Camaro seatbelt converstion question...?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 5
Camaro seatbelt converstion question...?
I started installing Camaro (rear) seatbelts in my '74 vert. Question is: What must you do to position the retractor so that it locks the belt in an emergency stop? It appears the retractors are made to mount in a different position than our cars require, so the seatbelt keeps "spooling" out. It doesn't "catch" if you pull it quickly (as it does in almost every modern car).
Haven't had a chance to drive the car yet and test, but it doesn't look like its going to work.
Thanks in advance,
TS
Haven't had a chance to drive the car yet and test, but it doesn't look like its going to work.
Thanks in advance,
TS
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
did you get them from a coupe or convertible? convertible belts mount opposite of coupes. this is how a forum member made ones from a convertible work.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...aro+seat+belts
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...aro+seat+belts
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
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From: Waterford Mi
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Originally Posted by TonySinclair
I started installing Camaro (rear) seatbelts in my '74 vert. Question is: What must you do to position the retractor so that it locks the belt in an emergency stop? It appears the retractors are made to mount in a different position than our cars require, so the seatbelt keeps "spooling" out. It doesn't "catch" if you pull it quickly (as it does in almost every modern car).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 5
Yes, I understand how they work. It seems, however, with most seatbelts, if you pull them out rapidly, they will lock. These do not, unless I rotate the retractor to a different position. I don't want the locking mechanism to not work when I need it most. To test, I plan on doing a couple of fast-stops once they're officially installed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Took me 2 tries!
After scrounging the boneyards without luck i removed the rear belts from my '94 camaro. Put them in my '74 vette but they do just flop behind the seat and i have to dig for them to use. And i did install that retractor the wrong way the first try but got it right the second - same for belt to floor bolt (wrong side up).
But now i have much better condition belt that fits around my big gut with extra (well a little extra).:o
Yes, they will work just give it a couple tries to fit things up.
cardo0
But now i have much better condition belt that fits around my big gut with extra (well a little extra).:o
Yes, they will work just give it a couple tries to fit things up.
cardo0
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: san diego ca
Originally Posted by zwede
Actually everything is good! The proper mounting possition is where it spools out. The Camaro belts do NOT lock when you tug on the belt. Rather they have a pendulum inside that locks the belt when there is more than a certain g-force on it. If you want to test it just drive the car, hit the brakes, and try to tug the belt. You'll find it is locked solid.
same effect but more fun.But the camaro belts need to be from a late model.
BTW, mine just wrap around the seats and I found it smoother to swap the R and L (based on the angle cut on the plastic, less belt twist with them swapped).
Let us know how it goes.
What's an "uphill"?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 389
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From: san diego ca
Originally Posted by Kalway
Oh yes, you're in Florida, almost as flat as Kansas. Think of an on ramp that keeps going up for a long ways. 
Yes, here in San Diego we may not have seasons (well we do, but only one)
but we do have lots-o-canyons, and mountains closeby.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati OH
Originally Posted by TonySinclair
Which way was the "right" way?
I am switching my left and right around also to match how the belt comes out of the retractor. makes the bracket under the seat fit better too it looks like.
