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Low Back Seats with Lap Belt or 3 Point?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by connor016, Sep 5, 2012.

  1. Sep 5, 2012
    connor016

    connor016 New Member

    Santa Barbara, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2012
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    31
    I am building my 74 CJ5 and am fabbing up the seat brackets to go in the glass body (will be tied into frame). I was wondering what the standard stock setup was if it was just lap belts? I looked up lots of pics and thats mostly what I saw. Would it be weird to have a 3 point with the low back bucket seats? I would prefer the lap belts but now with the seatbelt laws am wondering if I would get pulled over all the time because they typically look across your shoulder for the belt. Would you go 3 point or lap belts with the low backs? Any pics of your setup would be great too:stout:
     
  2. Sep 6, 2012
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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  3. Sep 6, 2012
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Mar 12, 2012
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    3 points hands down. I wouldn't want my chest anywhere near that spear that jeep called a steering wheel.
    I've never been pulled over while driving with lap belts.
     
  4. Sep 6, 2012
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
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    Oct 26, 2005
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    1,785
    I've only had one officer pull up next to me and begin asking when he finally saw the lap belt, otherwise it's been very quiet.

    I'll probably get 3 point at some time just for extra safety, but for now I'm good.
     
  5. Sep 6, 2012
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    878
    My CJ5 has factory lowback buckets with aftermarket 3 point belts. Works fine, but the lowbacks offer zero protection from whiplash.

    My Scrambler has factory highback buckets with lap belts and it is my daily driver. I've never been pulled over at all, let alone for a seatbelt violation.
     
  6. Sep 6, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes.
     
  7. Sep 6, 2012
    connor016

    connor016 New Member

    Santa Barbara, CA
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    Aug 17, 2012
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    Appreciate the input....think I will go with lap belts for now considering I can get a set for 20 bucks rather than about 70 bucks each for 3 point retractable. Sure its not the safest but neither is the low back seat or a jeep but if they got away with it in the 70s should work now. Considering I ride a motorcycle every day the Jeep has to be safer....
    jeep toss
     
  8. Sep 6, 2012
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    Look on eBay - I bought my complete set of Wrangler belts for $100.
     
  9. Sep 6, 2012
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    878
    I bought a pair of new 3 point retractable belts online for right around $100. Shop around.
     
  10. Sep 6, 2012
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    or try the local u pull it yard.
     
  11. Sep 7, 2012
    roadhog304

    roadhog304 Member

    Leon Kansas
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    Dec 25, 2007
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    291
    I am not a big fan of the idea of buying used seat belts from the junk yard. My personal opinion is that someone is better off buying new than taking a chance with a set of used belts,because we are talking about the possibility of putting someones life in jeporady if they should fail.
     
  12. Sep 7, 2012
    connor016

    connor016 New Member

    Santa Barbara, CA
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    Aug 17, 2012
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    Was at the local pull it yard today and they wanted 50 bucks plus 30 for the belt...they are a rip off...went ahead and just ordered two sets of lap belts for both the front and rear seat shipped to me for 39 bucks. Maybe I will keep an eye out in the future for 3 point once I get a full cage built but for now lap belts it is!
     
  13. Sep 7, 2012
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    So, do you replace the seat belts in every used car you buy?
     
  14. Sep 7, 2012
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    878
    X2. If the webbing is in good condition and the retractor mechanism is functional there's no reason at all to be afraid of used seatbelts. The lifespan of nylon webbing is probably much longer than the average vehicle's lifespan anyway. The only reason I bought new ones is because they were on sale cheaper than I could get used ones on Ebay.
     
  15. Sep 7, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    I use used racing lap belts in my Jeeps. I pick them up at swap meets. They have date codes on them and must be replaced when out of date as per most racing sanctioning bodies. I typically pay $30-$45 per set depending on how complete (shoulder harness, submarine belt, hardware, etc.). Typically they are in brand new condition. Sometimes they even come in the original box. I like the racing belts as you can get them wider than most stock style units so they don't cut in to you and I really like the quick release on them. Regular latches can be almost impossible to release if you are on your side or lid. The quick release is much, much easier to release. damhik....
     
  16. Sep 8, 2012
    72_CJ5_MUD

    72_CJ5_MUD Gunner

    now Central Florida
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    Jan 16, 2007
    Messages:
    130
    As received at delivery in 1972'... vinyl lowback front seats with lap-belts both front seats.

    Still in use with no problems with law-enforcement. Picture coming soon.

    Note: Upgrading to widest, five point seat-belt harness and Corbeau low-back with headrest on both front seats.

    Gunner :AMC:
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2012
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