Retractable seat belt question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

markeb01 · 08-05-2011, 10:06 PM

I’m thinking about replacing my Simpson racing belts with conventional DOT approved lap belts. I’m leaning towards the metal buckle retractable style shown at the following link.

https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatb...cts/24/view/65

My question has to do with the retractors. Does anyone know if the belt holds a “set” once it is pulled out of the retractor, or does it constantly pull against the abdomen?

I find seat belts pulling under constant tension uncomfortable. Depending on how this retractor works I may have to settle for non-retractable lap belts. Thanks for any input.

corvettejim1968 · 08-06-2011, 12:34 AM

im really not sure about an answer to your question but i thought you might want to see this ad i found today.

*blackedoutharley* · 08-06-2011, 01:23 AM

I think you're asking if the belts will "lock" in a certain position once pulled out rather than having spring tension on them, which keeps the belt tight against the lap?

I doubt you will find any that "lock" as it defeats the purpose of the belt. With your Simpson belts you pull the adjusters down to tighten but with a retractable belt it needs to have spring tension on it to keep you from moving during a collision.

Personally, I trust the Simpson belts more than the aftermarket standard seat belts.

YMMV.

skysoldier173rd · 08-06-2011, 07:22 AM

Those retractors look like the ticket. Mine don't retract and fall out on the ground all the time, a real pain. Just plain lap belts.

wildearp · 08-06-2011, 12:35 PM

I get three point belts from Southern:

http://www.southernrods.com/search?query=seat+belts

$69 a side.

I have been in a couple pretty good crashes and would never run 2 point belts. I have bought several sets from Southern and they are half of what many places charge. They have install kits too. That ad posted above for Brothers for 3 points shows them almost double in price.

markeb01 · 08-06-2011, 01:49 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. SouthernRods certainly has the best pricing I've seen.

brap999 · 08-06-2011, 02:54 PM

FYI, I run the 3 point retractables from gotbelts.com:

http://www.gotbelts.com/retractable-...cts/81/view/30

They fit my bucket seats well, and the belts work great. I'm fortunate enough to have not been in an accident yet, but I have had to stop hard and the belts locked up like they were suppose to and held in place. They also make lap belts, but I can't comment on the quality of those since I haven't use the lap belts.

They also say they "Meets Federal Motor Vehicles Safety standards 209 and 302".

wildearp · 08-06-2011, 07:31 PM

Forgot to answer the question.......they do not lock until there is forward inertia. There is a slight spring tension, but all of them will have this.

I ran them in my dually for years of hard use with no problems at all. They are in my 47 and I have two more sets in my parts room to install on current projects.

I met some of the guys from Southern at a big car show. You would be hard-pressed to find nicer folks to work with.

**jocko** · 08-06-2011, 11:44 PM

I'm with you Markeb01, I know exactly what you're talking about and I don't really like it either. but I think what you're referring to was a post-60's "just-adjust-it-til-it's about right" and it holds that position (without any tension) and pre-mid-80's "constant-light-tension" type of belt. For instance, I had a few 70's cars that did what you mentioned, pull them out and stick in the buckle, and then adjust the tension by pulling on the belt and releasing - i.e. so it didn't suck back against your chest/lap on its own. But I do notice that even my newer vehicles have constant light tension on the belt - it just doesn't feel like it because it's so light.

My solution was to use a finite-adjusted belt that had an auto-retractor installed on it after the correct "no-tension" length was adjusted. Then the installed retractors were put on and the tension is very, very light. Seems to work pretty good for me. But then again - this is not a 3 point belt, so not sure how that would work. Here's a thread to how I installed it on my truck. My main goal was to just keep my belts from flopping out on the ground (+ PO had the old belts installed backwards).

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=416727

markeb01 · 08-07-2011, 01:07 AM

Again, thanks for the input. That exactly answers my original question. I seemed to remember having retractable lap belts in several of my cars back in the 70’s that allowed a positional length adjustment by gently pulling the ratchet. I was assuming none of the current aftermarket belts offer this feature. I’d go for 3 point belts but have a collar bone problem that doesn’t tolerate pressure. In my new cars I have to put a clamp on the shoulder strap to keep the pressure off, and don’t really want to create the same problem in my truck.

Overall I’ve been very happy with the Simpson racing belts, but after discovering how much damage the latch has done to the steering wheel, I’m ready to try something different. The latches are so heavy they rarely fall out of the car, but certainly have caused a few dents in the rocker area when the doors get shut on them.

It’s a mysterious phenomenon - but for some unexplained reason the older my truck gets, the steering wheel keeps growing closer to the seat causing an interference problem with the seat belt buckle!

*blackedoutharley* · 08-07-2011, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

It’s a mysterious phenomenon - but for some unexplained reason the older my truck gets, the steering wheel keeps growing closer to the seat causing an interference problem with the seat belt buckle!

LMAO!!!!

I was reading your post thinking "how in the world is the latch messing up the steering wheel?"

LOL!

I know all about Clavicle issues.....

markeb01 · 08-07-2011, 09:21 AM

OUCH! I imagine that probably left a bruise!

'63GENIII · 08-07-2011, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackedoutharley

LMAO!!!!

I was reading your post thinking "how in the world is the latch messing up the steering wheel?"

LOL!

I know all about Clavicle issues.....

Got a pretty good laugh out that one too!

Looks like you're carrying a comb (or an iron rake) on you shoulder in that x-ray!

64fleetside · 08-07-2011, 10:22 PM

wildearp, how long are the female(short) side of those belts? I tried one brand & they were too short-real hard to get buckled when one end is stuck between the cushion & back of the seat.

*blackedoutharley* · 08-08-2011, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

OUCH! I imagine that probably left a bruise!

And a scar too!

Actually it was broken in a motorcycle accident in '97 and I got it fixed with that hardware in '09.
I thought the nurse was going to pass out when I told her it had been broken for 12 years. LOL

fryer1979 · 08-08-2011, 04:00 AM

I don't really have any input here, I have been looking for a seatbelt system just like that one from Southern. I'm just bookmarking so I can find it again later, thanks fellas.

mikie 1954 · 08-08-2011, 12:56 PM

Markeb01,I don't know if this will help or not but if you look into the 3 points in big trucks they have a devise in them that after you put on your seat belt you pull alittle tenchion off your shoulder strap and lock it down so there is on pull.Maybe this could work on the system that corvettjim1968 posted.

markeb01 · 08-08-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikie 1954

Markeb01,I don't know if this will help or not but if you look into the 3 points in big trucks they have a devise in them that after you put on your seat belt you pull alittle tenchion off your shoulder strap and lock it down so there is on pull.Maybe this could work on the system that corvettjim1968 posted.

Thanks for the tip. I'll do some research. If I could find a way to relieve that tension without using a big ugly plastic clamp I'd prefer having 3 points over lap belts.

wildearp · 08-08-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64fleetside

wildearp, how long are the female(short) side of those belts? I tried one brand & they were too short-real hard to get buckled when one end is stuck between the cushion & back of the seat.

You can make extensions, if necessary, out of 1/8" thick x 1" flat bar. The female side is approximately 12".

markeb01 · 08-08-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikie 1954

Markeb01,I don't know if this will help or not but if you look into the 3 points in big trucks they have a devise in them that after you put on your seat belt you pull alittle tenchion off your shoulder strap and lock it down so there is on pull.Maybe this could work on the system that corvettjim1968 posted.

Interesting, I have found the product you mentioned, it's called Komfort Latch. There's a first and second generation design, and all sorts of information on operation and use. And near as I can tell virtually no resource on the planet that actually sells the device.

I did find a similar product from Loopo, and only $7.50 for a pair. I'll definitely be ordering a pair for our Honda.

http://www.seatbelttensionadjuster.com/

Slow Build · 08-08-2011, 05:54 PM

Just came upon these belts at Summit. I know nothing about the brand but the price is low.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HF...n/?prefilter=0

mikie 1954 · 08-08-2011, 10:07 PM

Mabe go to a dealer[KW, PETERBUILT,ECT] and ask them, alot of trucks have them.

ljackson · 08-09-2011, 09:32 AM

i just installed them in my son's 64. They do pull all the time. Here is my research. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=476066

08-05-2011, 10:06 PM	#1
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Retractable seat belt question I’m thinking about replacing my Simpson racing belts with conventional DOT approved lap belts. I’m leaning towards the metal buckle retractable style shown at the following link. https://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatb...cts/24/view/65 My question has to do with the retractors. Does anyone know if the belt holds a “set” once it is pulled out of the retractor, or does it constantly pull against the abdomen? I find seat belts pulling under constant tension uncomfortable. Depending on how this retractor works I may have to settle for non-retractable lap belts. Thanks for any input.

08-06-2011, 12:34 AM	#2
corvettejim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 949	Re: Retractable seat belt question im really not sure about an answer to your question but i thought you might want to see this ad i found today. __________________ Hand Made Factory reproduction A/C vents text or call 602-361-6421 Website for A/C vents https://coolc10.com/

08-06-2011, 01:23 AM	#3
blackedoutharley Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Plumas Lake, Ca. Posts: 1,009	Re: Retractable seat belt question I think you're asking if the belts will "lock" in a certain position once pulled out rather than having spring tension on them, which keeps the belt tight against the lap? I doubt you will find any that "lock" as it defeats the purpose of the belt. With your Simpson belts you pull the adjusters down to tighten but with a retractable belt it needs to have spring tension on it to keep you from moving during a collision. Personally, I trust the Simpson belts more than the aftermarket standard seat belts. YMMV.

08-06-2011, 07:22 AM	#4
skysoldier173rd Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: jackson, michigan Posts: 246	Re: Retractable seat belt question Those retractors look like the ticket. Mine don't retract and fall out on the ground all the time, a real pain. Just plain lap belts.

08-06-2011, 12:35 PM	#5
wildearp Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 165	Re: Retractable seat belt question I get three point belts from Southern: http://www.southernrods.com/search?query=seat+belts $69 a side. I have been in a couple pretty good crashes and would never run 2 point belts. I have bought several sets from Southern and they are half of what many places charge. They have install kits too. That ad posted above for Brothers for 3 points shows them almost double in price.

08-06-2011, 01:49 PM	#6
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Retractable seat belt question Thanks everyone for the input. SouthernRods certainly has the best pricing I've seen.

08-06-2011, 02:54 PM	#7
brap999 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 223	Re: Retractable seat belt question FYI, I run the 3 point retractables from gotbelts.com: http://www.gotbelts.com/retractable-...cts/81/view/30 They fit my bucket seats well, and the belts work great. I'm fortunate enough to have not been in an accident yet, but I have had to stop hard and the belts locked up like they were suppose to and held in place. They also make lap belts, but I can't comment on the quality of those since I haven't use the lap belts. They also say they "Meets Federal Motor Vehicles Safety standards 209 and 302". __________________ 1963 Chevrolet C10 Stepside 1972 Pontiac GTO 1998 Dodge Viper GTS 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1-1LE *It's never too early to beef up my obituary*

08-06-2011, 07:31 PM	#8
wildearp Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 165	Re: Retractable seat belt question Forgot to answer the question.......they do not lock until there is forward inertia. There is a slight spring tension, but all of them will have this. I ran them in my dually for years of hard use with no problems at all. They are in my 47 and I have two more sets in my parts room to install on current projects. I met some of the guys from Southern at a big car show. You would be hard-pressed to find nicer folks to work with.

08-06-2011, 11:44 PM	#9
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: Retractable seat belt question I'm with you Markeb01, I know exactly what you're talking about and I don't really like it either. but I think what you're referring to was a post-60's "just-adjust-it-til-it's about right" and it holds that position (without any tension) and pre-mid-80's "constant-light-tension" type of belt. For instance, I had a few 70's cars that did what you mentioned, pull them out and stick in the buckle, and then adjust the tension by pulling on the belt and releasing - i.e. so it didn't suck back against your chest/lap on its own. But I do notice that even my newer vehicles have constant light tension on the belt - it just doesn't feel like it because it's so light. My solution was to use a finite-adjusted belt that had an auto-retractor installed on it after the correct "no-tension" length was adjusted. Then the installed retractors were put on and the tension is very, very light. Seems to work pretty good for me. But then again - this is not a 3 point belt, so not sure how that would work. Here's a thread to how I installed it on my truck. My main goal was to just keep my belts from flopping out on the ground (+ PO had the old belts installed backwards). http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=416727

08-07-2011, 01:07 AM	#10
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Retractable seat belt question Again, thanks for the input. That exactly answers my original question. I seemed to remember having retractable lap belts in several of my cars back in the 70’s that allowed a positional length adjustment by gently pulling the ratchet. I was assuming none of the current aftermarket belts offer this feature. I’d go for 3 point belts but have a collar bone problem that doesn’t tolerate pressure. In my new cars I have to put a clamp on the shoulder strap to keep the pressure off, and don’t really want to create the same problem in my truck. Overall I’ve been very happy with the Simpson racing belts, but after discovering how much damage the latch has done to the steering wheel, I’m ready to try something different. The latches are so heavy they rarely fall out of the car, but certainly have caused a few dents in the rocker area when the doors get shut on them. It’s a mysterious phenomenon - but for some unexplained reason the older my truck gets, the steering wheel keeps growing closer to the seat causing an interference problem with the seat belt buckle!

08-07-2011, 09:21 AM	#12
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Retractable seat belt question OUCH! I imagine that probably left a bruise!

08-07-2011, 10:22 PM	#14
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	Re: Retractable seat belt question wildearp, how long are the female(short) side of those belts? I tried one brand & they were too short-real hard to get buckled when one end is stuck between the cushion & back of the seat.

08-08-2011, 04:00 AM	#16
fryer1979 Redneck Hillbilly Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Backwoods Posts: 1,307	Re: Retractable seat belt question I don't really have any input here, I have been looking for a seatbelt system just like that one from Southern. I'm just bookmarking so I can find it again later, thanks fellas.

08-08-2011, 12:56 PM	#17
mikie 1954 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: caliente ca. Posts: 297	Re: Retractable seat belt question Markeb01,I don't know if this will help or not but if you look into the 3 points in big trucks they have a devise in them that after you put on your seat belt you pull alittle tenchion off your shoulder strap and lock it down so there is on pull.Maybe this could work on the system that corvettjim1968 posted.

08-08-2011, 05:54 PM	#21
Slow Build Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Delta Posts: 2,163	Re: Retractable seat belt question Just came upon these belts at Summit. I know nothing about the brand but the price is low. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HF...n/?prefilter=0 __________________ Name: Rich Current Ride: 1964 C-10 Short Fleetside Daily Driver: 2005 GMC crew cab short fleetside /2001 Chevy Tahoe Past GM Trucks: 1959 GMC short stepside 1968 GMC short stepside-4x4 1973 Chevy short stepside 1989 Chevy short fleetside-reg cab 1993 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab 2002 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab Save the dinosaurs, use synthetic oil.



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08-08-2011, 10:07 PM	#22
mikie 1954 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: caliente ca. Posts: 297	Re: Retractable seat belt question Mabe go to a dealer[KW, PETERBUILT,ECT] and ask them, alot of trucks have them.

08-09-2011, 09:32 AM	#23
ljackson Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Amarillo, Texas Posts: 636	Re: Retractable seat belt question i just installed them in my son's 64. They do pull all the time. Here is my research. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=476066 __________________ Father and son built. Driven daily since 2012. 283, 3 speed. Mostly original. '81 PS and disk front. Fuel tank relocate. Maintenance, repairs and upgrades on his dime now. http://zacks64longfleet.shutterfly.com/ Higher res. photos in my gallery.

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