Has anyone had experience doing this? I had my rear seats out and couldn't locate any mounting holes for rear seatbelts. I know in 64 this was an option but...were the holes drilled and tapped at the factory regardless if rear belts were ordered? thanks, Dave

The mounting holes are just a few inches up from the floor on the rear panel. The body book shows a bolt screwing into a tapped hole. Don't know if the tapped hole is always there. Sorry, my car is at a body shop and can't directly check but I recall the "tap" was similar to a welded on bolt and I think this was behind the rear panel. The book calls for this to covered with a sealant. You may have to look underneath the car at that area and see if there is something you can find on that side.

Good luck, Vince

"Visited" the car today, its getting there.

Mine is a '66 so it came with rear seat belts. The threaded "nut" is behind the back wall. With luck this is there in your car just covered with gunk. Does not appear to be a strengthened point. So, if it not there, you could accomplish the same thing by drilling a hole and (my idea) use an oversize washer against the outside back wall and place a smaller, correct size lock washer between the nut and the large washer.

Did this on another car. Always worked fine and in 25 years did not show any sign of stress. Thank God the install never had to undergo a test under any "adverse stress" conditions.

Vince

Thanks for the info...I'll be looking at this issue this weekend. I am also looking for any advice on removal of rear bumper in order to replace the rear emblem (it's all cracked). I think the shop manual states to remove bolts to inner and outer support brackets but can't I just remove the bolts holding reenforcement plate (4 bolts behind each taillight)?

I have a 64 roadster and vaguely remember replacing the rear emblem many years ago. I definitly didn't remove the bumper. It was fairly simple.
Try the easy way first. I think I reached the 4 bolts from underneath.
PS, the new replacement emblem will start cracking in a couple of years without anything impacting it.

Gabe...are you referring to the four bolts that hold the emblem to the reenforcement plate? When I looked at those it really looked like a tight squeeze to get to those...maybe not to bad to remove but I was thinking it would be a bear to get them back on...(just to get them started) but I'll give that a shot first since that would definately be an easier and less time consuming way to go. Of course every time I do something for the first time on this car I under-estimate the time involved...lol

A little late on this discussion but some feedback on my '65: I junk-yard'd a set of front belts, used ssnakeoil (actually they might have a third "s") for refurbish and they discounted me as they kept the retractors. They mached the fabric exactly (emberglow) and supplied a kit to install. I analyed the rear wall, drilled two hole (no, there was not a hole or welded bolt by the factory), sealed the metal, used some 'tar paper' washers and then the LARGE washers they supplied. It seems very secure and functional, and appears original. If you want more feedback on measurements I used, or pics of the installation, reply with your email address. Rob

Rob,
I would like to see your pics and measurements if possible. Do you think they are strong enough for a child seat?

dblue@gra.midco.net

I'm no expert but I would believe so. The washers that come with the kit I got from ssnakeoil are about 3" in diameter with 1/2" bolts. When mounted they are on the body wall behind the rear seat. I have two 9 year olds and feel safe as though they were factory. I plan on having a rule in the pics for reference. If the rain holds off on the east coast I'll get the pics tomorrow night. Rob

10 Pics on their way !! BTW, it's "www.ssnake-oyl.com"

Rob S,
I sure would like to see 10 pictures on installing rear seat belts in a 65 Thunderbird. I just bought a 65 landau this month and I don't know what I'm doing. Your pics would sure help me out. I don't even know how to use this fourm. Help wayne e-mail is below.
racewayne@yahoo.com

quote:

Originally posted by Rob S:
10 Pics on their way !! BTW, it's "www.ssnake-oyl.com"

Rob S: Any chance you could send those 10 PICS. my way -- racewayne@yahoo.com ... They would sure help me out as I'm lost on installing rear seat belts in my 65 Special Landau. Just got it a couple of weeks ago and it's our baby now. ....Wayne S

Wayne,
Sorry but I've been out of touch (summer time you know). I will look up the pics and get them off in the next couple of days. My apologies for the delay...

I would also be interested in the pics if possible. I have a 64 Landau with no rear belts. I'd love to take my daughter for a spin.

thanks
mail: dmacdon1661@rogers.com

thanks again
John

Sodja, I'll get the off in a few days - been business traveling : (.

Hi Rob,

I am trying to do the same, i.e., put seat belts in the back seat of 64 convertible. Any chance that you can send me a copy of the pics too? my e-mail is jetdrive1@cox.net...

Sure appreciate it my friend...

Mike...

Ok, I sent this link to Mike and is here for anyone to see. It's now Nov'06 and not sure how long yahoo will sponsor this photo album, but here it is for all to see. Good Luck All !

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=robs1965tbird&aid=5...s=1164480821&.src=ph

If this link doesn't work for you, let me know.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob S:
Sodja, I'll get the off in a few days - been business traveling : (.

Thanks Rob. Got the pics. Ahh,.... another project on my car. Like I don't have enough to do !!

I know this has been several years but I am hoping someone has photos of how to do this. I have a '64 and have been scratching my head for how to put something in so I can take the kids out for a spin. My email (ethancaldwell@hotmail.com). Appreciate any help.