Will I get decapitated? (seatbelts)

t_chelle16 · Jan 27, 2006

I just got done installing some 3-point seatbelts in my 67 and there's a bit of concern that because the strap touches my neck, in the event of a front end collision, I may lose my head (or at least crush my neck). So I wouldn't mind more opinions/input.

Here's my original thread in the talk forum:
http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=611217

For the most part, I followed these instructions:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/1121/seatbelt.html

Here's exactly what I did:
http://chelle.mine.nu/Sadie/seatbelts2.html

The result:

But, the strap does not go right across my neck like it looks like it would based on that photo. It just barely touches the left side of my neck. Pretty much all seatbelts do that to me because I'm short and I usually solve the problem by using belt adjusters which do a good job of positioning seatbelts just about right for me.

So, do you think I'd be safer with lap belts?

-Chelle "Marie Antoinette"

Tim65GT · Jan 28, 2006

I can't get to the link:

posted by Chelle

Here's exactly what I did:
http://chelle.mine.nu/Sadie/seatbelts2.html

I used the same reference:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S.../seatbelt.html
when I did my shoulder belt conversion:

'cept instead of welding, I drilled & tapped two 10-32 holes on each side of the 7/16-20 hole in a chunck of steel and used stainless steel screws to hold it in place. It still serves the purpose of giving the roof support area some "meat" to hold the main anchor bolt.

As far as "decapitation", I think if such a thing would or could happen, you would've heard about it. And there would be "DO NOT RETROFIT SHOULDER BELTS IN OLD CARS!!!" warnings all over the place.

DukeGnarley · Jan 28, 2006

hrm, the seatbelts in my coupe mount in with a bolt sticking through the door jam. something to think about.

jerry S · Jan 28, 2006

In the same boat

I noticed the same thing when I did my 3 point conversion. No, you won't get decapitated but yes, you could tear your carotid artery in a crash. I am rethinking the whole setup for this reason.

dennis112 · Jan 28, 2006

Glad that you guys still refer to my site at:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/1121/seatbelt.html

I am tall and never really paid attention to the belt location on my upper chest.

It has been several years ago since I did that article. The car that I used in the photos is long gone thanks to a divorce. The B##$%tch got it. All is well since I got the keep the "fun" cars.

66moneypit · Jan 28, 2006

DukeGnarley said:
hrm, the seatbelts in my coupe mount in with a bolt sticking through the door jam. something to think about.

I did the same thing due to it being a convertible and I like it alot. Never felt uncomfortable and once they are on I forget about them. I have Andover belts by the way, if that makes any difference.

Jester67 · Jan 28, 2006

66moneypit said:
I did the same thing due to it being a convertible and I like it alot. Never felt uncomfortable and once they are on I forget about them. I have Andover belts by the way, if that makes any difference.

It is my understanding that having the mounting point below your shoulder is more dangerous than to far back. In a crash it can compress your spine coursing serious injury. I have been looking at one of the drop type brackets that I have seen is mini vans and some SUV. It mounts at the top and the belt feeds thought a loop about 12 down. This will change the angle as the belt cross the shoulder.

66moneypit · Jan 28, 2006

Jester67 said:
It is my understanding that having the mounting point below your shoulder is more dangerous than to far back. In a crash it can compress your spine coursing serious injury. I have been looking at one of the drop type brackets that I have seen is mini vans and some SUV. It mounts at the top and the belt feeds thought a loop about 12 down. This will change the angle as the belt cross the shoulder.

I will look into that issue...but alas.... It's a CONVERTIBLE, I don't have alot of options on where to put a three point seat belt. I will take my chances with where it's at because I'd rather have one than not. It's as high up as I could put it.

t_chelle16 · Jan 28, 2006

Jester67 said:
It is my understanding that having the mounting point below your shoulder is more dangerous than to far back. In a crash it can compress your spine coursing serious injury. I have been looking at one of the drop type brackets that I have seen is mini vans and some SUV. It mounts at the top and the belt feeds thought a loop about 12 down. This will change the angle as the belt cross the shoulder.

I had the belts mounted in the door jam on old Sadie. The whole spine crushing thing is why I chose the higher mounting point this time.

I'll pick up some seatbelt adjusters today and see how they help. I might also look into the drop bracket thing, but I'm not sure if something like that would work with my existing seatbelts.

-Chelle

66moneypit · Jan 28, 2006

t_chelle16 said:
I had the belts mounted in the door jam on old Sadie. The whole spine crushing thing is why I chose the higher mounting point this time.

I'll pick up some seatbelt adjusters today and see how they help. I might also look into the drop bracket thing, but I'm not sure if something like that would work with my existing seatbelts.

-Chelle

I did do a few searchs on the spinal compression issue and one says "significantly below the shoulder" but doesn't give a definition of what significantly is. . I will have to look at some others.

roan65 · Jan 28, 2006

66moneypit said:
I did the same thing due to it being a convertible and I like it alot. Never felt uncomfortable and once they are on I forget about them. I have Andover belts by the way, if that makes any difference.

Do you have pics of where you mounted it?

Are there seats (good looking) that have the 3 point intigrated into it. I think the older caddies or lincolns might.

The drop bracket might be the way to go. maybe a a set of belts with a 6 inch drop?

66moneypit · Jan 28, 2006

roan65 said:
Do you have pics of where you mounted it?

Are there seats (good looking) that have the 3 point intigrated into it. I think the older caddies or lincolns might.

The drop bracket might be the way to go. maybe a a set of belts with a 6 inch drop?

I will take some pics for you. I know BMW Z3s have the seat beat integrated but I have no idea how that would work in a Mustang. It's definitely a thought though I hadn't considered.

FallujahMedic · Jan 28, 2006

I wouldn't worry about being decapitated. With it being an older car you have a much better chance of being killed by the engine when it comes through the firewall or by the steering column.

iskwezm · Jan 28, 2006

66moneypit said:
I did do a few searchs on the spinal compression issue and one says "significantly below the shoulder" but doesn't give a definition of what significantly is. . I will have to look at some others.

all of my friends NHRA cages,the belts are inline or a couple of inches below the shoulders

t_chelle16 · Jan 28, 2006

FallujahMedic said:
I wouldn't worry about being decapitated. With it being an older car you have a much better chance of being killed by the engine when it comes through the firewall or by the steering column.

That's pretty much what I figure. These old cars aren't safe for numerous reasons. I know I'm taking a risk every time I drive it, but I'm not about to sell it & get a volvo.

-Chelle

1966conv · Jan 28, 2006

Yes you will get decapitated

Therefore I think you should give the car to me.

Seriously, I think there are more dangerous parts than those seatbelts. Does the 67 have the self impaling steering shaft or did 68 get rid of that? You can do everything right and still end up injured (or worse) and you can do everything wrong and still walk away.

mudbilly · Jan 28, 2006

roan65 said:
Are there seats (good looking) that have the 3 point intigrated into it.

the chyrsler sebrings have them............. there are some, er, challanges with getting them to work though..........

if your interested it is about half way thru this thread

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=586145

brtnstrns · Jan 28, 2006

i did the 3 point with the bolt going through the door jamb. I feel very comfortable and secured with the positioning. I know the spine compression deal is when the belts go from the floor up over your shoulder like some people do in 4 wheeling trucks and stuff which is unsafe. But i think the positioning isnt too harsh of an angle to compress my spine.

66moneypit · Jan 28, 2006

brtnstrns said:
i did the 3 point with the bolt going through the door jamb. I feel very comfortable and secured with the positioning. I know the spine compression deal is when the belts go from the floor up over your shoulder like some people do in 4 wheeling trucks and stuff which is unsafe. But i think the positioning isnt too harsh of an angle to compress my spine.

I checked mine today as it was nice enough to go for a drive in the vert today.
The third point sits about 2 inches below my left shoulder. I am pretty comfortable where it's at.

By the way brtnstrns what kinda wheels are on your ride ?

wild70stang · Jan 28, 2006

dont they make seat belt pads that are easy to slip on that are supposed to cove the sholder area?

Will I get decapitated? (seatbelts)

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