Topic: seat belt for coupe 74
in Forum: C3 Interior
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The under-seat retractor of the driver side got a little rusted; to the point that in order to pull the seat belt, it has to re-tract all the way to the plasting casing before it could come back.
The problem is; you can't retract all the way, since the bracket wont go under the bar.
Looks to me like the 2 plastic wheels (side view of the retractor casing) could be mis-aligned a little bit. Somehow, it would have "skipped" a few teeth at one point of time and never got back. It looks like it is the shape of it that makes it dis-engage the metal bar across and allow you to pull back without locking.
Is there a way to open that case without breaking it so I can try my theory ? And if I drill out the pin that retains the cap of the case, out do I secure it back ?
At this point, I don't mind trying, since the seat belt is unusable and I can't find a NOS or even used one at a decent price. I am ready to make a few tries before I buy a set of "generic".
BTW, the 74 is slighly different than the others; it is a 3 points with an L-Shape clip.
While being here, I would take any suggestions for a replacement set. I would like to spend under 200$ total, no drilling of the floor and I still want 3 points (lap and shoulder, but not seperatly).
Thanks!
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If you decide to replace with other then originals then check E-bay for F-body rear belts. I put a set in my 73 and they work great. http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page3.html
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 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
I have the same problem on the pass. side of my '74. 
I took the thing apart and shook enough rust out to get it to pull out and retract, but it won't lock on decell. like it should. I talked to the guys at Ssnakeoyl, and they told me they could replace the retractor with an aftermarket replacement, and re-web the belt for around $100. The replacement retractor doesn't look like the orig., but you can't see it anyway. They can also put new date tags on them if you want/need them. I've seen a lot of their work, and it is first class all the way. I'm sending mine to them to get them done. Check it out and see if this is a good deal for your situation. 
http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/
I took the thing apart and shook enough rust out to get it to pull out and retract, but it won't lock on decell. like it should. I talked to the guys at Ssnakeoyl, and they told me they could replace the retractor with an aftermarket replacement, and re-web the belt for around $100. The replacement retractor doesn't look like the orig., but you can't see it anyway. They can also put new date tags on them if you want/need them. I've seen a lot of their work, and it is first class all the way. I'm sending mine to them to get them done. Check it out and see if this is a good deal for your situation.
http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Interior
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