'72 Shoulder Belt Retractor Repair

[Mark Anderson]

Both of the shoulder belt retractors on my '72 coupe are in need of repair. Currently, I have to pull and retract the belts numerous times before I can get them fully extended. Actually my passenger side is just about impossible to pull out. I am in the process of taking them out to see if I can clean them up, short of taking them apart. I have heard that I should leave this (disassembly) to the professionals.

* Opinions on doing this myself?
* Things to try?
* Vendors? (in addition to Ssnake-Oyl)
* Any experience with what this might cost?

Thanks!
Mark Anderson

[Erv Schlepp]

Re: '72 Shoulder Belt Retractor Repair

Mark:

I had Ssnake-Oyl refurbish mine and the seat belts to judging standards. They have been judged without problems. I had the work completed about three years ago and do not remember the cost. The work has held up, however like most of us the Vette does not get driven enough. The work was done on our 1970 Big Block,4-speed convertible with shoulder belts. Good luck.

[Mark Anderson]

Re: '72 Shoulder Belt Retractor Repair

Well, I took the drivers side out today. Cleaned it and lubed (very small ammount of WD40) it. Works perfectly now. I did not remove the plastic covers on each end. I manually held the ratcheting bar (don't know what else to call it!!) to prevent it from engaging and pulled and retracted the belt numerous times. I assume that the WD40 worked its way into the mechanism and to my pleasant surprise it works great now!!

Now to do the same to the passenger side.

Are there any other seatbelt repair vendors out there besides Ssnake-Oyl?

BTW, Thanks Erv for your reply!!

Mark

[Juliet P.]

Charlie @ Seatbelt Sity

Charlie Santorelli at Seatbelt Sity in New Jersey is GREAT! I just got a set of '70 shoulder belts from him - correct date codes and all. He's very upfront about everything and reasonably priced. Fast turnaround too and if there's going to be a delay over something he'll keep you posted.

I found out about him from some friends here on the NCRS DB who also were very pleased with his services. Sorry I don't have his contact details here with me at the moment. I can dig them up when I get home if nobody else posts them first. ~Juliet

http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org

[Thad L.]

Re: Charlie @ Seatbelt Sity

Mark
I have drilled a small 1/8 hole in the plastic on the rear of the retrators, and sprayed lub into the assy, with great results! Make sure that the hole is facing the rear! Thad

[Mark Anderson]

Thanks For The Responses!!

I will "tackle" the passenger side on Saturday. It is by far the worst of the two! If I can't get it working like I was able to do to the driver's side, I will try drilling the hole that Thad suggested...Thanks Thad! If that doesn't work I guess I will send it out for repair.

Juliet,
If you are able to get that info on Seatbelt Sity, I would appreciate it!

Thanks again for the help!!

Mark

[Juliet P.]

Contact Info

Charlie Santorelli
99 Autumn Ridge Rd.
Bedminster, NJ 07921
After 7pm Weekdays
(908) 719-2354


1970 Corvette Registry

[Mark Anderson]

Thanks Juliet!! *NM*