After market seat belts

[1997outback]

Hi, I have an 1986 dl wagon. I need chest belts in the back for the kids booster seats. Has anyone upgraded the belts to chest belts? Could I bolt to side pillar?

[83gl_JL]

I was hoping for someone to answer as I am in the same boat also. PITA swapping cars every time I have to grab the kids, I will be keeping an eye on this thread. If I find anything in searching I will post.

[superpoo93]

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-and-accessories/3-pt-retractable-lap-shoulder/

[skishop69]

In order to install shoulder belts in the rear AND make them safe, you'll need to weld a nut (same thread size as the seat belt mounting bolt) to a piece of 3/16" plate steel. That piece will need to be placed on the B pillar and welded around the perimeter so it has full contact with the B pillar. I would also drill 3 or 4, 1/2" holes around the welded nut and weld inside them to the B pillar. This will distribute the load of an impact across a greater area of the B pillar reducing stress on the metal. The B pillar metal was not designed to take the lateral loading of a seat belt during impact and may tear since it didn't have rear, factory shoulder belts. Do it without the plate metal and bad things will ensue. If you don't have the ability to weld, or know someone who can (or bribe someone who knows how to ) then it's going to cost a pretty penny providing you could find a shop who would take on the responsibility.

[83gl_JL]

Thanks for the info, and that’s kinda what I was assuming. I do have a friend who welds and does fab work, seems like a lot of effort for something that may or may not help. My sube never sees the freeway and the kids are only in it for about 4 miles from daycare to home on backroads when I don’t have time to swap cars.