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My C3 has separate lap and shoulder belts with the shoulder belt attaching to the lap belt. But, I can't get the two attached; the shoulder belt won't lock onto the stud on the lap belt. I'll try to attach pictures later but, does anyone know what I'm describing and is there a secret to get the two parts linked?
On the buckle of my '71, there is a square piece of spring steel at the base of that 'stud' which helps to keep it attached and prevents rattling when not being worn. Don't know if it was the same on the '73s.
On the buckle of my '71, there is a square piece of spring steel at the base of that 'stud' which helps to keep it attached and prevents rattling when not being worn. Don't know if it was the same on the '73s.
Thanks for the reply!
Yes, that's exactly what's on my 1973. The springs seem to be preventing the shoulder belts from actually engaging onto the stud. Should I be pushing down while trying to pull the shoulder belt onto the stud?
Well this is interesting............... I have a '72, and there is no such device on the end of my seatbelts. It's just a stud on the lap belt that a slotted piece on the shoulder portion snaps into. The place the stud goes into is cutout shaped like a snowman. I have no reason to believe that these belts aren't OEM...
Pictures attached of the ends of my original lap belt and shoulder belt from my 10/72 build 1973. On the lap belt, there is a square piece of metal on the stud that is flexible. Put the big hole of the shoulder belt over the stud and press down; then pull the shoulder belt so that the stud moves from the big hole to the smaller hole.
Fran
Well this is interesting............... I have a '72, and there is no such device on the end of my seatbelts. It's just a stud on the lap belt that a slotted piece on the shoulder portion snaps into. The place the stud goes into is cutout shaped like a snowman. I have no reason to believe that these belts aren't OEM...
I believe I have the same thing on my 73 and my shoulder and lap belts are the originals.
I don't recall any spring mechanism on the lap belt.
I will double check when I get home and take a quick photograph.
Pictures attached of the ends of my original lap belt and shoulder belt from my 10/72 build 1973. On the lap belt, there is a square piece of metal on the stud that is flexible. Put the big hole of the shoulder belt over the stud and press down; then pull the shoulder belt so that the stud moves from the big hole to the smaller hole.
Fran
Much to my surprise, I checked my lap belt and noticed the flat square spring is at the base of the stud on my lap belt.
My square spring sits perfectly flush against the lap belt and there is nothing under it as shown in this photo.
When my lap and shoulder belts are mated there is no compression on the square spring, so it appears the spring has no purpose now.
At one time I can see the spring was installed as an anti rattle device, as mentioned above.
Maybe I have a Friday built car and the additional pieces weren't assembled on mine.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Nov 28, 2018 at 10:05 PM.
Pictures attached of the ends of my original lap belt and shoulder belt from my 10/72 build 1973. On the lap belt, there is a square piece of metal on the stud that is flexible. Put the big hole of the shoulder belt over the stud and press down; then pull the shoulder belt so that the stud moves from the big hole to the smaller hole.
Fran
Roger that. I've been trying to simultaneously press and pull the shoulder belt. I'll give your, large hole first, then slide technique a shot.
Here are some photos of the shoulder and lap belt stud and spring on my 73.
Just the flat spring on the stud and the spring sits flush to the lap belt.
Mine connect and disconnect with no effort.
The slight discoloration is the rust under the spring.
They are the originals as you can tell.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Nov 30, 2018 at 11:59 PM.
I'm just perplexed. Do you happen to have calipers that you can measure the exact size of the stud and the size of the opening that it must snap thru? At least we can find out if that spring gizmo is causing the problem or if the stud size is at fault.
Take a picture of the shoulder belt attached to the lap belt from a “side” position. I’d like to see how it fits and if the end of the shoulder belt is bent up or down in any way; it should be flat thru the entire area of the hole. Thanks.
Fran
1973 Seat Belts
