What's easier to do: Add rear shoulder belts or swap a dash? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

PootieTang · 10-07-2009, 04:23 PM

I am actively looking to buy a Z28 but find only the 89 and up have rear shoulder belts.

-also-

I really like the 89 and earlier dash

-so combine the shoulder belts with the older dash = 1989 only.

I would like to be able to consider 87-88 and 90-92 Z28s and so was wondering what might be the easiest modification - revert the dash (90-92) or add rear shoulder belts (87-88)?

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Mudskunk · 10-07-2009, 10:39 PM

wow you found someone small enough to fit back there??

Iroctopless · 10-08-2009, 01:29 AM

1989 was the year rear shoulder belts were Federally mandated.
A dash swap has been done by some, but it's no small undertaking.
I'd guess rear shoulder belts might be an easier conversion (addition). However, I would be concerned that such a critical and possibly life saving safety device be done correctly.
I'd say, with so many fine examples of '89's still out there, instead of putting time and money into modding something else, I'd rather spend it on purchasing an even finer '89.
As for the details of both mods, I can't help you out. But others here will be able too.

PootieTang · 10-08-2009, 01:41 AM

Hah, yes, my 8 year old and 5 year old will fit just fine!

And that's what I was thinking was just simply the best plan- stay with an 89.

Stephen · 10-08-2009, 01:54 AM

Wouldn't be that big of a deal, to cut the shoulder belt mounts of of a junkyard 89-92 & weld them in to a 88 or earlier.

Just make whoever welds them in, can weld GOOD.

I'm a certified welder & weld things people walk & drive under every day & it has to resist wind, hail, storms, etc. But even the importance of those, would make me think twice about welding those in myself.

I'm probably over-exaggerating them, but I'd hate to find out I was wrong, with my 7 yr old daughter back there!