Fixing Seat Belt Retractors?

[69 MOD]

Hey guys,

So I'm finally getting to the interior of the truck.
The drivers side belt slid in and out of the retractor with no problem.

Go to the passenger side and it pulled with resistance, then it stayed there.
I'm hoping it's just something that can be lubed?

I didn't slide the cover up because I'm completely in the dark on these and didn't want to mess anything up.
It's not coming out easy so I think the spring is still fine (fingers crossed)

Any suggestions on how to approach this?

Thanks,
MOD

[69 MOD]

Someone must have an idea for a solution...I can't be the first to have the problem. lol

I hate so just start spraying them down because they're still super clean (Parchment) and I don't want to risk messing them up with Tri-Flow.

[jocko]

if it won't retract it is very likely the spring - either broken or anchor bend bent or something like that. I would take it apart before i hosed it with lube. I don't think that will help if it's just a dead noodle - and it will get your belts all crapped up. There is a company that repairs them - sorry I don't have the full name handy - it's Ssnayk oil or oyl (yes, as spelled) or something like that. It's a Shelby resto shop primarily but they do work on seat belt retractors. They weren't exactly responsive and I don't know if they are still in business, but I eventually got back what I sent them and it was fixed. I had one retractor that I fixed and another that was beyond repair, needed lots of parts and I opted to send it off.

[Jon Doe]

Mine did that because the plastic tube that works with the spring inside broke. I made a new tube out of pvc pipe, seems much stronger than original, then i had to experiment with winding the spring to find the right tension. Works great now, i wouldnt say it was a hard job but i am a tech. Open it up and take a look, as previously mentioned could be the spring too. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften up the plastic cover for removel so you dont break it, they can be fragile. If you need some reference look on this site or take a look at your other belt. Good luck! p.s. Dont spray lube in there, it will stain your strap and wont help

[demian5]

I had a 73 corvette and the seat belt retractors are under the seats and didn't retract. I pulled them out and cleaned and lubed until they did. the hard part was not getting whatever the lubricant is, on the belt webbing. But I was able to get them working. The trucks are way easier to get to and understand whats going on.