 6-Dec-83 11:07:35 EST
Article-I.D.: burdvax.1336
Posted: Tue Dec  6 11:07:35 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 9-Dec-83 04:59:30 EST
References: <477@dartvax.UUCP>
Organization: SDC - a Burroughs Company, Paoli PA
Lines: 20

All cars built in the US after some time in the early 60's were required to
have lap belt anchors, but shoulder belt anchors were not required until
some time later.  (Sorry about the imprecision, I'm working from a couple
data points and filling in the rest.)  For instance, my '64 F-85 (sigh)
would take lap belts only.

You could always improvise an anchor for shoulder belts, but what you get
then is questionable:  the mandated anchors were sufficiently strongly
attached to the car that they would hold you in place; an improvised anchor
would probably work well - until the first time you needed it to work.  If
you're looking for a sense of security, you got it (unless you are reading
this).  If you want security, look farther.

Anybody out there have any experience in testing improvised anchors, either
formally (applying measured forces) or informally (putting on the belts and
driving into a truck)?  Are there aftermarket anchor kits that can take the
forces of a front-ender at 55?  Are the roof structures of older cars strong
enough to support those forces?  Eh?

			Bill (Perenially Strapped) Hopkins