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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Can 3 Point Seatbelts be Installed in a 65 Continental or Riviera?

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Expert: - 6/5/2010


Question
Hi,

I am looking into buying either a 65 Lincoln Continental sedan (hardtop, suicide doors) or same year Buick Riviera coupe. My wife is (rightly) concerned that neither car has more than lap belts front and back, and has pretty much said that neither she or the kids will ride in the car unless there's a way to install shoulder belts.

Is there any way to do this, has it been done? I'd even be willing to install some obnoxious looking 6 point race harnesses if they could be put in securely.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Best,

Joel

Answer
Hi Joel:
Many cars in the 60's didn't have center posts where you could attach a shoulder beat.
Attaching to the roof is too high, so the back of the seat is the only other option,
which is not a very good place for a shoulder belt. Keep two thing in mind...

1. Any belts you install will not have been safety-tested.
2. Make sure you use a professional that can properly weld the restraints in place.

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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