First year for standard shoulder belts? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DANTIP** · 08-30-2010, 02:31 PM

I have a 1972 1/2 ton truck with lap belts and was ticketed in Indiana for not wearing a shoulder belt (my lap belt was on). The law reads that if shoulder belts were standard equipment and installed by the manufacturer, they must be worn. Optional shoulder belts for 67-72 trucks are very desirable and were definitely not standard equipment. I suspect the belts became standard in 73-75 but don't know how to prove it. Is there a document that proves the year the shoulder belts became standard?

Jonboy · 08-30-2010, 02:54 PM

They were still an option in '73, for sure.

*78 Chevyrado* · 08-30-2010, 03:05 PM

I don't know the answer to your question, but....

When you go fight it, remind them that pickup trucks are (or were) under different laws that cars in respect to seatbelts...

Around here in GA, They've enforced proper seatbelts in cars since the 80's but they JUST 2 MOS. AGO made a law that you have to wear seatbelts in pickup trucks and vans.

Take a pic of your RPO sticker, be sure your VIN is in the pic and take that with you, you'll just have to convince them that shoulder belts were an option and show its not on your RPO sticker...

Jonboy · 08-30-2010, 03:19 PM

Maybe someone has access to a '72 option book that lists the shouler belts as an option. I only know that they were an option in '73 as my '73 Custom did not have them, and the holes inside the cab were plugged.

glock35ipsc · 08-30-2010, 07:16 PM

They were definitely not standard in a 72.

tucsonjwt · 08-30-2010, 09:14 PM

Wait a minute here - If your truck had shoulder belts, then there should be a threaded hole on both sides of the cab up in the corner near the headliner - for the bolt and pivot for the shoulder harness. - Does your truck have that threaded hole? No hole - not an available option on your truck. Officer is incorrect, in that case - take a pic of both your truck (without) and another later model square (with) and bring it to court.
My 73 C20 had lap belts only, my 76 C20 had shoulder belts.

71meangreenc10 · 08-30-2010, 09:23 PM

Every truck that I have had had the option hole, only one (72) had the option belts. My 71 chevy and GMC have the hole and no belt on the SPID. My 70 Burb also has holes and no belts....I would research the spid and take that evidence to court. The officer is probably too young to know history.

Maybe this guy can help out. A85 is the option for 67-72 trucks.

http://outintheshop.com/options.html

Smitty

Big Port Jimmy 6 · 08-30-2010, 09:59 PM

Overzealous cop, the magistrate or judge should dismiss. I would also call the clerk and tell them of the situation. They may be able to dismiss before your court date. Jay

ron350 · 08-30-2010, 11:31 PM

My 1975 C10 came from the factory with lap belts only.

bigblock73 · 08-30-2010, 11:38 PM

I thought 76 or 77 was the first year they were standard on all trucks.

BLE 'BURBAN · 08-31-2010, 02:05 AM

My 74 came only with lap belts although it had the welded in nuts in the "B" pillars for shoulder belts, they had plastic plugs in them that were sealed in when they painted the cab at the factory. I believe the 3 point harness became manditory on all vehicles-cars & trucks-in '76.
But don't quote me on that.
Dave

motornut · 08-31-2010, 04:42 PM

according to my rpo's for up to 80's you could order with/without a suburban 2nd rear seat not installed,means no seats means no belts,and no sign of them ever installed.but i dobt that helps unless there is a rpo for no front seats

engineco713 · 08-31-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Port Jimmy 6

Overzealous cop, the magistrate or judge should dismiss. I would also call the clerk and tell them of the situation. They may be able to dismiss before your court date. Jay

He/She was probably trying to get a "Click-it or Ticket" stat.

Bad70sbchevy · 08-31-2010, 08:34 PM

I know in Fl, the law only applies to trucks 1972 and up and cars 1968 and up, but I dont know if lap belts count or not.

SCOTI · 08-31-2010, 11:06 PM

My 74 is lap belts only. The 3pt anchors in the pillars are there but capped off w/an OE painted plug.

Adams74Chevy · 09-01-2010, 10:06 AM

My 74 Cutstom Deluxe is lap only...I'll have to check my 73 Silverado I just got it's got several options so it may have them.

bigblock73 · 09-01-2010, 10:10 AM

my 73 Cheyenne Super has lap belts only. I am pretty sure shoulder belts weren't even available for the first few years...even though the provisions were on the cab for them.

hatt · 09-01-2010, 06:22 PM

This is most likely crazy talk and not sound legal advice. But, make the court prove your year had standard shoulder belts. That's how it use to work, the innocent until PROVEN guilty thing. Probably doesn't have anything to do with the current revenue based laws.

Adams74Chevy · 09-02-2010, 01:54 PM

Checked out my '73 Silverado and it has shoulder belts...they look original, but I have no way to prove one way or the other the RPO code sheet is long gone.

purplehavoc · 09-02-2010, 02:05 PM

My 75 C10 that i used to have was lap belts only. There were plugged holes behind the trim panel,but no holes in the trim panel.

davepl · 11-15-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatt

This is most likely crazy talk and not sound legal advice. But, make the court prove your year had standard shoulder belts. That's how it use to work, the innocent until PROVEN guilty thing. Probably doesn't have anything to do with the current revenue based laws.

I'm no attorney, but if the state argues you should have been wearing your belt under the law as written and you can't prove otherwise, then you're guilty, right?

I was in small claims court once suing a guy I paid for a motor who in turn had not paid the machine shop (so I paid twice). I tried to introduce GM documentation of what a "complete" engine is vs a long block or short block and they wouldn't take it (not authoritative or something). So what the standard for documentation is I don't know, but I'd have an RPO order sheet and a '72 owners manual with you.

cadillac_al · 11-15-2013, 07:51 PM

MY 76 GMC is lap belt only. I got stopped with it this year and I had to explain to the kid cop that shoulder belts weren't standard on these old trucks. I'm hoping he won't hassle old trucks any more. I do believe 76 was the last year without shoulder belts. I don't see any plug or place to mount one either.

donut · 11-15-2013, 08:19 PM

"If you found this post to be helpful or entertaining, please mail $1.00 to "Happy Dude", c/o Redmond, WA. "

Do I get a dollar if I point out this thread is 3 yrs old?

SSC's76 · 11-16-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donut

"If you found this post to be helpful or entertaining, please mail $1.00 to "Happy Dude", c/o Redmond, WA. "

Do I get a dollar if I point out this thread is 3 yrs old?

Still is a good thread 3 years old or not..

. Ive gotten pulled over once because of this. 76 custom deluxe no provision for anything other then a lap belt.

V3500KING · 11-16-2013, 08:22 PM

I had a 77' with a lap belt only and my 78', and 81' has the shoulder belt. My 90' crew cab has shoulder belts in the rear as well.

08-30-2010, 02:31 PM	#1
DANTIP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Posts: 1,888	First year for standard shoulder belts? I have a 1972 1/2 ton truck with lap belts and was ticketed in Indiana for not wearing a shoulder belt (my lap belt was on). The law reads that if shoulder belts were standard equipment and installed by the manufacturer, they must be worn. Optional shoulder belts for 67-72 trucks are very desirable and were definitely not standard equipment. I suspect the belts became standard in 73-75 but don't know how to prove it. Is there a document that proves the year the shoulder belts became standard?

08-30-2010, 02:54 PM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? They were still an option in '73, for sure. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

08-30-2010, 03:05 PM	#3
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? I don't know the answer to your question, but.... When you go fight it, remind them that pickup trucks are (or were) under different laws that cars in respect to seatbelts... Around here in GA, They've enforced proper seatbelts in cars since the 80's but they JUST 2 MOS. AGO made a law that you have to wear seatbelts in pickup trucks and vans. Take a pic of your RPO sticker, be sure your VIN is in the pic and take that with you, you'll just have to convince them that shoulder belts were an option and show its not on your RPO sticker... Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 08-30-2010 at 03:06 PM.

08-30-2010, 03:19 PM	#4
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? Maybe someone has access to a '72 option book that lists the shouler belts as an option. I only know that they were an option in '73 as my '73 Custom did not have them, and the holes inside the cab were plugged. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

08-30-2010, 07:16 PM	#5
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? They were definitely not standard in a 72. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

08-30-2010, 09:14 PM	#6
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? Wait a minute here - If your truck had shoulder belts, then there should be a threaded hole on both sides of the cab up in the corner near the headliner - for the bolt and pivot for the shoulder harness. - Does your truck have that threaded hole? No hole - not an available option on your truck. Officer is incorrect, in that case - take a pic of both your truck (without) and another later model square (with) and bring it to court. My 73 C20 had lap belts only, my 76 C20 had shoulder belts.

08-30-2010, 09:23 PM	#7
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? Every truck that I have had had the option hole, only one (72) had the option belts. My 71 chevy and GMC have the hole and no belt on the SPID. My 70 Burb also has holes and no belts....I would research the spid and take that evidence to court. The officer is probably too young to know history. Maybe this guy can help out. A85 is the option for 67-72 trucks. http://outintheshop.com/options.html Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van" Last edited by 71meangreenc10; 08-30-2010 at 09:31 PM.

08-30-2010, 09:59 PM	#8
Big Port Jimmy 6 Addicted to Rust Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abbeville SC Posts: 1,030	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? Overzealous cop, the magistrate or judge should dismiss. I would also call the clerk and tell them of the situation. They may be able to dismiss before your court date. Jay __________________ Current trucks: (48 GMC100 320 inliner) Gone (48 Suburban in pieces) Sold 87 GMC CCSB 5.3 4l60E Daily Driver ECTA National record holder XO/PP We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

08-30-2010, 11:31 PM	#9
ron350 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 266	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? My 1975 C10 came from the factory with lap belts only. __________________ Stock 75 C10 step side. 350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles.

08-30-2010, 11:38 PM	#10
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? I thought 76 or 77 was the first year they were standard on all trucks. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

08-31-2010, 02:05 AM	#11
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? My 74 came only with lap belts although it had the welded in nuts in the "B" pillars for shoulder belts, they had plastic plugs in them that were sealed in when they painted the cab at the factory. I believe the 3 point harness became manditory on all vehicles-cars & trucks-in '76. But don't quote me on that. Dave __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

08-31-2010, 04:42 PM	#12
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? according to my rpo's for up to 80's you could order with/without a suburban 2nd rear seat not installed,means no seats means no belts,and no sign of them ever installed.but i dobt that helps unless there is a rpo for no front seats __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

08-31-2010, 08:34 PM	#14
Bad70sbchevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Newberry,FL Posts: 277	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? I know in Fl, the law only applies to trucks 1972 and up and cars 1968 and up, but I dont know if lap belts count or not.

08-31-2010, 11:06 PM	#15
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,066	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? My 74 is lap belts only. The 3pt anchors in the pillars are there but capped off w/an OE painted plug. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-31-2010 at 11:06 PM.

09-01-2010, 10:06 AM	#16
Adams74Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MD Posts: 417	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? My 74 Cutstom Deluxe is lap only...I'll have to check my 73 Silverado I just got it's got several options so it may have them. __________________ 2006 Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 5.3L automatic 1986 M1008 CUCV 6.2L Detroit Diesel TH400 4.56 Detroit Locker rear NP208 1973 K20 "Silverado" 350ci, HEI, TH350, NP203 with 2wd conversion, A/C, power windows,tilt wheel, dual tanks. My '73ish K20 thread My 5yo son claims it as his. 1987 V20 Custom Deluxe 350 TH400 NP208 "farm truck" getting parted out. 2016 Nissan Altima grocery getter/commuter



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09-01-2010, 10:10 AM	#17
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? my 73 Cheyenne Super has lap belts only. I am pretty sure shoulder belts weren't even available for the first few years...even though the provisions were on the cab for them. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-01-2010, 06:22 PM	#18
hatt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 47	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? This is most likely crazy talk and not sound legal advice. But, make the court prove your year had standard shoulder belts. That's how it use to work, the innocent until PROVEN guilty thing. Probably doesn't have anything to do with the current revenue based laws.

09-02-2010, 01:54 PM	#19
Adams74Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MD Posts: 417	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? Checked out my '73 Silverado and it has shoulder belts...they look original, but I have no way to prove one way or the other the RPO code sheet is long gone. __________________ 2006 Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 5.3L automatic 1986 M1008 CUCV 6.2L Detroit Diesel TH400 4.56 Detroit Locker rear NP208 1973 K20 "Silverado" 350ci, HEI, TH350, NP203 with 2wd conversion, A/C, power windows,tilt wheel, dual tanks. My '73ish K20 thread My 5yo son claims it as his. 1987 V20 Custom Deluxe 350 TH400 NP208 "farm truck" getting parted out. 2016 Nissan Altima grocery getter/commuter

09-02-2010, 02:05 PM	#20
purplehavoc Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kenora Ont. Posts: 59	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? My 75 C10 that i used to have was lap belts only. There were plugged holes behind the trim panel,but no holes in the trim panel. __________________ 09 GMC 2500HD 6.6L 07 F-250 Super Duty V10 03 Chevy Tahoe 82 K5 blazer plow truck,currently under the knife 56 GMC stepside short,also in progress

11-15-2013, 07:51 PM	#22
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,376	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? MY 76 GMC is lap belt only. I got stopped with it this year and I had to explain to the kid cop that shoulder belts weren't standard on these old trucks. I'm hoping he won't hassle old trucks any more. I do believe 76 was the last year without shoulder belts. I don't see any plug or place to mount one either. __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10

11-15-2013, 08:19 PM	#23
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? "If you found this post to be helpful or entertaining, please mail $1.00 to "Happy Dude", c/o Redmond, WA. " Do I get a dollar if I point out this thread is 3 yrs old? __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

11-16-2013, 08:22 PM	#25
V3500KING Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Spring City, Utah Posts: 53	Re: First year for standard shoulder belts? I had a 77' with a lap belt only and my 78', and 81' has the shoulder belt. My 90' crew cab has shoulder belts in the rear as well.

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