I've read that the frame designs for convertible tops had changed a few times over the 87-92 production period. Does anyone know exactly what changed? I would like to add the rear seatbelt set up from a 92 T/A to my 88 so my rear passengers can have actual "safety belts" instead of the useless lap belts.
Problem is, when my top is down, there doesnt look like there is any room at all for the seat belt pods because of the tight location and the placement of the second bow. Has anyone added the 92 set up to their pre-92 car? How did it work out? Looking for any help or info on this change over. Thanks.

 

89-91 had shoulder belts that mounted to the toneau cover. Then they attached to the lap belt.

might be an option worth exploring

FYI, it mainly affected the tonneau covers, not so much the 'vert tops

-jason

 

The tonneau is different between 1989 & 1991. Since the shoulder belts attach to the tonneau, there are some reinforcement pins that hold the tonneau in place in case of an accident.

The 1992's however attached somewhere behind the seat and came over the back seat more like the hard tops. Not sure how it works, seen pix though...

I would think anything is possible, but you will have to 1) find a tonneau from a later model, and 2) may have to weld some brackets to actually attach the pins and reinforcements...

John

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'll research this more and see what I can come up with. I know shr00m bought that 86 vert which had the 92 tonneau/belts, so I'll see if he has any info on how the conversion works.

 

I have three vets: 89 roc, 90 bird and a 91 rs; the two camaros have the shoulder belts integrated onto the tonneau, but the bird has them in two pillars that are bolted on the body. If im not mistaken, the Pontiac/chevy offset may be, because the bird vert officially came into play in 91.

As for the actual frame there was a change between ’89 and ’90, I known because by sight the header-bow-trim is slightly different and when the ‘89 bow was installed onto a later model the latch rubbed the trim significantly.

 

if you are interested on the belts for the bird please PM me
thx

 

PM sent

 

this is a 91 bird from member underdave

if everything was installed back it would look exactly the same