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Post by RIP OLDS on Oct 30, 2008 19:20:17 GMT -5
I purchased new plastic covers for the front retractable seat belts in my 65 442. The old ones were all cracked. How do you get the buckle to fit through the opening in the cover? The new covers are identical to the original but the buckle will not fit through the opening. It would seem you have to unstitch the belt from the buckle, and re-attach it after you feed the belt through the cover opening. If that is the case, is special thread used?
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Post by RAM Z on Oct 30, 2008 20:20:01 GMT -5
Only way to do it is to unstich and restich. Unless someone knows a trick that I dont?  |
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Post by 442scotty on Nov 19, 2008 22:44:35 GMT -5
There used to be a way to do it because I did a set about 20 years ago....I will go out and have a look at mine to see if I recall...
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Post by Big Mike on Nov 22, 2008 11:38:42 GMT -5
There used to be a way to do it because I did a set about 20 years ago....I will go out and have a look at mine to see if I recall... If I’m not mistaken; you pull out the belt a few inches, turn the buckle sideways, fold the belt at an angle laying flat against the buckle and carefully slip it through the slot in the cover. You still have to be very, very careful because you will be spreading the opening a bit. If I remember correctly it works well with new covers, but you will most likely crack an old brittle cover. It does help to put the cover and retractor unit in the hot sun for awhile to soften up the plastic for removal, or just the cover if it’s a new one. But like 442Scotty mentioned, it’s been about 20 yrs since I tried it last as well. |
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Post by RIP OLDS on Nov 22, 2008 21:19:57 GMT -5
I tried to bend, twist and fold every which way possible with no luck. The covers are new and freshly painted so I didn't want to force anything. I have an auto interior upholstery shop restitching them. I'll let you know how they turn out.
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Post by 442scotty on Nov 24, 2008 20:16:34 GMT -5
Big Mike..I believe you are correct in the method..When new the plastic was a lot softer and more flexible and you could squeeze it to open it up a bit...tried mine today...almost had it through but it was too hard and dry to squeeze...didnt want to risk it to prove the theory
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Post by BR[] on Nov 25, 2008 17:28:11 GMT -5
I took a look at the seat belt retractor mechanism, after reading this thread, and don't understand all of the confusion. You are all looking at the wrong end. Don't try to force the catch thru the plastic cover. Simply dissassemble the retractor. It's no big deal. I have posted a step by step method on my web page, but it's not on my menu yet, so follow this link. 442restoration.homestead.com/Seat_Belt_Replacement.html Go for it! BR[] |
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Post by bubbasz1 on Nov 25, 2008 17:37:49 GMT -5
Your starting to scare the hell out of me Bro!
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Post by BR[] on Nov 25, 2008 17:53:44 GMT -5
Sometimes I scare myself..................
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Post by RAM Z on Nov 25, 2008 19:58:41 GMT -5
Theres the trick I didnt know about. Wonder where Bro read how to do it???
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Post by bubbasz1 on Nov 25, 2008 20:12:33 GMT -5
Yikes!
BTW Bro, my better half said to tell you she likes the shirt, little big but it will work for now.
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Post by BR[] on Nov 25, 2008 21:40:08 GMT -5
I didn't read it anwhere.......I just grabbed one, took a look and took it apart. Not rocket science. (gee that was a pun)
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Post by BR[] on Nov 25, 2008 22:07:03 GMT -5
I like tee shirts too!  |
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![BR[] Avatar](http://aliquippaoutlaws.homestead.com/Bro442_ANIM_150.gif)
