Jeff Balazs Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 Paul; If it is legal or not wouldn't be the first question I would ask myself. Is there actually room for 4? and how safe would that be? Legal or not? I think you already know the answer. How would you feel if something nasty happened ? would be the question I asked myself. If it is just me that gets hurt....no big deal...but my loved ones? That is another story. For what it is worth. Jeff 1 Quote
TodFitch Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 I have a piece of flat iron under the floor, some use large thick washers. My question concerns numbers, only three or can I go four? Will have to look up the code Todd noted. I clicked on what he has in his post, but I can't see the "equipment" section. Sorry, I gave you the link to the seat belt requirements section within the equipment section. If you want to find other things in the motor vehicle code, start at the table of contents: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.html/veh_table_of_contents.html Quote
IanT_Qld Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 I'm running no seat belts, (in australia if the veichle was originally not fitted with seat belts then there is no requirement to install them), however my truck is still only registered to carry 3. Quote
DJ194950 Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Paul, Even if it were legal for four in the front seat, I would never put my grand kids in that tight of a seat arrangement. Seat belts or not. Four in that truck i would only consider it with legal seats with seat belts in the rear bed with a very good roll bar over their heads with at least 4 points mounting points. Considering the time of year a cover an over head cover and a sliding window front to back to be able to talk. Kids would most likely love it! Maybe the car is best unless you are determined. DJ Edited February 9, 2015 by DJ194950 Quote
pflaming Posted February 9, 2015 Author Report Posted February 9, 2015 My brothers and I double dated a great deal in a 53 F 100, so I know there is room, the question remains, is it legal? I will find out. Quote
Vermonter Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Maybe I'm using the term "rat rod" imporperly here, being that I am still unsure of where this build is going... but I've never seen anyone build a ratrod and ask whether something was legal or not... My two cents... I think the safety of your family should be the most concerning question. Legality probably won't even come into question on a truck like this, as most people will be blinded by the cool factor. I got pulled over in my '67 VW once and out of the dozen or so violations I could've been ticketed for, I was let go. The cop never even saw the viloations because he was too busy laughing at my golf club shifter to question whether or not it was legal. Considering the shifter was in my view of the windshield, I'm certain that would've been a fine. Not to mention the inspection sticker that was 3 years old... but my illegal windshield visor blocked that...still no ticket. I'm not saying riding dirty is a good thing, nor did I pride myself on it. But I think your family's safety should be the question, not legality. I'm still on the edge of my seat for updated progress pics. Quote
Jeff Balazs Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Paul; It shouldn't matter if it is legal or not. And what you do as an adult and the risks you take are up to you. But putting children at risk? They are counting on Grandpa to make good decisions. About 30 years ago I witnessed and was drawn into a Grandfathers poor decision making. My wife and I had been out boating for the day and were headed back into Newport harbor when I saw the beginnings of a disaster unfold. There were huge ground swells running that day when I noticed a brand new flybridge cruiser coming out of the harbor. It had too many people ..... mostly children on the flybridge and I yelled to my wife that I was going to speed up as it would surely roll. Sure enough it all happened in front of us. I can still picture it like it was yesterday. We pulled 7 out of the water including Grandma. Two other boats rescued the rest of the 12 that were thrown into the water as it turned turtle and then righted itself. Grandpa managed to stay with the boat......clinging desperately to the wheel. First boat.....first time out with the family....and very poor judgement. And Grandma was fit to be tied. We transferred our group to the Harbor Patrol and headed on in. About 20 minutes later we heard over the radio that Grandpa had suffered a massive heart attack and had been pronounced dead. Sorry but no BBQ or any kind of event is worth putting your family through something like that. Jeff Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Monday..high noon Cali time..surely you have called or gone to the DMV for the correct answer... Quote
TodFitch Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Monday..high noon Cali time..surely you have called or gone to the DMV for the correct answer... Or read the vehicle code at the link posted over the weekend. Quote
John-T-53 Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 Why cram everyone in the cab when you have a bed....? Quote
Vermonter Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 If a 22re Toyota can do it, you should have no problem getting at least 12-13 bodies in your bed. Just watch your wheel clearence. Quote
MBF Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 My grandkids are young, but only go in my trucks in a seat belted car seat, and then only one at a time. In an accident the last thing I want to think about is someone bouncing off the steel dashboard. Think about an accident Paul, you've potentially have four bowling balls slamming around uncontrolled in an unpadded cab. My 2 cents, and your choice. Quote
pflaming Posted February 10, 2015 Author Report Posted February 10, 2015 MB, your response closes the case for me, truck will be a two belt vehicle. Now to study how others have installed three point belts, maybe a appropriate size washer with a recycle logo on it or " go Palin!" Lol 1 Quote
Frank Elder Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 Bench seat question. Would it be legal to put four seat belts in my truck for two adults and two grand kids? Is the legal issue belts or numbers, or both? How would you shift? Which child would you pick to eat your elbow for the whole trip?Will 4 fit in that tiny cab?Can you steer comfortably with 4 in the cab?Can you legally have 4 in a cab? I find it uncomfortable and less safe with 3......can't even imagine going to the store with 4.............. Quote
pflaming Posted February 10, 2015 Author Report Posted February 10, 2015 Frank, the inside shoulder to shoulder dimensions of the 52 Pilot house and the 53 Ford F100 are the same, 57". In '55 dad had a car accident which totaled the car. Dad, Mom, my 14 year old brother and myself use that F100 for our car for some 90 days. There is room. With three on the tree, shifting is no problem. Yet I'm not going to go four. The need is not great enough. I have not contacted the DMV, yet a knowledgeable friend thought that the issue was belts not numbers. Quote
Frank Elder Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 3 on the tree does make a difference Paul, I thought you were 4spd.....one child is enough distraction in my book.....regardless, good luck in your challenge. Quote
Don Coatney Posted February 10, 2015 Report Posted February 10, 2015 When I was around 7-8 years old I always sat next to my dad and did the 3 on the tree gear shifting for him in his 1952 Chevy. 2 Quote
MBF Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 Wow Don. I did the same thing in my parent's 53 Chev 210 two door (still have the car). When I was about that age on Sunday mornings we'd go to visit my grandparents about 5 miles away. My Dad would let me sit on his lap to shift and steer the car on the way there. I don't think that would fly today-different world back then. To bring this full circle, I very clearly remember going to visit an aunt in that same car with my grandfather driving. He was visiting with me and realized at the last minute he was at an intersection with a stop sign. He slammed on the brakes and I flew head first into the dashboard. Rang my bell pretty good, but there isn't a noticeable mark on that dash. That had to be in the late 50's not too long before our first seat belts that my Dad installed in his new 59 Ford Country Squire. Been wearing them ever since. Quote
TrampSteer Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 I quickly ordered a seat belt kit after having driving at 60 mph for 15 minutes. Two shoulder sets and a lap belt in the middle. Hopefully will be in next week. Whole kit including brackets and bolts was under $300. My friend who did his 60's Willies used the same kit, works great. Quote
Barry Maxwell Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 I quickly ordered a seat belt kit after having driving at 60 mph for 15 minutes. Two shoulder sets and a lap belt in the middle. Hopefully will be in next week. Whole kit including brackets and bolts was under $300. My friend who did his 60's Willies used the same kit, works great. I would appreciate knowing the source of your seat belt kit. I am thinking of doing the same thing for my '51 B3C truck and my son's antique Jeep. Many thanks. Barry Quote
TrampSteer Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 I would appreciate knowing the source of your seat belt kit. I am thinking of doing the same thing for my '51 B3C truck and my son's antique Jeep. Many thanks. Barry Sent you a P.M. Quote
Jeff Balazs Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 Something you may wish to consider when fitting 3 way belts is beefing up the upper mounting area just to the rear of the door. This is kind of a weak point in my opinion and the connection of the sheet metal to the door column needs to be looked at. I had a fabricator fashion some reinforcing plates to fit on the inside of this area and he plug welded them in several places.to the sheet metal and the door column The mounting plates that come with the seatbelt kits then slide in behind all of this. Julianos is a good source for the belts. Hope this helps, Jeff. Quote
pflaming Posted February 11, 2015 Author Report Posted February 11, 2015 I think I may find A couple Mopar "badges" put them on the out side, then a chrome machine head bolt. Unusual patina; unusual applications. For example instead of a rifle in the rear window gun rack, I will put a fire mans axe! Quote
John-T-53 Posted February 11, 2015 Report Posted February 11, 2015 Something you may wish to consider when fitting 3 way belts is beefing up the upper mounting area just to the rear of the door. This is kind of a weak point in my opinion and the connection of the sheet metal to the door column needs to be looked at. I had a fabricator fashion some reinforcing plates to fit on the inside of this area and he plug welded them in several places.to the sheet metal and the door column The mounting plates that come with the seatbelt kits then slide in behind all of this. Julianos is a good source for the belts. Hope this helps, Jeff. Jeff, Very true about the 'B' pillar needing reinforcement - the sheet metal (trim piece) on the inside of the cab (that some have affixed their shoulder belt anchor to) is very inadequate without a lot of reinforcing. It's only held to the cab with a couple spot welds and #8 sheet metal screws. Plus, it's very thin. Do you have any photos of the work you did here? This is on my list. Thanks, Quote
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