Will 3 Point Retractable Seat Belt System From Morris Classic Concepts Work In My 66 Chevyii Ss? How Can I Tell If The Mounting Holes For The Roof Pillar Bracket Are In My Car With Out Wrecking The Roof Liner?

Gerry,

welcome to Team Nova..

Ok, lets start here:

http://www.julianos.com/3_point_belt_bench.html

Or here:
http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/resebe.html

I found mine on E-Bay and got them at a decent price for a pair and don't forget to purchase the hardware kit with the belts:
http://www.julianos.com/anchor_plate.html


Now onto the installation....

I measured up from the back of the floor pan about 3 3/4" inches
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/scrappy-happy/66%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20pictures/Photo6-3.jpg
and measured out from the lip 1 1/2" inches
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/scrappy-happy/66%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20pictures/Photo7-3.jpg
There is not much to play with as far as getting the plate and hole in closer to the edge of the interior due to the frame set-up. Don't forget to ensure that all brake lines are clear of the path of the drill bit.

Once that sep is complete, find the upper mounting hole. I used this one:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/scrappy-happy/66%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20pictures/Photo2-1.jpg
I know the bolt looks small but I am going to upgrade to the next size up for safety.

Then, install the bracket that comes in the kit:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/scrappy-happy/66%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20pictures/Photo9-2.jpg
and loose fit the hardware to the retractor and harness. Stretch up the upper mount to the hole that is mentioned earlier and you will be good to go. Let me know if there is anymore info or pics needed to assist in your installation...

Nice write up Dan. Is that hole inthe roof bracket strong enough for a belt mount?

I'm going to increase the bolt size and there is enough metal there to do the job. The installation instructions from Julianos says to weld up their bracket there but I figured since there is plenty of structural integrity there, and a 3/8" hole, I can utilize it...

Just let me know if more pics are needed.

Thanks for the pictures, they should help. Is the hole threaded?

The top hole is threaded. Why? I don't know but it will work in this application. I would recommend stepping up to at least a larger size bolt than what I have now. Just to be on the safe side..

The mounting bracket for the shoulder strap has two holes in it andcomes with two 5/16th bolts to attach it to the roof.

Do you think those would work on a 66 4 door?

Steve,

if you have those holes available, why not. They should be in the same general area as mine, but, since I own a hard top, I am uncertain. I will contact a friend of mine and see if he has a more door available for me to look at..

Just found out my 66 has no holes in the roof now am looking at mig welding the bracket for the shoulder belt to the roof can not see why my 66 has no holes not happy!!

The holes in my more door are too far back to use for the seatbelts. I'll weld the brackets that come with them to the beefy area by the post. Thanks.

Gerry,

sorry to hear that. I thought that those were standard on all models...


Steve, could you post some pics so we could see where a good place to weld those brackets to??

I'll take some pics of the area tomorrow when we have some sun.

I wonder if my 66 is different because it is a Canadian model ? If anyone is thinking of buying the belt system from Morris Classic Systems the quality is good but not great the bolts that came with thebelts are all 1/2 coarse they should be 7/16 finenot a big deal but for 390.00 !!! I will let you know how they work after I get them welded in.

Believe 67 was the first year for the shoulder belt holes in the roof.....

Our seatbelts will fit most 66 up Gm cars that have the mounts in the roof. We utilize both mounting points in the roof. The price for th kit is $265.00 direct from us. We use stainless steel brackets and grade 8 bolts. If anyone that orders our seatbelts need a different thread than is in the kit call us and we will send the bolts. Thanks to Everyone, Billy

Hey Dan, here's a pic of the area. The circle is where I plan on putting mine. The metal overlaps there a few times so with proper welding I believe that will be strong enough. Hopefully I'll never find out.:thumbsup: The arrow appears to be the holes you showed on your car. As you can see they are too far back to use on my car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/raidmagic/novaroof.jpg

Today I welded the shoulder brackets in and finished the install, I am very happy with the finished product they look factory installed and work and fit very well. they were well worth the effort. I also gave the wrong price for the belts they cost me 365.00 not 390.00. Thanks for the help.

Today I welded the shoulder brackets in and finished the install, I am very happy with the finished product they look factory installed and work and fit very well. they were well worth the effort. I also gave the wrong price for the belts they cost me 365.00 not 390.00. Thanks for the help.


Got pics? I'd like to see where you did yours.

Steve,

that area you circled is the same spot the hard-top and sedans would have that hole. Since your car is a 4-door, most likely, as you said, the factory overlapped a couple pieces of metal there to stiffen the roof line. Now, do you have enough room between the seat and the post for your retractor? You might have to sit the retractor just behind the seat to give you enough clearance. As an added thought, ensure your seat is all the way back to ensure there is no interference between the seat and the seat belts.

I did mine lower, as I am very uncomfortable with the high mount ones that cut into my neck....