I did an exhaustive search on the forum for any information concerning the exact placement of the '70 - '72 seatbelt pockets on the center console. All I found was a few dead threads where the question wasn't answered, and a few promising threads where the "Here's a photo:" had a broken link! I then resorted to Google - and found a few bad pictures with the pockets installed in different places. Mostly, all I got was numerous pictures of the pockets as they appear in sales catalogs. No installed pictures. In fact, there's not a single vendor on the planet that shows these installed on the console...

I've come to the conclusion that the details concerning the installation of these pockets is held in secrecy - only those with a "need to know" can access this sensitive information.

Please, if there's anyone on this forum that can leak this information to me, I'd be forever grateful. I promise I won't tell.

sMiTtY

I'll post you a pic tomorrow if you promise not to let anyone else see it. :D

Jerry

I have a picture of the console I just took out of a frame off resto. I am doing a custom interior and won't be using the console. I assume they are in the correct position. Chris

Looks the same as my original, it came out of a monte but don't hold that against it. :D

Jerry

72 doesn't use the pockets !!!
Jim

72 doesn't use the pockets !!!
Jim

Good to know. My "W" vert didn't have any on the console and I was kinda wondering.... :thumbsup:

So what does the 72 have? There is no storage on the 72? Are the pockets 70 only?

72 doesn't use the pockets !!!
Jim

Jim: That's the first I ever heard that. I was under the impression that 70-72 consoles were identical. If they didnt have the pockets what provision was made for storage for the extra belt?

72 doesn't use the pockets !!!
Jim

I have quite a few photos of 72s with console and where the pocket area is shown, pockets are there. :confused:

72 doesn't use the pockets !!!
Jim

My Canadian built 72 (Nov. 71) sure did come with pockets. :yes:

Mike

Remember that in 1972 the shoulder belt tang attached to the lap belt tang and together they snapped into a single buckle. That was the crude start to the combination seat & shoulder belts. They also added an annoying loud buzzer & warning light on January 1st, 1972. Possibly the combined seat & shoulder belt were not incorporated in the early production 72s.

By 1974 the seat & shoulder belts were combined, a shoulder belt inertia reel was added (the missing link in terms of wearability). For the U.S. initially for '74, a complex seatbelt / shoulder belt / ignition interlock system was mandated; it was loathed by all who actually were forced to use it. Once the lawmakers actually started using the system themselves, they saw what a pain in the meck it was and quickly repealed the law. Basically you could not start the car unless your belts were buckled first (tell that to the dog you put on the passenger seat that is required to be belted before the starter would work).

Now I'm really confused. Does the 72 assembly manual show seat belt pockets?

Remember that in 1972 the shoulder belt tang attached to the lap belt tang and together they snapped into a single buckle. That was the crude start to the combination seat & shoulder belts. They also added an annoying loud buzzer & warning light on January 1st, 1972. Possibly the combined seat & shoulder belt were not incorporated in the early production 72s.

By 1974 the seat & shoulder belts were combined, a shoulder belt inertia reel was added (the missing link in terms of wearability). For the U.S. initially for '74, a complex seatbelt / shoulder belt / ignition interlock system was mandated; it was loathed by all who actually were forced to use it. Once the lawmakers actually started using the system themselves, they saw what a pain in the meck it was and quickly repealed the law. Basically you could not start the car unless your belts were buckled first (tell that to the dog you put on the passenger seat that is required to be belted before the starter would work).

All of my '72's except one (and the console was removed) were built after January '72. Also my car is a Convertible so it would not have the shoulder strap. Maybe it had to do with the type of belt. Std or Deluxe?

I checked the '72 Assembly manual and it did not show installation of holders? Maybe it would be in the Body By Fisher Book? I do not have a '72 Fisher Book.

LIke I said earlier, my Canadian built 72 (Nov. 71) definitely has them, but my car being an early build, doesn't have the seatbelt light in the dash either. I think the seatbelts are a different style with the later seatbelt warning system for 72, so they may be the ones that didn't have the pockets. Just a thought.

Mike

Mike, Nice looking '72!!!
I agree, I think it has something to do with the style of belt, I have seen 3 different types and the time the car was built. After the warning light deal.

Did 69 consoles have any sort of pocket like this?

68's had chrome u-clips shaped similiar to the male seatbelt clasps mounted to the console down low and aimed straight upward, the 69's used the same clip mounted a little higher and rotated slightly to the rear of the car.

Jerry

Was always curious as to why there are 2 pockets on each side when there is only one belt on each side!!!!

Was always curious as to why there are 2 pockets on each side when there is only one belt on each side!!!!

Lap buckle and shoulder buckle:D