Dave
To the best of my knowledge seat belts were available
for the 1960 Imperial at the factory. They were an accessory which was ordered
and installed at the factory (part No. 1902 291 - $23.95 installed). This
is why some came off the line with them and some didn't.
The 1960 Imperial Review
from Motor Life magazine, November 1959 (Page 64-65) states the following;
"Best of the new features are a double padded
instrument panel, improved seat belt design and a
wonderful emergency warning flasher system"
I have taken the pics of mine and will scan them and
send them to you when they are ready. Yes they are of the aircraft design made
of webbing material and mine are green - yes green. I have heard that green
belts were in many vehicles in those days even though my veh is black with grey
broadcloth seats. I have heard that some people say that the colour was
originally grey and that over the years it has somehow turned green due to the
sunlight etc however this is not so. When undoing the rear floor bolt and buckle
there is some webbing covered by the buckle for over 40 years (no light) and it
is green. They are exactly 5cms wide.
I believe that the U.S. Government didn't make it
mandatory for carmakers to install seatbelts in their vehicles till 1962 or
there about.
All the best
Larry Blomberg
(1960 LeBaron Sedan) Chap 1 http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/Blomberg/Page01.htm
Chap 2 http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/Blomberg/Page05.htm
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