I'm restoring my 69 Cutlass convertible and replacing seat belts. Is it possible or do they make a shoulder harness for these cars? Not the 4 point "racing" harness you see advertised but just something similar to what you see in conventional cars today to give added safety in a collision. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Brad

 

Yes, shoulder belts were an option. There should be threads with assembly manual scans showing where / how they mount; do a search for them.

Be aware that these would not be retractor style shoulder belts, just slider adjustment style, like the hardtop vehicles. This means you clip the belt across your chest, tighten it appropriately, and then be unable to lean forward / to the side without unclipping the belt. I was not really fond of them in my ‘70 Supreme and used them only when highway driving. Too much of a hassle for around town.

 

Brad, I got aftermarket seatbelts for my 71 98. They suck. Don't put aftermarket seatbelts in your Oldsmobile unless you are racing. Then get a safety harness that is rated for the type of racing you're doing. If your OE seatbelts are damaged just get them repaired by an online vendor.

 

Thanks for that info. There is an outfit called seatbelt planet that I keep getting ads for. Where would the anchor point be for the shoulder strap on the convertible. I seem to remember seeing one where the strap would extend to the panel behind the backseat

 

I've got aftermarket 3-point belts in front and rear from here in my Cutlass.
https://www.morrisclassic.com/collections/seatbelts

 

Yep, the anchor point is under the convertible top cylinder cover.

These threads have pictures of the belts on a 69:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/general-questions-44/shoulder-belt-72-supreme-convertible-40276/

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/interior-upholstery-8/69-cutlass-convertible-shoulder-belt-33600/

 

Shoulder belts on the outboard front seat locations were federally required starting with the 1968 model year. Your 1969 car left the factory with shoulder belts. Rear seat shoulder belts were an available option. The hard points are already located in the body structure. If you are asking about retractable three point belts, that is not what was used in 1969. From the 1969 owner's manual:

 

Joe, he’s asking about front shoulder belts on a convertible. I haven’t been able to find the CSM pages for those while searching the forum.

 

Ah, sorry, I missed that. Thew were optional and are shown in the Fisher Body Manual. Available under RPO A85 and AS1, depending on standard or deluxe. The convertible front shoulder belts anchor to the brackets that mount the top mechnaism.

 

Thank you for the excellent information. It looks like Morris has what I'm looking for. Best Wishes

 

FYI, the buckles can be disassembles and factory GM buttons can be installed to give a more “correct” appearance.