Topic: Shoulder belts retractor
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and looking for advice and info on how to fix or replace one of my 1969 (coupe) shoulder belt retractors in the rear compartment. It does not rewind. Can they be fixed or are there any replacements available? Thanks. RJ
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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
Welcome to C3VR, RJ!
The sealbelt retractors can be restored, unless the rust-worms have gotten too fat from them. There are a couple of places that both restore, and sell Corvette seatbelt systems. A word of warning, tho...it is quite expensive!
Seatbelt City, and Snakeoyl both restore/repair the retractors, and belts.
There are other alternatives, also, if you are not 100% set on keeping it all original. You can use the seatbelt/shoulder harness from a Camaro/Fireturd fairly easily. Brian(redwingvette) has done this, and has said he likes the set-up just fine.
The sealbelt retractors can be restored, unless the rust-worms have gotten too fat from them. There are a couple of places that both restore, and sell Corvette seatbelt systems. A word of warning, tho...it is quite expensive!
Seatbelt City, and Snakeoyl both restore/repair the retractors, and belts.
There are other alternatives, also, if you are not 100% set on keeping it all original. You can use the seatbelt/shoulder harness from a Camaro/Fireturd fairly easily. Brian(redwingvette) has done this, and has said he likes the set-up just fine.
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"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
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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 used Snakeoyl like Joel said they are not cheap. They did do a great job though. I have read articals about using the firebird seat belts. Not a difficult conversion and many vette owners have gone that route. Just takes time searching for them.
I replyed to your email but just in case here is my link
I got pretty lucky finding the belts on Ebay for $8 including shipping (I won the bid at $.99).
You have to do a little fitting but it is easy and they work great.
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
Here is one also, they rebuilt my '78 belts.
excellent service and great price. You can comapre prices when your ready. Good Luck! 
I agree with the previous comments on Snakeoyl. I used them to refurbish one side (shoulder-lap combo) and it was probably as expensive as replacing both sides with newer products (wouldn't look OEM though). Their work is good, but not cheap. Also plan on some turn around time. I submitted mine in early May and didn't see it again until August (called every 2-3 weeks just to make sure it wasn't lost).
Got mine back in less than 2 weeks!
96softail 2008-01-07 20:57:08
Very much OEM. Sent my old ones in, matched the color to a tee.
Under 300 for both..
Remove the belts from the car and look at the ratchet mechanisms on the side. On my 73 the ratchet slipped out from the redish gear and would not allow the belt holder to turn. I just repositioned the ratchet and turned the redish gear and everything worked fine.
Roger
Thanks guys, been checking out the sites you mentioned and also one I found > www.andoauto.com/Corvette.htm. (Andover Companies, Inc.) They had a shoulder belt retractor for 1969 even showed pics of it. Well, I guess you can't trust words or pictures. The retractor worked, but my retractor cover won't fit over it. The retractor unit is way bigger than OEM. When I called they said, well it isn't like the original and the cover will probably not fit over it. How about that! Well, the hunt continues..... 
in Forum: C3 Interior
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