Looking for Honest, Thoughtful Input

For reasons I care not to share, I am finally getting back to finishing the '77 Maverick for my daughter. I've looked at and own after-market 3-point retractable belts and have bought a good set of factory retractable 3-point belts. The factory belts will need some minor work and a color change - unless factory tan will go with a black interior that has white seats.

I found these today...(click on the installation instructions to see how they mount once you are on the site)

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/am4point.html


I see some advantages to this four point system:
1. Can be adjusted to driver comfort.
2. Does not come across the neck like the 3-point belts.
3. Makes it easier for back seat access than the 3-point belts.
4. Keeps the driver and passenger in the seat more securely than the 3-point belts.

I'm having a difficult time seeing any disadvantages because, as a dad, I keep thinking that the newer cars, with air bags and crumple zones are safer (I'm not looking for opinions on that-my mind is made up on that area). But, I think the '77 Maverick can be made more safe than the way it came from the factory. I would appreciate some cons to go with my pros on this choice of restraint system. I Honestly have not made up my mind to get them. I already have a good bit of money in the other belt systems I have.

 

Look interesting, I just got the set from Andover last week, I just got 2pt for me and use around town for the front for now.

 

I am very interested in this topic myself. I don't have seatbelts.....I mean I have them, but for looks only. I have been wanting to get some 4 pt. or shoulder harnesses for some time now. But I don't know if I can get them to work with my factory buckets. I have always thought that this type of belt would have to be safer.......

 

Preston, if you read the installation instructions, these won't work with the high back buckets. They will work with non-high back buckets - with or without adjustable headrests.

 

That's what I was afraid of. I didn't read the instructions (which is very typical of me.....) Thanks

 

I have heard some negativity on 4 point harnesses when the backs are attached to the floor rather than to a bar behind the seat at shoulder height. Something to do with spine compression during an accident.

 

Any idea where I can read about that?

 

From a safety standpoint, I can easily see where that seat belt set up would be superior than a factory set up. Like you stated, none of the belts would go across the neck like the three point system does. I especially like that feature. Neither of the shoulder belts in my 77' Mavericks go across my shoulder. Instead, the belt goes right across my neck. That has always been a major concern of mine. If I, God forbid, should be involved in a serious head on accident, that seat belt might prevent me from from slamming my head into the windshield. But what good is it if I wind up with a broken neck instead? For that reason I very much like the look of that four point system. I do, however have one question. In the event of an accident, how difficult would it be to get the seat belts off if you had to get them off in a hurry?

 

Jean, from what I see, you just push the button and move them to the sides. there is only one connection. The shoulder straps slide on the lap belt. The lap belt as well as the shoulder straps are adjustable. You just put your arms through and buckle below the belly.

 

Hmmm.......I'm begining to like that system more and more.

 

terry , i've always read that you should anchor the shoulder belts on an angle behind the driver. i've read things about not having them angled down to the floor. keep in mind that the things i've read have been about racing belts. see http://www.race.zoovy.com/category/vinstall.seat_belt_installation_guide/ . may be nothing, but something to check in to. also i would think this system would make it harder to use than a regular 3 point seat belt and would therefore be easier to "not" use if you were going a "just" a short distance. also is she ever going to have anyone riding with her. i would assume yes. so are you installing these for everyone in the car? playing the devil's advocate here. if she has an accident and she is the only one with one, and is not hurt and someone else is. a lawyer would probably have a field day.
personally i think the 3 point belts are as safe as anything out there without getting in to racing speeds. sorry to be so long but just a few thoughts, since you asked,

 

You are correct, Sir!

NHRA says the seat belt mounts have to be level with the shoulders or 4" lower - NOT MOUNTED TO THE FLOOR BOARD BEHIND THE SEAT (for the reason Allan mentioned).

See "Restraint Rules" picture attached.

I don't have a "feel good" answer for you but, I would NOT get the 4-point for the reason mentioned.

 

terry, what i was saying about them being harder to get into is because i think, like in my race car to be functional you have to have them tight. which means they have to be loosened each time you get out. and as allan said about spine compression. that's what i was getting at. on the surface this seems like it would be safer but, like you, i'd have to check it out more.

 

This article is focused tat racing but has good information that can be applied for all safety

http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/nascar_seatbelt_system_tech_inspection/

 

Here are just a few articles I found. If you have any, please post them.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_2001_Oct_1/ai_78970764

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/01/ford-demos-new-airbag-based-seatbelt-design/

http://www.cartrackers.com/Buyers_Guide/Consumer_Advice/Safety/PID.6499.27301969101.1.html

http://alfaowner.com/alfaowner/mainmenu/harness.htm

added later:

http://www.drivingtoday.com/wbz4/features/archive/four_point/index.html