Topic: '73 Seat belts
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Hey there. Two questions realted to seat belts:
1. Any tricks on getting the retractor to work? The belt will pull out and will only retract if I manually move the safety bar on the mechanism. However, this is only accessible with the seat, carpeting, and cover all out of the car. I am considering just taking the safety bar/latch off but that will result in a seat buelt that really doens't work.
2. There is a hard plastic cover that goes over the retractor system (under the seat and carpet). Any ideas on where I can find a replacement? MidAmerica and Eckler's were both a "No".
Thanks,
Matt
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You can try to skwert some penetrant into the side of the retractor mechanism, and see if that helps. Chances are, the whole thing is just too rusty to operate properly. Good luck with that one!
The retractor cover will most likely only be available used. Try Paragon, Zip, or J&D Corvette.
The retractor cover will most likely only be available used. Try Paragon, Zip, or J&D Corvette.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I took a lap belt out of a newer GM car and had my buckle sewn on so my shoulder belt would work. Besides the retractor is under the carpet so you don't see it anyhow.
Dave
I replaced mine with F-body seatbelts. All my original stuff is still in a box in the garage attic. I might be talked into selling the stuff if someone needed them. They need work but everything is there. As far as the plastic covers, PM me an offer if you can't find them elsewhere.
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
Give these folks a call:
Ssnake-Oyl Products - Seatbelt Restoration
1-800-284-7777
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I had ssnake-oyl rebuild my belts and they did a great job.
Original seat belts are like gold. So it all depends on how much you want to spend, but regardless, you should have good (fully working) seat belts.
If I remember correctly, the cover on mine can only be removed by breaking it (so you can't put it back after...).
If you decide against restoration and go shop; I tried many junk yards to get originals in working condition. I found out that 73 & 74 are unique in their respective years, so it's even harder to find. And the ones they shipped where worst than the one I had. I ended up buying a good set of generic 3 points that works good. I lost some on the look, but I don't question the retractors.
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
[QUOTE=74-454]Original seat belts are like gold. So it all depends on how much you want to spend, but regardless, you should have good (fully working) seat belts. [/QUOTE]
Really? 
I didn't know that, I still use mine and they are workin' good. I think there was a chevy emblem on the seat belt for the '69. Does anyone out there know if there was and what it look like???? Mine look good, but the emblem is gone (if there was one).....help?
I didn't know that, I still use mine and they are workin' good. I think there was a chevy emblem on the seat belt for the '69. Does anyone out there know if there was and what it look like???? Mine look good, but the emblem is gone (if there was one).....help?�����
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Hey...just an update.......
I got the belt to work with a pretty strong dose of WD40. I found the part I was missing at gulf Coast Corvette for $50. All is good.
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in Forum: C3 Interior
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