1980 Malibu Lap Belt Change.....

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WV CHEVY MANN

Greasemonkey
Sep 15, 2018
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West Virginia
Hello forum... I was just wondering if anyone here has tried to change the Lap belt retraction from that flimsy plastic retractor that goes through the door pillar. I have been searching for a way to delete the original setup for a more user friendly method (but safe of course) without going to a Simpson Racing Seat with the 5-point harness. Thanks for any ideas you might have or one that you might have already done.
 

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
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Jan 4, 2009
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Are you trying to delete the slack locking feature (which I wish new stuff had)? I hate belts that pull against you all the time.

The retractor levers are available new
 
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WV CHEVY MANN

Greasemonkey
Sep 15, 2018
248
285
63
West Virginia
Are you trying to delete the slack locking feature (which I wish new stuff had)? I hate belts that pull against you all the time.

The retractor levers are available new
Hello... Not really but the drivers side will not tighten up across my chest. And the passenger side is way to tight for an adult. Now my grandson no problem. It just seems these are problematic. What would you suggest ? Just trying to get this issue fixed. I said lap belt but its actually the belt that goes across your chest. It just hangs loose while driving (not good). Thanks for your follow up my friend..
 
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Ribbedroof

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I ran across these when I was researching places to reweb my belts

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/i-30...-push-button-buckle.html?ref=category:1389192

If the door release levers are present and connected, you should be able to pull the belt out slightly until it ratchets, and release the belt to stop it trying to retract all the time. When the door opens, the ratchet releases and the belt returns to the spool.

In my experience, belts that hang loose are either dirty, sun-baked and hardened/stiffened, or frayed.

Like I said, I really like the OE design, at least when it is all present and working.
 
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WV CHEVY MANN

Greasemonkey
Sep 15, 2018
248
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West Virginia
Thanks so much for your follow up and the attached links. That will be perfect for me. I think you are correct with going to the original set ups.. I will try to locate 2 new or good used retractors and keep them in the door pillars as was designed. Much appreciated.
 

Ribbedroof

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Doug Chahoy

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Nov 21, 2016
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I replaced my seat belts with new ones that have the retracting mechanism built in. Eliminating the piece of factory junk in the door jam. I did mine while doing all my body work so I welded a patch in the whole.
 
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565bbchevy

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Aug 8, 2011
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