E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
#14009
01/07/05 12:14 AM
01/07/05 12:14 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 115 Tampa Bay
BadFishy
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I have a 71 Cuda and want to convert to retractable front seat belts like in the 73 and 74. Problem is, I would have to change the rear panels for a factory appearance, so I might just want to cut slots in the rear panels to retro-fit the mechanism. So if you have a 73 0r 74 Cuda or Challenger with these (OR HAVE ACCESS TO THE PANELS), where are the slots located on the rear panels? In other words, how far back from the lip on the panel and how far down from the window opening are the slots? ALSO, did the retraction control just the shoulder belts, or the seat belts as well (like modern cars)? Thanks in advance!
1971 Cuda, 440 custom-build
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: BadFishy]
#14010
01/07/05 12:26 PM
01/07/05 12:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,871 albany ny
05dakota
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retractable belts were only used in 74 e bodies, not 1973. i can take a pic in my 74 cuda this weekend.
5549 post on old board
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 05dakota]
#14011
01/07/05 12:27 PM
01/07/05 12:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,871 albany ny
05dakota
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I Live Here
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it only controlled the shoulder belt, seperate retractor for the lap belt.
5549 post on old board
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 05dakota]
#14012
01/07/05 12:43 PM
01/07/05 12:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,473 Warren, MI
71TA
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Go aftermarket. I did. I wanted to do a set of 74 belts in my 71. Whata a PIA. In fact RIGHT NOW I have a complete set of 74 belts UNDER MY DESK here at work. I actually have 1-1/2 sets. they are so hard to find in decent shape I bought a complete set and some parts. Heres a write up did from a couple other previous posts... "First, the best way to swap them would be to get a COMPLETE set of ORIGINAL 3pt belts from a 74 E body. That was the only year E body that they came in. BUT they are expensive, since rare, usually around $200 just for the belts that are crap. THEN you also need the even rarer rear interior panels that the retractable belt came up thru. PLUS I checked, it's about $600 for Snake Oyl to restore the belts! Bottomline - this way is nearly impossible. The way I did it. Bought the 3pt retractable with the 8" dogbone (the plastic covered steel strap that lowers the shoulderbelt down from the roof attachment point - you can see it in the link of pics I'll provide below). The company is http://www.andoauto.com/retrofit.htm The ONE PROBLEM with their belts is the plastic cover on the 12" belt/buckle that mounts to the floor beside the front seats. It's a cheesy cheap plastic cover with the wrong angle. Worst case, it IS usable but this is what I did. I searched for a correct shaped cover. There are probably many applications out there that would work. Probably even some new cars. I bought a set of rusty lap belts off Ebay for a 73 Cuda. The original plastic covers, actually more of a heavy rubber, WERE PERFECT! I did pay $40 for the set but I really wanted the installation to look correct. The complete 3pt front set was like $175 from Andover Auto. Not too bad I thought. Just a bolt in. The look and work perfect." I can post pics tonight if interested.
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 71TA]
#14013
01/07/05 06:21 PM
01/07/05 06:21 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 115 Tampa Bay
BadFishy
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71TA, thanks for that very helpful info.
And yes, please post some pics.
1971 Cuda, 440 custom-build
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 05dakota]
#14014
01/07/05 06:22 PM
01/07/05 06:22 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
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BadFishy
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ted, yes, please post some pics
thanks a lot
1971 Cuda, 440 custom-build
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: JDMopar]
#14019
01/07/05 09:43 PM
01/07/05 09:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,473 Warren, MI
71TA
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It was... (2) C-Bucket Seat Retractable Lap w/Shoulder Harness Set,8 1/2" Offset $65.00ea and (2) B-12" Buckle End w/Removable Hard Plastic Sleeve $15.00ea Again I used some 73 rubber covers for the short, fixed lap bet. The plastic cover they give is unuseable. Heres a complete set of 74 belts on Ebay in typical crappy shape BUT there are TWO SETS of the short belts with the hard platsic cover (most are cracked or ripped). Aske seller condition. Usually you on get one pair of these. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4516261735
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 2fast4yourBrain]
#14023
01/07/05 11:06 PM
01/07/05 11:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,473 Warren, MI
71TA
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I'm 5' 10" and the belt fits fine.
As for converting to 74 setup, aftermarket rear panels can be modified to look like 74 panels. But a GOOD rectangular plastic bezel that goes on the panel where the belt comes thru is pure unobtainium. I have 2 sets and both are crappy and chalky. Just BAD plastic from back in the day.
Heres some pics of a NICE, oem setup from another Moparts member....
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Re: E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?
[Re: 71TA]
#14024
01/08/05 12:07 AM
01/08/05 12:07 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 115 Tampa Bay
BadFishy
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Hey guys, this is all great info. I'm going with a new set-up and not the 74 set-up. Looks a lot easier. I'll shop around for the hard rubber pieces too; its those little things in these forums that make the difference. Somebody has already been there and done that! Thanks.
1971 Cuda, 440 custom-build
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