Pvette76

I'm finally putting new carpets into my Vette. I removed them two years ago a don't remember where the seat belt covers go. Do they go under the carpet or over? I installed the carpet and put them on on top but it doesn't look right to me. Can anyone tell me or show a picture of the correct installation?

gjohnson

I just replaced the carpet in my '76. Which covers are you talking about? The one's for the shoulder belt in the back?

Pvette76

Sorry the plastic ones below the seat. I'm pretty sure they go under the carpet but want to be sure.

LudemJo

When I bought my 74 the seatbelts were jammed and dry rotted so that was one of the first jobs I did. The covers were mounted on top of the carpet, which makes sense otherwise you would have to pull the carpet back to work on the belt retractor. I am not promising that is the factory correct configuration, but it is the way my car was set up...and the belts appeared to be original.

John

scottw

Over the carpet is correct. Make sure you measure many times and cut the carpet less than you think on purpose so you get a good fit. Takes longer but better that than having to buy a new carpet set.

doorgunner

Exactly! Give a EXTRA inch everywhere on the edges of the carpet because once it is pressed firmly into place---it seems to "gobble up" more than you planned on needing!

Pvette76

Ok, so I need to cut the carpet below the plastic cover making sure there is enough excess so the cover holds it in place. I'm still a little confused because I see part of the plastic cover when looking down the side of the seat. I guess I need to trim the carpet to cover that part. I will step back and look again. Anyone with a picture with the seat removed???

dembo

Hi,
Here's a snapshot during my install. Note that you still see carpet in the slot where the seat belt passes through. I had to cut this away afterwords as the belt wouldn't retract.
Now you can see the metal loop .
Nick

brian1976

how do u take seats out ? do you have to ?

Peterbuilt

Do the seat tracks go on top of the carpet?

Pvette76

Yes the seats have to come out. I installed the seat tracks over the carpet.

Easy Mike

FWIW: C3 seats were some of the last items installed on the trim line. They always go over the carpets.

Peterbuilt

Over the carpet is good. The reason I asked is i'm refreshing my interior and the old carpets had an upside U shaped cut at the front of the seat track and the seats were bolted to the floor and a small part of the carpets was folded back over the bolt.

Installed Camaro seat belts and they work fine but the box that goes over the belt kept the belt from retracting so I had to remove them.

I should have paid closer attention to where each screw came from. Had to make a few trips to the Depot to match the length, thread size and try to remember which went where.
I amazes me how anyone can do a frame off!

Alan 71

Hi,
This is the 'flap' that p74 described.
I'm not sure just how long it was typical.... I'd think as long as the same tracks and mounting bolts were used.
Regards,
Alan

Peterbuilt

Yes Alan 71, the old carpet covered the bolt just like your picture.
Your attention to detail is truly the mark of a superior mind.
I had the tracks off to clean and paint and I lined up the holes but I would never have been smart enough to mask and then cut. Great tip!
My seat is on the carpet.


Thanks, Pete.