I need to replace my Front Seatbelt Retractors in my 'Vert -- anyone found any write-ups on this process? Does anyone replace the spring mechanisms in these, or do you always just replace the whole assembly?

I don't know why the convertible's belts are so much worse than my coupe which is just one year newer (2002)...

TIA!

 

What's wrong with your retractor, what's it doing?

 

No much I can find on vert seatbelt retractors other than online retails, could look this over

How to Rebuild Seat Belts on a Camaro | eHow.com

 

It just stays out and won't retract, it's done this for quite some time and I'm tired of putting up with it. Parts Taxi has them for about $78/ea. looks like...

 

That's what I figured, I've fixed a number of retractors in the past. One of three things happened; the coil up spring broke, the spring tension got too weak, or the belt got yanked out too hard too fast and the spool tried to rewind backwards (which it can't). Do you feel brave? You stand a good chance of being able to fix it for free.

 

Haha, well the SS sleeps winters, so time is my friend, and I have to remove the retractor regardless, so that'll be the first step...

 

The majority of the times, it's just a weakened spring that doesn't have enough strength left to pull the belt back up through the trim, and in. Once you get the retractor out, take a look at the plastic cover on the one side, the coil-up spring is inside there. Carefully pop the cover up slightly while holding it in place, it's either screwed on or held with tabs. Do not lift the cover off the side frame, or let it go, unless you enjoy the snakes in a can joke, but worse! You should be able to feel the spring tension, so turn the cover against the tension to tighten the spring. Start with at least 2 turns, and see how well it retracts. Give it more turns if it needs it. I've restored quite a few "dead" retractors to pull back like new this way.

 

^ Yea thanks, when I dig into it, I will post my findings...

 

After removing the retractor, it will no longer extend, and just locks in place. What a stupid design these things have. How can I get it to extend again? It seems there is no button to push.

 

Make sure you're holding it in the same position as it sits installed in your car.
You may have the inertia device locking it in place.