Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jabborabbo** · 12-03-2013, 11:35 AM

I just acquired a pair of '67 shoulder belts - I'd like to remove the plugs that have been there for the last 46 years without damaging them to the point of rendering them unusable - anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Lee H · 12-03-2013, 12:18 PM

They are very brittle, as I'm sure you have guessed. I use a small flat blade screw driver and as gently as possible work around to pry out. I get them at the pick apart and usually 1 out of three break.

cdowns · 12-03-2013, 12:51 PM

i'd spray them good with windex and use a putty knife and hold your breath while prying

**jabborabbo** · 12-03-2013, 04:39 PM

Do y'all think it would be prudent to warm it up a bit with a hairdryer? I've had success doing that with old/brittle plastic hoses - it tends to make them a bit more pliable....

Also, does anyone have a picture of what they look like from the side? That could help in knowing where to press/pry....

srvivor71 · 12-03-2013, 05:28 PM

I wasn't really thinking of saving mine when I removed them so i just popped them right out with a flat blade screwdriver (being careful not to scratch the paint on the roof/c-pillar). They came out easy as could be without breaking or cracking at all.

Andy4639 · 12-03-2013, 06:03 PM

I'm going to ask a dumb question I guess, why are U wanting to save them if U are putting shoulder belts in the truck. They are small plastic caps that want be worth anything once removed.
Just wondering and I would like to see the orignal shoulder belts please. How did they mount on the floor and retract.
I put a set of late model's in my years ago. I don't think I have ever seen a factory set for these trucks.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-03-2013, 06:19 PM

I've only ever seen one set installed in person. I think you pretty much have to "buckle up" twice. If I remember right, the upper part is a buckle and there is a hanger thing to hang it above the door when not in use.

**FirstOwner69** · 12-03-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Just wondering and I would like to see the orignal shoulder belts please. How did they mount on the floor and retract.

Here is a pic of only the shoulder belts. The cut off tabs and boots in the middle are spares. No retractors and buckle up twice.

**leddzepp** · 12-03-2013, 06:52 PM

I have a set of originals in my truck as well. They are a pita to use to say the least!

Lee H · 12-03-2013, 07:15 PM

I have the shoulder belts also, major pain to use so I just use the lap belt.

Picture of plugs.

midniteblues · 12-03-2013, 07:25 PM

whoa you got 67' shoulder belts! thats a super rare find. lets see some pics

Andy4639 · 12-03-2013, 08:06 PM

Thanks for posting the pictures. I will stick to my late models after all the comments on them!

**jabborabbo** · 12-03-2013, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I'm going to ask a dumb question I guess, why are U wanting to save them if U are putting shoulder belts in the truck. They are small plastic caps that want be worth anything once removed.
Just wondering and I would like to see the orignal shoulder belts please. How did they mount on the floor and retract.
I put a set of late model's in my years ago. I don't think I have ever seen a factory set for these trucks.

Not a dumb question at all - my '67 is pretty much original (see my intro thread here). I'm making a few modifications to it (gauge cluster, shoulder belts, etc.) but keeping all the original stuff so that it can be put back like it was originally so that the SPID is correct. When I get the belts installed I'll post some pictures.

**jabborabbo** · 12-03-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

I have the shoulder belts also, major pain to use so I just use the lap belt.

Picture of plugs.

Thank you Sir!

**LockDoc** · 12-03-2013, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabborabbo

Do y'all think it would be prudent to warm it up a bit with a hairdryer? I've had success doing that with old/brittle plastic hoses - it tends to make them a bit more pliable....

Also, does anyone have a picture of what they look like from the side? That could help in knowing where to press/pry....

I think it would help to heat them up a bit. Couldn't hurt any thing. I try to save that kind of stuff too...

LockDoc

**jabborabbo** · 12-08-2013, 04:52 PM

Well, I wasn't quite successful...I was hoping to find the split shown in some of the pictures Lee H posted and then push on either side while pulling it out, but mine is/was solid. I suppose the good news is that since I didn't mess up the cap I may be able to get creative with some glue and re-use it at some later date if I decide to....

AirSpeed · 12-08-2013, 05:33 PM

I pulled out the old ugly plugs in my cab and bought new ones at the local hardware store, cost 25¢ each. Bought a few more to plug up unused holes in my firewall, they had about ten different sizes.

12-03-2013, 11:35 AM	#1
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 753	Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I just acquired a pair of '67 shoulder belts - I'd like to remove the plugs that have been there for the last 46 years without damaging them to the point of rendering them unusable - anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

12-03-2013, 12:18 PM	#2
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... They are very brittle, as I'm sure you have guessed. I use a small flat blade screw driver and as gently as possible work around to pry out. I get them at the pick apart and usually 1 out of three break. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

12-03-2013, 12:51 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... i'd spray them good with windex and use a putty knife and hold your breath while prying __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-03-2013, 04:39 PM	#4
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 753	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... Do y'all think it would be prudent to warm it up a bit with a hairdryer? I've had success doing that with old/brittle plastic hoses - it tends to make them a bit more pliable.... Also, does anyone have a picture of what they look like from the side? That could help in knowing where to press/pry....

12-03-2013, 05:28 PM	#5
srvivor71 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sullivan County, NY Posts: 455	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I wasn't really thinking of saving mine when I removed them so i just popped them right out with a flat blade screwdriver (being careful not to scratch the paint on the roof/c-pillar). They came out easy as could be without breaking or cracking at all.

12-03-2013, 06:03 PM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I'm going to ask a dumb question I guess, why are U wanting to save them if U are putting shoulder belts in the truck. They are small plastic caps that want be worth anything once removed. Just wondering and I would like to see the orignal shoulder belts please. How did they mount on the floor and retract. I put a set of late model's in my years ago. I don't think I have ever seen a factory set for these trucks. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-03-2013, 06:19 PM	#7
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I've only ever seen one set installed in person. I think you pretty much have to "buckle up" twice. If I remember right, the upper part is a buckle and there is a hanger thing to hang it above the door when not in use. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-03-2013, 06:52 PM	#9
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,022	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I have a set of originals in my truck as well. They are a pita to use to say the least! __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-03-2013, 07:15 PM	#10
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I have the shoulder belts also, major pain to use so I just use the lap belt. Picture of plugs. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

12-03-2013, 07:25 PM	#11
midniteblues Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: strausstown pa Posts: 3,394	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... whoa you got 67' shoulder belts! thats a super rare find. lets see some pics __________________ 81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love. 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover.

12-03-2013, 08:06 PM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... Thanks for posting the pictures. I will stick to my late models after all the comments on them! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-08-2013, 04:52 PM	#16
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 753	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... Well, I wasn't quite successful...I was hoping to find the split shown in some of the pictures Lee H posted and then push on either side while pulling it out, but mine is/was solid. I suppose the good news is that since I didn't mess up the cap I may be able to get creative with some glue and re-use it at some later date if I decide to.... Attached Images

12-08-2013, 05:33 PM	#17
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,026	Re: Advice for removing the shoulder belt blanking plugs... I pulled out the old ugly plugs in my cab and bought new ones at the local hardware store, cost 25¢ each. Bought a few more to plug up unused holes in my firewall, they had about ten different sizes. __________________ http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v655/aaronhero/

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