B.Dual Retractor Three-Point Shoulder/Lap System - 1974 to 1983 Cars and Light Trucks and 1974 to 1985 Econolines and Club Wago

Figure 4:

The dual retractor three-point system is used for front outboard occupants (Figure 4). The lap belt portion and shoulder harness are joined at the tongue. To secure the belt, the tongue is inserted into the buckle of the inboard belt portion.

Figure 4:

Figure 6:

Except for the 1983-85 Econoline and Club Wagon, the webbing for the outboard lap belt extends from the belt retractor located on the rocker panel that automatically locks when the belt is being worn. This locking feature prevents the belt from being pulled out further, but allows the belt to retract, thus maintaining a snug fit around the user for increased safety. This lap belt retractor is located on or in the rocker panel (depending on car line and model - Figure 4) or on the seat pedestal for 1983-85 Econoline and Club Wagon (Figure 6).

Figure 4:

The shoulder harness webbing has one end fixed in a retractor (Figure 4) which is located in or on the rocker panel, or in the "B" pillar post (depending on car/truck line and model). The Mustang/Capri shoulder harness retractor is located in the quarter panel. From the retractor, the webbing then passes through a guide above and behind the occupant's shoulder which directs the webbing at the proper downward angle over the occupant's shoulder and chest, and attaches the tongue to the inboard belt buckle. The shoulder harness retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in or out at all times, except during vehicle deceleration, when the retractor is automatically locked by a mechanically actuated retractor inertia sensor.
The inboard belt buckle passes through the seat cushion on a bench seat or around the side of the cushion on a bucket seat to a fixed anchorage on the floor or seat pedestal for Econolines. Attaching (locking together) the tongue and buckle secures the occupant with both lower and upper restraints. This attachment of the tongue and buckle can be accomplished by a single continuous movement.