When did Chrysler switch from the fixed two piece seat belts (shoulder and lap belt that just dangle) to the one piece retractable seatbelts more common today? I know that 72 cars still had the fixed two piece design, but soon after that thebelts switched.

Thanks!

1974 was the first year for the retractable 3-point "UniBelt", as Chrysler called it.

Up to 1971, they were still horsing around with five buckle-belts on the front seat: one each for the left and right lap belt, one each for the left and right shoulder strap, and one for the centre lap belt. For 1972, they added a second tongue to the...uhhh...I don't quite remember how they did it, but they cleaned up the mess a little so that there were two buckles on the left and right front inboard buckle-belts.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks. I detest non-retractable seatbelts, so I am trying to avoid getting a car that has them in my current car search. So it looks like I am interested in post-74 cars only. Thanks!

Or get what you want and swap in a set of the Wesco 4-point belts, which offer much better safety performance than any of the 3-point belt setups. Search "Wesco" here on the board and you'll find all the info.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Hmmm. Thanks Dan! That opens up the field a bit more.

Is it possible to put original 74 and up retractable belts in a 73? I have extra 74 front belts from a Dart and I have a 73 Dart for my next project.

Short answer is "No". It would take a lot of cutting and welding and panel reinforcement to make a safe, clean installation, and they still wouldn't be anywhere near as good as the Wesco 4-points.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.