replacing seatbelts

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:53 pm

i would like to know if the seatbelts are special to the 1987 ? mine will not retracked back in on both sides. do i use convertible seatbelts?

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:21 pm

Mine will retract all the way back, EXCEPT for like the last 3 to 4 inches. I've seen many like that !! Is THAT what you mean ? If so, that's normal for our cars. Remember this: Originally 2-door sedans, the belts were connected to the interior "B" post. Once the roof was removed, good-bye "B" (and "C") posts!! So, to that, ascMcLaren had to weld in brackets to the floor to anchor the belts.

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:31 pm

no my ? is what kind of seatbelts are in the car are they from a sedan or convertible or are they custom to like windows, exc. ? mine are stuck all the way out and will not go back in at all. in this state we can not drive if we do not have a seat belt on. click it or ticket.

Post by **negusm** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:05 pm

The belts are sedan seatbelts I believe.

Once you get to the retractable unit, you should be able to figure out what is causing them to be stuck all the way out.

You shouldn't really need to replace them.

-Mike

tfs2121 · Post by **tfs2121** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:10 am

my belts have stuck out many times... a good yank and shake brings it back in.

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:08 am

thanks for all your help guys i will have to see if this helps.

Post by **negusm** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:32 pm

FYI, for anyone needing seatbelt resto services:

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

These guys supposedly have the correct belt material and can rewebb belts for like $40. Very reasonable.

Of course if your retracting unit is shot, you may need to ask them if they can replace it. There are aftermarket seatbelts out there for Fox cars with retractable units (black belts only). Worst case is you buy a $250 set of black belts, and have them rewebbed it with the right colors with your old buckles.

-Mike

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:47 pm

"" you buy a $250 set of black belts, and have them rewebbed it with the right colors with your old buckles. ""

What's the going 2nd mortgage rates in Jersey ?

Post by **negusm** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:07 pm

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-61109AP

$200 for a pair + $40 to reweb the pair wouldn't be all that bad.

I emailed Snake Oyle and I think it was $40/pair which was quoted.

-Mike

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:37 pm

found a set of blue seatbelts on ebay for $38.95 with shipping included. they are used the guy as a seven day return policy. they came from a hatchback. i have been told the seatbelts are the same for convertibles, sedans and hatchbacks i hope that is correct. what a deal because i look in all the junkyards around town and there is not many foxbodys left with blue interior to be had where the seatbelts still function right must be a common problem.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:52 pm

WOW, Mike - that sure isn't a bad price, at all !!! I figured around $550.00

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:50 am

ok sandy if you say so haha!!!

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:43 am

How did 'ya want that $550.00?

shelby2404 · Post by **shelby2404** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:13 am

haha thats pretty funny sandy did not know you were such a comic. i just thought i would let you know how it all turned out thats all. i have a lot of respect for all you have done for letting everone know the history of there cars.

Post by **negusm** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:19 am

Fox vert seatbelts ARE VERY DIFFERENT.

You cannot INTERCHANGE them.

For one, the tab is backwards. This will force you to swap LH and RH. Using them like this does not work as the pendulum that locks them in an accident WON'T WORK.

The guy who told you they were all the same is an idiot.

The only exception are the asc verts which started life as notchbacks and probably did have the sedan belts in them. Honestly I do NOT know 100%. You will know when you get it apart. The belts SHOULD be labeled LH or RH on the retractor housings.

If the housing metal tabs do not fit the body on the side they are meant for, you need to get different belts!

-Mike