tricordati

Any words of wisdom on installing seat belts on a 1956 Olds 88?

redoldsman

I just put new seat belts in my 54. I replaced the ones in the front and added them to the back. Measure carefully where you are not drilling a hole through the floorboard that comes out on top of the frame. I took the back seat cushion out and took note of where I needed to mount them and then got under the car and looked at the floorboard. I believe the company I got mine from were Seat Belts plus and they are very nice. They have a good selection. I used the ones with the metal buckle. Good luck

tricordati

I assume same advise to install ones in the front.

joe_padavano

Be sure the anchor bolts go through a reinforced part of the floor, typically through a flange on the floor pan support crossmembers. If that's not possible, be sure to use one of the large, thick reinforcing washers available from aftermarket seatbelt suppliers. It doesn't do much good to install seat belts if the bolts simply pull through the relatively thin floor pan.

redoldsman

Good points Joe. Using a reinforced part of the floor was not possible on the 54 but I did use new half inch bolts and large fender washers. Seat Belts plus sells the bolt and fender washer as a kit for $2.95 which is what I used. Believe me the ones in the back are well secured since they will be used by the grandchildren.