Best place to locate new seat belts on my '55 De VIlle?

[5390john]

Hi Everyone!
First time I have posted, need some experienced input. I am at the point on the restoration of my '55 De Ville that it is time to install seat belts. My question is; where is the best spot to anchor the outboard front seat belts. I'm going back and forth between behind the bench seat or to the outside of the bench. I am concerned about interference with the stainless trim at the end of the bench if located on the outside, or if the buckled belts would be comfortable if located behind the bench.
Would very much appreciate any input/photos!!
Thx
John Adams

[jdemerson]

John,

     I added them on my 1952 6219X, and they come up between the seat cushion and the back cushion. That works fine, and my instinct it that it is a safer installation than to go around the outside end of the seat.

     The first year that Cadillac offered seat belts as an option was in 1957, but I can't find a photo in the late 50s data books. Perhaps someone on this Board knows how they were installed in the late 50s. Front seat belts were made standard in 1965, with rear belts available as an option. My (quite foggy!) memory is that the front belts came up from behind the front cushion.

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac 6219X

[stzomah]

Hi John,

Good subject for your first post.  I was just reading about the terrible accident with the 59 last weekend.

I have had my 56 for a long time and have committed myself to adding lap belts this year.  I am shopping at the moment and need to figure out what lengths I need.  The maker offers 2 sizes.  I plan to put in 2 sets for the front and 2 for the back.  I found a picture of a 56 sedan on the internet that I will share with you.  This shows that the front outside belt goes through the seat and not around the side.  I also found the "dimple" locations chart for the 59.  Cadillac started putting dimples in the sheet metal to guide placement starting with 59 I believe.

So I am also looking for advice on the anchor placements and the belt lengths.  A good vendor (recommendation) for belts would also be fantastic!

Wayne

[5390john]

Hi Wayne:
Thank you for responding.
I got my seat belts at seatbeltplanet.com , I dealt with the owner and I HIGHLY recommend them. They have all the fittings, colors, and info. They make the belt assemblies at their facility which was a really big deal for me. Be sure to check out the protective sleeves that would allow the belts to route through the seat bottom frames while avoiding abrasion. They can be painted with vinyl paint to match
Very much appreciate the info and photo.
Looks like I will install the outboard belts to attach on the floor, inside of the seat tracks, and go through the seat bottom.

John Adams

[D.Yaros]

Like John E., when I added mine I put them through and behind the bench seat.  I would hazard a guess that 99.4% are installed in that location.  As for comfort, never noticed any negatives on that score.

Not the best pic in the world, but all that I have is attached.

[5390john]

Hi Dave:
Thx for responding. BTW, I went through your various links, quite impressive. Appreciate your writing and taking the time to do it all. I attached a few photos of "Marilyn", now about 5 1/2 years into her rebirth, interior will be done in about a month and then on to final assembly.
John Adams

[jdemerson]

Hi Wayne:
Thank you for responding.
I got my seat belts at seatbeltplanet.com , I dealt with the owner and I HIGHLY recommend them. They have all the fittings, colors, and info. They make the belt assemblies at their facility which was a really big deal for me. Be sure to check out the protective sleeves that would allow the belts to route through the seat bottom frames while avoiding abrasion. They can be painted with vinyl paint to match
Very much appreciate the info and photo.
Looks like I will install the outboard belts to attach on the floor, inside of the seat tracks, and go through the seat bottom.

John Adams

I got mine at seatbeltplanet as well, and was very satisfied. They can advise you on lengths, which differ front to rear.
John Emerson

[walt chomosh #23510]

John,
  Here's how I installed my front seat belts,seems to work well.(Note.seat is all the way back in pics)....walt...tulsa,ok

[D.Yaros]

Hi Dave:
Thx for responding. BTW, I went through your various links, quite impressive. Appreciate your writing and taking the time to do it all. I attached a few photos of "Marilyn", now about 5 1/2 years into her rebirth, interior will be done in about a month and then on to final assembly.
John Adams

Lookin' good.  A whole lot of nice work going into"Marilyn."  They were outstanding in 1955, and are certainly beautiful in 2017!