Congratulations on a nice buy.
The 1965 models were only built with front seat belts, however rear seat belts were optional. Beginning in with the model 1966 model year lap seat belts were standard on the front and rear seats. The standard belts were a plastic pull cover. Many Corsa and Monza models were delivered with the "optional" deluxe seat belts with a stainless steel buckle and push button.
Per the body tag data sheet I have for "GROUP 5".
In 1965 the "W" code was for deluxe front seat belts with retractors. There were no standard rear seat belts.
In 1965 the "G" code was for optional rear custom seat belts (apparently deluxe were not available for the rear).
In 1966 the "Y" code was for deluxe front and rear seat belts, retractors on front belts. (Custom belts front and rear were standard)
Also part way through the 1966 model year roof mount brackets were installed for shoulder belts on the 66 bodies. The body tag has a small hole punched in the tag, however Chevrolet did not "technically" list shoulder belts as an option until the 1967 model year. They may have been a mid year option.
If you want the original hardware with new webbing, then find good used buckles and mounting brackets (buy old worn out belts). Years ago I sent used buckles and mounting ends to Python belt restoration and they did a great job fixing them up and installing new webbing -
https://pythonrestoration.com/. They area a small operation and only do GM and Ford belts. There is also Ssnk ol belt restoration. A larger outfit, with mixed reviews. At the time they said "Send up you belts and we will give you an estimate, but you have to pay to get them back if you don't use us!" That turned me off. See
https://www.ssnake-oyl.com/
The reproductions are bad, but not exactly like original. So it's your call.
I DO NOT USE THE RETRACTORS as folks let the belt go and WACK it strikes and beats up the aluminum sill plate. Also if you don't pull the belt up BEFORE you close the door then sometimes the buckle end gets pinched between the door and sill plate and damages the sill. That said it's a hobby car you probably won't drive that much so the routine of hunting the floor for the belts isn't that big a deal, at least for me. Just part of the charm of an old car.
When I had a 69 Olds Vista cruiser wagon I drove a lot, I put in newer three point retractable (one buckle) belts. Note the Chevy 1969 shoulder belts had NO retractor and used a separate floor belt and buckle - what a mess and few used them. They were a mess of belts. A classic "met the letter of the law, but were so annoying to use that few used them. Amazing how long it took to get a decent three point shoulder lap belt.
Enjoy your car.
I like the idea of keeping it period correct, though retractable/push button would be most convenient. Time to research belt options. Any suggestions are welcome.
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