Front Seat Belts stick!

[thequietracer]

Hi,

Both front seat belts on my 74' are starting to stick...sometime takes 3 to 5 minutes before it cooperates. Are there nany solution of fixing them aside from buying new ones and replacing them?

Thanks.

[thequietracer]

Hi,

Both front seat belts on my 74' are starting to stick...sometime takes 3 to 5 minutes before it cooperates. Are there nany solution of fixing them aside from buying new ones and replacing them?

Thanks.

[Guest Anonymous]

IF, what you are saying is that it is difficult to fully deploy your belt, that problem is symptomatic of the self locking reel mechanism found at the outside foot of the rear passenger area. I find that my mechanism gets dirty especially due to leaky door seals and years of exposure to dirt and grime.

There are a couple of things you might consider. The easiest fix is to fully extend the belt/s revealing the virtually empty spool, the the teeth and locking tab and carefully hit it with light oil (without oiling the belting material). You may find the belts working very smoothly thereafter. Unfortunately, the oil may merely loosen things up and attract more or the same dirt or it may work for a good while. The longer term fix is to bench the seat belt mechanism and without removing the return spring, clean the mechanism. Hitting the mechanism with contact cleaner, spirits, or the like and then re-lubricating things is never a bad thing, other than very time consuming.

HTH

[Guest Anonymous]

IF, what you are saying is that it is difficult to fully deploy your belt, that problem is symptomatic of the self locking reel mechanism found at the outside foot of the rear passenger area. I find that my mechanism gets dirty especially due to leaky door seals and years of exposure to dirt and grime.

There are a couple of things you might consider. The easiest fix is to fully extend the belt/s revealing the virtually empty spool, the the teeth and locking tab and carefully hit it with light oil (without oiling the belting material). You may find the belts working very smoothly thereafter. Unfortunately, the oil may merely loosen things up and attract more or the same dirt or it may work for a good while. The longer term fix is to bench the seat belt mechanism and without removing the return spring, clean the mechanism. Hitting the mechanism with contact cleaner, spirits, or the like and then re-lubricating things is never a bad thing, other than very time consuming.

HTH

[thequietracer]

Thank you. I will try your suggestion.

I may consider replacing it if they are not too expensive.

Ross

[thequietracer]

Thank you. I will try your suggestion.

I may consider replacing it if they are not too expensive.

Ross

[ingraham]

... First check that the reels are perfectly vertical and stay in that position. They should not be pivoting around the mounting bolts. If they tip, the locking thingie will keep grabbing.

I've tried cleaning and adjusting the reel mechanism on several belts. It made little or no difference, and it was a waste of time.

If there is any fraying of the belt material, replace the belts. If the belts are original, they are over 30 years old. Replace them if you value your face or brain. You can get new ones from Maximillian, La Jolla Independent, et al. You will love the smooth operation of new belts, and you will be safer.

[ingraham]

... First check that the reels are perfectly vertical and stay in that position. They should not be pivoting around the mounting bolts. If they tip, the locking thingie will keep grabbing.

I've tried cleaning and adjusting the reel mechanism on several belts. It made little or no difference, and it was a waste of time.

If there is any fraying of the belt material, replace the belts. If the belts are original, they are over 30 years old. Replace them if you value your face or brain. You can get new ones from Maximillian, La Jolla Independent, et al. You will love the smooth operation of new belts, and you will be safer.

[ingraham]

When I bought OE belts in the past, the prices have been $120-$150 per side. YMMV. There are cheaper aftermarket belts; you can find the details with a Forum Search.

[ingraham]

When I bought OE belts in the past, the prices have been $120-$150 per side. YMMV. There are cheaper aftermarket belts; you can find the details with a Forum Search.

[JohnN]

LMAO!!

Happy New Year!!

John N

[JohnN]

LMAO!!

Happy New Year!!

John N

[thequietracer]

Thanks Curt.

John,

That was hilarious utube video...still have tears in my eyes..

[thequietracer]

Thanks Curt.

John,

That was hilarious utube video...still have tears in my eyes..