seat belt help

[Low87]

The driver's seat belt in the '89 Jimmy rolled up and locked in place. I can't get it to but at all. Any tricks to getting it loose? Wasn't real thrilled with driving halfway to work this morning with no belt.

[rayfinseats]

For safetys sake maybe just replace it? LMC truck parts?

[Low87]

I'll be doing that rayfin. Just hoped there might be a known issue I could deal with at lunch so I could have a belt for the drive home.

[Jonboy]

The retractor is made similar to a come along. If you take the cover off, you might be able to unlock it that way, and get the belt unrolled.

[Hulk Will Smash]

On my '87, one of the belts locks all the time. I reach under the cover and push on a flat plate that runs across the spool. Its loose and moves easily. When I push up, the belt unwinds. But then it locks when I release it. Similar to how the retactors lock when you pull them all the way out to install kiddie seats.

Good luck!
Posted via Mobile Device

[motornut]

in the front door jamb is the release, the white button(by door catch pin)
see if that is working freely
(spring in there jams or breaks)

[rayfinseats]

Oh... I wasn't trying to be a smart*ss I just wanted you to be safe. Did you have any luck?

[Low87]

None. I got the cover off enough to look at the bottom, there was nothing I could push on as Hulk suggested. Just the bent plate that bolts to the cab and has a rivet holding the cover in place.
Also tried the release like motornut said, and that moves freely but did nothing to release the belt. I'm going to order new belts today. I'll drive the truck until I can get these replaced.

[78 Chevyrado]

Where are you getting your new belts from? Can we get a write up about them? I need one belt, but If I replace them I want them to fit and look like factory or I'll just keep mine since it's just cosmetic.

[Low87]

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

Where are you getting your new belts from? Can we get a write up about them? I need one belt, but If I replace them I want them to fit and look like factory or I'll just keep mine since it's just cosmetic.

Well I thought LMC, but all they list for my 89 is a lap belt. Once I find replacement tri-points I'll let you know. But yeah, I can take photos and do a write up.

[Jonboy]

If you can't find a new one, you might check this out: http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

[Low87]

I also tried manipulating the weight last night, still no dice. Next step is to remove them and try to clean.

[tucsonjwt]

Since you are not using your belt, you might as well unbolt it and have a look see. Be careful with the bolts - the threads and threaded holes are a little different than most. I managed to strip one in my 76. Because of the cramped quarters, make sure you have your wrench(es) straight and take your time turning out/in. A little grease on the reinstall would be a good idea.

[motornut]

if you can get a wire brush on a drill to the bottom/underside of the bolt might help to loosen
or a quick sand blast

[Low87]

I managed to take the winder off the post yesterday. Took me a while to track down a T55 torx bit to do the job. I didn't have to drill out the rivet holding the plastic cover in place, the access plate got me to where I wanted to be.

It wasn't the weight hanger that was causing the problem, it was the reel catch (term?). I fiddled with it for a second and got the belt working. Cleaned out what I could reach then reinstalled. The belt seems to be working fine now. Afterwards I saw a small brass C clip on the floor. Took the belt back off but couldn't find where it goes to. Hopefully nothing too important...

[RandyP]

Save the clip, you'll probably figure out later where it goes.

Only C clip I recall is on the main roller pin that everything winds up on, but it was very visible, I think. Been a while since I was inside mine.