76 Corvette Seat Belts

[ed_in_pa]

Hi all, I have a question about the seat belts in my 76 Vette. It only has 51000 orginal miles so I they didn't get that much use but they may not be working properly. The lap belt seems fine but the shoulder harness I question. In my other cars, when you give the shoulder harness a strong tug it locks up and won't pull any further. When I do this in my vette they keep going. Should this lock up or does it require an impact or sudden stop to make this happen. Any help is appreciated due to the safety issues. Thanks.

 

[bossvette]

Welcome to CAC
I don't know mine didnt work at all and I put in lap belts, Good to see another 76

 

[The73vetteman]

I think the shoulder belts should lock up under a strong tug the same way the lap belts do. If they don't, what's the point of having them?

The shoulder belts in my '73 lock up only too easily.... they can be a real pain when i need to tilt the seats!

'73

 

[BrianB]

I'm new here, but my 76' has real touchy lap belts. Never thought about the shoulder ones. I'll let you know.

 

[72Mako]

Ed, I would assume that they would be the same as my '72. You can yank on the shoulder belts and they lock up. Also like some of the others mentioned, just trying to tilt the seatback forward sometimes will lock them up on mine. Charles

 

[Wolverine]

I have a '76 and can verify that they lock when you tug on them. In fact, they lock up more easily than I would like. You definitely have a problem with yours.

 

[bossvette]

How many of you with 76's are coming to Cruise-Fest 2004 we always seem to come up at the bottom of all the polls, it would be nice to see a strong showing.


CLICK for complete info on the 1st CruiseFest in Auburn.

 

[Imachad]

Wish i could, just can't come up with the funds right now... :cry

 

[76okievette]

Cruise Fest sounds great but I am not sure I will make it. I am going to try and will keep you posted.

 

[bossvette]

Bud has issued a challange to all registries
Bud's Challenge '04
perhaps we can start one at cruise-fest.

ps other then Brian most everyone here is within a reasonable distance, my Vette has been to Trenton NJ twice and will probably go again before
Cruise-Fest 2004

so lets see what you guys can do, even if you just make the car show on Sat and hang out I would like to put faces and Vettes together
Craig sr

 

[ed_in_pa]

I just took apart the retractor for the shoulder belt and I think it is working correctly. It's in good condition so I don't suspect a malfuntion. Inside the retractor is a gyro or pendulum of sorts. I believe how it is supposed to work is when there is an impact from front or rear or a hard brake the pendulum moves forward or back locking the shoulder harness. I tried sliding the retractor forward and hitting the lip on the storage area while pulling on the belt. The belt came out until the retractor hit the lip and then it locked up. I don't know if I'm willing to bet my life on it yet but I will try doing a hard stop and see if it locks up. Anyone know where I can find a seat belt expert who gives advice for free?

 

[joe1975]

seat belts

Why don't you try those snake oyle people
ssnake-oyl.com
They answered a few for me

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks for the suggestion. I sent them an email earlier today.

 

[Daryllawman]

The belts are pretty old now. I would replace them all.....The webbing is prob. shot.......

 

[joe1975]

conversion

There's always that late model firebird conversion I'm in the process of installing them now If your intrested give me a holler

 

[Eden72Vet]

What is the conversion of the late model firebird seat belts? I have a 72 that needs shoulder belts. Snake-Oyl is quoting me $400 for each shoulder belt, and I would like to find a more economical alternative.

 

[bossvette]

which generation of firebird, will camaros work also?

 

[Willis76]

76 belts - late model firebird conversion

There's always that late model firebird conversion I'm in the process of installing them now If your intrested give me a holler

very interested, take a few notes and a pic or two; post your progress -

thanks

 

[76okievette]

They Joe, I just check my seat belts on my "76" and on the drivers side all I get is a lot of noise, metal on metal and no lock up at all. I am going to take it apart this weekend, but please let me know what you find out about yours, I am sure my retractor is not working.

 

[joe1975]

belts

I found out about a conversion of late model camaro/firebird belts You get the belts from a place named Billy Grahams Camaro parts I've installed them There's a Issue with your shoulder attachment point on a coupe, but it's not really a big deal .I've got some Pic's I'll try to load tomorrow night if your intrested?