FRE3DOM

where can I get a full retorfit or full direct replacement kit for my '73 C3. The one from Eklers, made in China, doesn't fit, and can't make it fit.

7T1vette

If you have the buckles, retractors, etc. you should find some new seat belt webbing fabric at a fabric supply warehouse and just rebuild what you have. I don't think you can really find anything new that looks like the original belts. You might be able to find used stuff on e-Bay. If it is poor shape, again, you can rebuild with new webbing IF you have all the hardware. Good luck.

VCuomo

If you have all the hardware, try these guys (they're not cheap, but they have a great reputation for doing it right): http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

speedreed8

i had the ones in my 79 redone by them(snakeoyl) $200, look factory new. they are in tyler, texas. just east of dallas. great work.

kdf1986

There are some Forum members that are using the rear seat belts from a late model Camaro or Firebird. That system is almost a direct bolt in for the Corvettes.

It depends on how much you need it to be all original, or if you are looking for an alternative seat belt replacement.
kdf
Here is the latch comparison


Here is the reel assembly

DMONSVETTE

Pretty sure I have seen NOS ones on that E auction site for about $600-700.

rihwoods

Another option is Andover Restraints...very good aftermarket...under $300 and bolt right up to stock locations...sets include lap,shoulder belts,restraints,etc...



Rich

VCuomo

The only issue with Andover (IIRC) is that they don't sell retractor lap belts, so it depends on how original he wants the belts to be.

Paul L

Have you considered the C3 three-point set from Eckler's?

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...3&dept_id=1707

They (C2 version) worked in my 1967 (and are not Chinese).

carlthecopyking

I have just placed an order from MidAmericaMotorwoks for there complete seat belt kit for my 75 coupe. They go for $300.00.

redwingvette

I found some Fbody belts on Ebay for less then $8. No one bid on them but me. interior

FRE3DOM

Thanks for all the replys,, the eklers set that I got appears to be the same one that you got, paul, unfortunatly, it doesn't fit my '73, the bend in the lower belt retainer is the wrong direction for it to bolt to the mount under the seat, the bolt holes are too small for the stock shoulder bolts and the retractors don't fit straight in the rear locations. Eklers was way off on this one, so I will be sending mine back for a full refund, as they advertise it to fit a 68 to 75, and mine definitly doesn't fit. I did find a general after market set that I think will fit: http://store.gotbelts.com/relapshwbuen.html while this isn't OEM, it's a daily griver,, and safety is the motivation for replacing them in the first palce. btw, I like the build up you've done on your engine Paul67, I'm also using the Holley 4175, that's one sweet carb!

Paul L

That's unfortunate. Mine came from a company in Fullerton, CA and fit very nicely. The GM buckles came from Andover and replaced the generic chrome versions provided. I kept the original GM belts for a future owner if he/she is inclined to go back to stock. Safety is my concern as well and lap belts alone do not give me confidence.

Eckler's may be using different sources for different years. It really is a pig in a poke getting parts these days. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Generally I have had good luck but I do read the horror stories here and over in C2 from time-to-time.

You must be mistaking my car with another. I am using an Edelbrock #1406.

mikebaskette

am looking for a nice combo seat/shoulder belt for my '70. One item of interest that keeps sticking in my mind is the little plate the shoulder belt attaches to on the body. Maybe its me but doesn't that plate attach to fiberglass? This is safe how? Maybe it is a state of mind....see a shoulder belt, why it must be safe, right? hmmmmm.

CCrane65

Actually, it bolts to a steel reinforcement plate riveted to the body. I went to replace my carpet and had to cut around the passenger shoulder belt because even with a 3 foot cheater bar on a 1/2 drive socket I couldn't break the bolt loose. I think you'll be safe enough.

Oh yeah and lots of WD40.

cc

rihwoods

The existing (restraint) mounting plate does attach to "fiberglass" but is designed as reinforcement and to handle anticipated loads...there are replacement plates available from Andover if yours is deteriorated or missing...

Rich

CCrane65

FRE3DOM, I bought a pair of lap belts from Rik's Corvette Parts for $150. They do not have the electrical connector for the warning light and they are a bit fatter than the original ones so putting the plastic cover back on is a challenge but it will go.

They have the rivet for the shoulder belt and it does fit the factory shoulder belt unlike some others. Rik's also has shoulder belts.

cc

Paul L

This is what the bracket looks like on a 1967. The C3 is similar.



If you wish to take safety one step further, cables are available to bolt that bracket directly to the frame. They are designed for lap belts but can be "adapted".

FRE3DOM

Thanks for all the help, i think I am going to be going with Andover,, a bit pricy at near $300 bucks, but the Eklers set was $258, so 6 of one, half a dozen of another, plus I would like them quickly, and don't want to wait more than a week for them, as it is, my seats are sitting in my livingroom, and half the interior liners are out.

SHADRACK

I just did the same thing- ordered from MA motorworks -should be here next week. Did you take your old ones out yet? Not a lot of fun.