Seat Belt Tension Retractor Levers What In The World?

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4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
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Hello out there,
Not sure which thread BUT
Have an 1980 442
I bought 2 Seat Belt retractors to which the ad said 1978-1988 Cutlass - Regal etc. etc.
However these seem WAYYYYY too long.
When I try and install then they have quite a lot bend in the middle of them.
Will they still work?
Are they too long and are wrong length?
Anyone's suggestions would be great.
Thanks, Cory
 

69hurstolds

Geezer
Supporting Member
Jan 2, 2006
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No idea if you got the right ones or not. They should be installed straight without bending. I’m thinking something is amiss here. You may have them caught up on something. Unfortunately I’m not at the house right now to check my parts books but IIRC the 2 door 78-88 are all the same.
 

4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
18
I thought so too but when I install it - it goes through the eyelet hole - hit the back wheel well hump and the spiral copper looking rod is so long that there is around 1 inch more that sticks out to where the lever screws down in the door jam.
 

69hurstolds

Geezer
Supporting Member
Jan 2, 2006
8,088
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78-88 uses p/n 20304170 pass side, and 20304171 driver side.

Do you still have your old ones to compare?
 
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69hurstolds

Geezer
Supporting Member
Jan 2, 2006
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After looking at a picture of how they mount, there is a bit of "S" bend to the springy rod when installed. But it shouldn't be sticking out by an inch or so. It has to sit in the release lever on the seat belt retractor, otherwise you won't have the belt retract when you open the door. Could it be one from a different body style? They are different part numbers, but as to what's different, I don't know.

Here's a driver side pic of how it should look.

Driver side seat belt release G-body 2 door.jpg
 
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4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
18
I'm afraid I don't. I see that this one has a bend. Mine will fit too but it has more of a bend than that. It might work but it'll be tight.
 

Scoot-71

Greasemonkey
Nov 13, 2018
102
157
43
Rio WI
I couldnt get those thing in without removing rear seats and trim, maybe my talent level is low.......
 
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