[Andre]

I believe that it was one of the many things that appeared in the 1967 model year safety changes such as:
brushed wheel trim rings
Collapsing steering column
front seat belts with integrated retractors
four way safety flashers
rubber trim around inside rear view mirror.
... and a bunch of other things that I don't recollect. California being a different kind of animal may have been earlier than the nationwide mandate.

[60sstuff]

Originally Posted by Andre

I believe that it was one of the many things that appeared in the 1967 model year safety changes such as:
brushed wheel trim rings
Collapsing steering column
front seat belts with integrated retractors
four way safety flashers
rubber trim around inside rear view mirror.
... and a bunch of other things that I don't recollect. California being a different kind of animal may have been earlier than the nationwide mandate.

My observation over 50 years of collecting GTO’s.

I agree that 1967 (Pontiac Tempest Series) brought on protective rubber (rubber trim around the inside rear view mirror and mounting bracket base, plus rubber knobs on window cranks).
BTW, 1966 was first year for padded sun visors.

Besides being the first year for collapsing steering column with integrated safety flashers, there were the front seat back push locks.
Also first year for optional shoulder seat belts.

Some items that were already available in earlier years.
Brushed wheel trim rings were on the 1965-66 Rally I wheels.
Also front seat belts could be ordered with retractors in ‘65-‘66.

California had nothing to do with safety changes made (except smog) in these cars as it was mandatory from all plants.
I have several factory Original example GTO’s in my files showing brushed wiper arms / blades from other factories in 1966,not just Fremont.

[Kenth]

Shoulder front seat belts came available 3/1/1966.

Also, an odd California regulation on 1966 rear stop and turn signal lamps!

[60sstuff]

The provisions (anchor nuts) were installed for these shoulder belts in ‘66, but I’ve never seen any that year.

PHS in 1967 shows Shoulder Belts, Front Seat code #434, and I have seen this rare option on a couple ‘67 GTO’s.

Also another interior change in ‘67 were the coat hooks made of plastic.