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Since we wanted the interior to be just a little different from what we normally see at car shows, we decided to install bucket seats and to "Go Western" with the fabrics.
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In order to mount 3-point seat belts in Boop's Coupe, I had to cut out a portion of the "B" post as shown in the above photo. Then, I drilled and tapped a couple of holes (to accept the top belt attachment) in a piece of 3/8" in steel plate that was cut just small enough to be wiggled into place inside the "B" post. Then I welded the plate in place. Note that this should to be done before priming the post. I do believe that on a 4-door, you can slip the plate in from the top of the "B" post without having to cut part of it out. The retractor at the bottom is bolted to the body web that runs behind the door (coupe) or to the lower end of the "B" post (4-door). The lap belt anchor is bolted to the floor near the "hump". Be sure to use the appropriate anchor washers to keep the anchor bolts from pulling thru the floor and seal both top & bottom of the anchor bolts to keep moisture out.
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When installing retractor in a coupe, be sure to place it far enough forward that it does not interfere with the rear seat when you install it. You might need to weld a plate in the body web that runs behind the door. As you can see by the above photo, I cut it a little close in my installation. In order to get the lower seat out, I have to unbolt the retractor. The good news though is that nobody trips over the retractor getting in or out of the car.
Oh yes - one more thing - be sure that you have determined the basic color of your upholstery before ordering your belts. Originally, we were going to put in grey/red so I ordered grey. Now, I am going to have to order a tan set.
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Once we decided to install bucket seats, we had to find a source. We checked out the local "Pick 'n Pull" wrecking yard and, after looking at every accessible seat in the place, decided on a set of 1991 Isuzu seats. We chose them because they were (a) - the right size, (b) - the most solid set we could find, and (c) they folded both forward (access to the rear seat) and back (comfort on a trip). After coughing up $35, we hauled them home and got started. We had a friend weld up a seat frame because they were shorter than the old bench seat.
THE FOLLOWING 4 PHOTOS ILLUSTRATE THIS ADVENTURE.
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The upholsterer, Gary Conrad, did a masterful job on the seats - as he did with the rest of the upholstery.
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A couple of photos of the seat frame might be of interest.
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AND THIS, MY FRIEND, IS WHAT BOOP'S COUPE LOOKS LIKE WHEN FINISHED.
Thanks again Gary for a fine job!!!
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Boy, am I glad Betty talked me out of grey tweed with wine trim. At shows, all the ladies love the western motif.
Actually, the seats are still not totally finished. We want to add some sterling silver and turquoise accents to the back of the front seats and elsewhere (not quite sure yet).
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