There was a bit of a miscommunication on the wheels and they ended up not fitting the car. Rather than try to modify them they are going to make a new set.
I've been working on the front seat, integrating seat belts. The belt regulator and top mount/bezel are from an Escalade 3rd row seat and mounted in a similar fashion (belt exiting top of seat). I measured the distance on the Escalade seat from the seat bottom to the bezel and made pieces to mount these at the same height on the Brougham seat. Feels like it will be comfortable and the angle on the belt is minimal. (should be fine as it exactly duplicates the geometry of the stock cadillac seat).
Seat frame will be strengthened. Where the rearmost seat mounting holes are in the floor I'm going to add a body mount there to the frame.
Now I need to take the seat back frame and modify the structure to go around the seat belt assemblies. Over this will be a shaped piece of high density foam that will take place of the original springs. I'll have the plastic seat belt bezels duplicated in aluminum and chrome plated.
Ok, on to the rears. Much easier install here. Regulators mounted via an "L" bracket to the floor just ahead of the trunk hinge structure. Of course all mounting points will be reinforced. Pass-through hole cut in rear deck where bezel mounts were welded in. Put matching holes in the rear package tray and attach bezel. Looks nice I think! Not as clean as no seat belts at all but I like the idea of having them. The metal latch plates can be slid down between the seat cushions when not in use so the only thing you would really see when parked is the bezels and belts.
I'm having all the bezels made in aluminum which will then be chromed to match everything else in the interior. Front bezels will be made on a radius to match the seat curvature.
I picked up some mid 60's Cadillac belts and will have everything re-webbed jet black and put together with the vintage latches. Too bad I couldn't get the same pattern on the belt material as the seats, might blend in better.
Thanks Rob, as for the wheels I would guess a long time but I told them I was in no rush at all. Making a few design changes as well so waiting for some new drawings.
Jim, thanks and that is a good idea that I didn't think of though the machinist already started cutting the bezels from aluminum. At least it will be a few ounces lighter!
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
The belts look good. How much longer for the new wheels?
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