Buying identical new silver/grey seatbelts (closed in door, grease stains against a light color) has been a PIA. I've noticed that none (zero) of the seat belt replacement kits that I've seen provide the driver's side latch with the seat belt warning wire/connector that is part of the original latch (happens to be an `82). I haven't taken mine apart to see how the wire connects inside the sleeve, but I have two questions of anyone with experience and **** about keeping things original (restoring a time capsule C3 so that I can forever feel 22 yrs. old again when it was a dream sitting on dealer's new car lot is both a blessing and a curse. But, no going back, now):
1.) can the wire be easily moved to a replacement driver's side belt/latch?
2.) if not, do you know whether SnakeOyl or other restorers do so in their restoration process? (I sent them an eMail a couple of days ago but so far, no response). But, a new system sounds attractive because of the updated, smooth retractor assembly vs. reusing the original, and which is hidden anyway.

Ok, I'll cheat with a third question that I thought of while taking the photo, does anyone supply just the GM logo decal that is on the receiver latch? I understand that the latch can be popped open providing access to it.

I'll also attach a photo showing that even our good C3 supplier partners struggle with authentic colors. CorvetteAmericas application for the silver grey interior is more of a charcoal color. (Willcox only offers non-retractable alternatives if you search under "Seat Belts" in their catalog - what's up with that?). The customer support folks were nice and they took it back w/o questions, but they explained that they sometimes make things generic to cut down on their SKUs. Be cautious of their color application decisions. If you have a silver/grey interior request color samples for both "silver" and "grey". One of them will probably match, depending on their own vernacular. Also, at least the `82 has a 4-panel pattern (4 stiching panel stripes). The generics are either a 3-panel or more likely, a 7 panel which looks nothing like your original.

Hope this helps anyone else out there looking, but would appreciate your insights to the above (3) questions if you're in the know
Thanks.

Dave

 

Going through a similar issue with my 88...How the hell do you remove the belt with the wire from the plastic sleeve?.

 

the wire is sewn into the seatbelt fabric so it is secure - so, just push the buckle down through the sleeve and open/guide the wire out through the pre-cut slit at the bottom of the sleeve. I've already reinstalled mine but you can see the connector exit slit at the bottom of the sleeve in sleeve photos. I ended up taping around the buckle button and painting the button a fresh coat of black. An hour later before it cures I gently rubbed the button and the chrome logo (GM Mark of Excellence) shone through as if factory New. So, I was able to reuse the OE, wired receiver and keep it original/functionality.

 

Thanks for the helpful post!! I will give that a try, but pushing the buckle through the plastic sleeve looks painful!! I purchased a new set of belts, and am disappointed that the replacement receiver belt has no way to connect the seat belt reminder wire. Oh well......