78 seatbelts... replace?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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78 seatbelts... replace?
Hi,
My passenger seatbelt didnt retract anymore so I opened the passenger side top headliner (T-Tops) and this green cap that says "Caution Do not remove" was off and there was this spring all kinked up... I took it off and am trying to work it back in buts a pain!! Is there a place where I can get just that retracator part... or how about a new seatbelt that isnt $300 for a pair!?!
At this point, if there is a way to not have a retractor just a simple bind and clip as a replacement I would be happy with that... any one can point me in the right direction to replace my seatbelts on a 78 vette?
My passenger seatbelt didnt retract anymore so I opened the passenger side top headliner (T-Tops) and this green cap that says "Caution Do not remove" was off and there was this spring all kinked up... I took it off and am trying to work it back in buts a pain!! Is there a place where I can get just that retracator part... or how about a new seatbelt that isnt $300 for a pair!?!
At this point, if there is a way to not have a retractor just a simple bind and clip as a replacement I would be happy with that... any one can point me in the right direction to replace my seatbelts on a 78 vette?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; Why don't you start a Thread on W. T. B. ( state color ) 1979 right side seat belt. I bought brand new ones for my 1 year only dark red, at a very reasonable price.. Good luck Have a great day. Gene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Hi,
My passenger seatbelt didnt retract anymore so I opened the passenger side top headliner (T-Tops) and this green cap that says "Caution Do not remove" was off and there was this spring all kinked up... I took it off and am trying to work it back in buts a pain!! Is there a place where I can get just that retracator part... or how about a new seatbelt that isnt $300 for a pair?
My passenger seatbelt didnt retract anymore so I opened the passenger side top headliner (T-Tops) and this green cap that says "Caution Do not remove" was off and there was this spring all kinked up... I took it off and am trying to work it back in buts a pain!! Is there a place where I can get just that retracator part... or how about a new seatbelt that isnt $300 for a pair?
You could send it to someone that rebuilds seat belts and ask what they would charge to rewind the spring, assuming the seatbelts are in good shape. It could be the spring has busted which is unlikely. I had my seatbelts cleaned and rebuilt for $160.00 by Seatbelt Sity. Or, track down some NCRS guys where you live and they may be able to just rewind it for you without the added expense of new belts. I don't think you can get away with "cheap" seat belt replacements.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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Thanks for the info guys! Hopefully I can find a youtube video on how to wind it up. If not will have to look at getting a new seatbelt system. Seatbets are still good, called a corvette place here in Southern California and they told me they can't wind them up... will have to pay $170 for a pair. So will have to do some searching here for more corvette people.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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I started to remoe the star like screws and then I notice the belt is in this slot on the headliner... any clues to removing it?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Missouri City Texas
The headliner has an insert that need to be removed...it is plastic and can be gently pushed from the back. The insert will have a slit to slid it out from the seat belt. Then the seatbelt buckel will slide throught the opening.
There is a picture on this forum somewhere.
There is a picture on this forum somewhere.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 104
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From: Missouri City Texas
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 167
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Here are the pictures...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...t-removal.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...t-removal.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
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Question: How do I get the bottom screw off... do I need to remove the passenger seat to get to it, or is there an allan wrench style star head that can give me enough clearance> Because the top was easy to remove... but not enough clearance on the bottom bolt.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Missouri City Texas
Yes, I had to remove the seats to get the seatbelts out.
The bolts are Torx ...T45 ?
If you use an allen wrench you might strip the interal torx splines.
I also decided to dye the headliner panels while they where out.
Using Corvette America dye color Oyster. Looks ok, better than the dirty color they where.
The bolts are Torx ...T45 ?
If you use an allen wrench you might strip the interal torx splines.
I also decided to dye the headliner panels while they where out.
Using Corvette America dye color Oyster. Looks ok, better than the dirty color they where.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
On the passenger side, I had to use, carefully a propane torch to heat it up and loosen it. It finally worked but I ended up destroying a T45 socket.
PS...and I removed both seat to have enough room to work
