Vintage Cars: seat belt removal from classic cars in a restroation, dodge dart swinger, shoulder harnesses

Question
Is it legal to remove shoulder straps from a car that came with them as equipment from the factory in a restoration.  My ex removed the shoulder straps from my 72 Dodge Dart Swinger during the restoration and I was told that if it came on the car it had to remain on the car. The shoulder straps were the kind that tucked in above the doors along the head liner and had clips to hold them in place. Hope you know and can help me.  thanks  

Answer
One site I went to said that shoulder harnesses were required in 1968, it was about 1974 that non-detachable harnesses were required.

I am not going to claim any proof, but I would guess that if it came from the factory, and it was mandated at the time, that you should leave it alone.  

But for instance if you had a 1957 Chevy that had belts installed at some point and wanted to remove them, that would be OK since belts were not mandated at the time.

Check with your local DOT, they may have a better idea if you could get ticketed for it.

Don