Old style lap belts wanted

I'm currently restoring a 58 CJ5 and trying to keep eveything as original and correct as possible. I realize that a 58 Jeep probably didn't even come with seat belts but I would like to give myself (and my wife) some degree of protection against falling out. I'm looking for something that is a lap style only (no roll bar) and is metal or chrome finish. I have no problem getting the webbing replaced, it is mainly the hardware that I need. Was there ever a "Willy's" buckle produced for any of their vehicles? My friend says he can get AMC belts, but they are black plastic and look too modern. Thanks for any help.

 

Putting any kind of belt on w/o a roll bar is suicidal. On some of the real old jeeps(military I think) a strap went from the lower outer corner of the dash to the top front of the rear wheelhousing. using a footman on the rear and an eye bolt & snap on the dash. this would be much safer. If the D--m thing rolls you want to jump. IMHO

 

you mean these? an old friend of Sparky's high-hood:

 

seriously though, in many cases (rear ending someone, etc.) I can imagine seat belts would save you. In case of a roll-over, major t-bone, maybe not. I don't think there is an answer, unless you can predict the type of accident you are going to be in.

 

I put the vintage look metal buckle type from JC Whitney in my 59 Impala. They might be what you're looking for. You could badge them by epoxying those Willys hat pins [available at most car swap meets] to the buckles. The 64 CJ5 got AMC belts out of a CJ7 I scrapped.

 

That's what I use in my Wagon.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...tom-0/p-2006829/N-111+10201+600003335/c-10101

 

Those are what I have in my jeep as well.

 

If you are going to use belts, better to go new like Whitney than junkyard. Belts do deteriorate after time and the elements are hard on them. Also, I would not advise using any belts that might have been in a wrecked car....

 

Thanks for the link to JC Whitney! These are exactly what I am looking for. I also found a site with Willy's "W" pins that I will order and epoxy to the buckle.

I appreciate the safety advice about roll over issues but I should have mentioned that this Jeep will never see mud, rain or even a top! It is pretty much a sunny day, go for a cruise vehicle. Too much detail has gone into restoring it (and too much money!). In trying to keep it totally correct, I can not install a roll bar/cage. This is why I want lap belts only.

Thanks again everybody!

 

These were in my 68 when I bought it. Safety concernsaside, some states require at least lap belts to be street legal.

 

I was in the Army from 74-94 and never saw a seat belt in a M151 series Jeep (Except a hand full of AF ROPS Jeeps), Duce, or 5 ton until way late. HMMVs always had em.

At the NTC we installed these in our HMMVs as they worked better. The 54000-2 is what I purchased for my restoration. Seat belt link

I believe they'll protect me during low speed front/rear collisions. It'll keep me in my seat while bouncing along. And yes, it'll be cancel Kwanzza if it's a major wreck, but I should die quickly rather than screaming in agony while I wait for medics and Dustoff to arrive before achieving room temprature.

 

Nice fuel cells too, might look into one for the DJ tub.