Rear Shoulder Belt Retrofit - 1989 LX Convertible

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Gecko - 30 Aug 2004 21:12 GMT

I'm SO eager to buy a particular '89 LX 5.0 convertible, but '89
Mustangs didn't have rear shoulder belts, which are a requirement
before I'll put my children in the back seat. Does anyone have any
experience installing (or finding a shop to install) retrofit
shoulder belts in a convertible? Thanks in advance!
- Jack

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Jimz466 - 30 Aug 2004 21:30 GMT

Jack,

I've pulled many 89 Convertibles apart and I can tell you with all honesty that
you'd end up with something which is probably less safe after the modification
than before. These models just don't have anything in that area designed to
withstand or absorb the potential impact loads associated with a collision for
shoulder harnesses to mount to. I think it would be very hard, if not
impossible, to find a reputable shop that would do this modification.
Especially due to any liability issues it would drop in thier (and thier
insurance company's) lap. We're talking MASSIVE potential liability issues.

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Gecko - 31 Aug 2004 04:56 GMT

Thanks. My backup plan is to use one of the two or three child seats
that can be used with just a lap belt. That should work for a few
years anyway. I've heard from at least one hobbyist who's installed
rear shoulder belts from a '90-'93 into an '89. As for liability,
you're absolutely right - no shop wants to do it.
- Jack

> Jack,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Especially due to any liability issues it would drop in thier (and thier
> insurance company's) lap. We're talking MASSIVE potential liability issues.

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