Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

[Stuart F.]

I have noticed on later C-2's (say 65 - 67's) that there is some sort of recepticle at the rear of the center consul that the seat belt buckles may be attached to when not in use. For many years I thought the owners just knew how to place their belts well for display and I was envious. Upon closer inspection I concluded that there was indeed a recepticle there (call me naive).

Could any of you C-2 owners so blessed tell me if that is an extension of the consul from the factory or is it an aftermarket device? If the latter is true, where can I get such an animal for my 63.

Stu Fox

[William C.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

'65-66 is a factory piece that bolts onto the rear of the console. The '64-67 consoles were die cast and the '63 is thin alimonum. I wouldn't DREAM of trying to drill a real '63 console to add this feature.

[Don H.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Yes Bill, but check me on this. The seat belt retainer does not bolt to the console. I just had my console out to replace my shifter boot, and I did not touch the seat belt retainer. I believe the retainer screws to the underbody hump, and the console just lays over it. I think you could install a seat belt retainer, and not molest anything that anyone would ever see. (but check me, as I am still learning this stuff myself)

note: Bill is absolutely right, I am confused out of my mind, and need to study Sting Rays a lot more before the next test...... Please totally ignore my comments above

[Peter B.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Stu,

Here's a link to the Zip Corvette page showing the brackets for 65 - 67. Note that 66 and 67 have early and late versions. I guess it depends on whether you want to judge the car...still, after all the work I've put into a correct restoration, I'd have a hard time modifying any original parts.

Pete

http://www.zip-corvette.com/GroupDet...orage+Brackets&

[William C.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

65 is a bolt on to the console, and 66 is the same. '67 bolts onto the cover for the e-brake assy (not present on prior years). I have no idea of what the configuration you are describing was used on, unless the design changed in late '66, and there is no indication in the AIM that this is the case..

[Dan H.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Hi Stu, I bought one of the clear plastic console cover/cup holder trays and bolted the seat belt retainer to it so as not to mess up the console, works perfect, holds junk and the belts when not in use.
Dan

[Kirk M.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

You aren't thinking of these are you? These are the cups on a 67 for shoulder harnesses.


Kirk

[Dan H.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Kirk, no, I'm using the aftermarket console clear plastic protector with cup holders. It comes off in seconds when you are showing the car etc. Fits over console from radio panel back over rear edge of console. I screwed the 67 style belt retainers to the plastic protector, no mods to real console panel at all.
Dan

[Jim S.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Yes Bill, but check me on this. The seat belt retainer does not bolt to the console. I just had my console out to replace my shifter boot, and I did not touch the seat belt retainer. I believe the retainer screws to the underbody hump, and the console just lays over it. I think you could install a seat belt retainer, and not molest anything that anyone would ever see. (but check me, as I am still learning this stuff myself)

note: Bill is absolutely right, I am confused out of my mind, and need to study Sting Rays a lot more before the next test...... Please totally ignore my comments above

In 65 and 66 ,at least , the seat belt retainer was screwed into the center console. Not only was the console drilled out it the rear , it had two ,in essence nuts welded to it from the back side for some strength.

Jim

[Stuart F.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Dan and Peter;

Thanks for the information. I too have a clear plastic cup holder over my consul. It is very handy for cups (no power shifting) as well as garage door openers, etc. It also serves to protect that "oh! so expensive and rare anodized aluminum 63 consul" too. I will look into the bracket idea with Zip (Thanks Peter) as I currently have aftermarket belts, but intend to have my originals redone soon. I believe the buckle is quite different, but at $19. each, what the heck!

This whole idea or concern came about as I had new seat covers and buns installed at the winter meet courtesy of Uncle Al and his expert installers. Now I want more to protect them rather than throw the belts around willy nilly. Bolting to that cup holder might just be the thing, but perhaps with a support behind the plastic.

Thanks to all you guys!

Stu fox

[Dan H.]

Re: Seat Belt Stowage on Late C-2's

Stu, I just pop revited the bracket to the back of the cup holder thing. Put some tape over revits so they don't scratch that anodized expensive piece of sheet metal you 63 guys are blessed with!
Dan