Working on a 70 B body. Anyone take apart the front seat belt retractors bolted to both inner rockers? Was hoping to slide off the rubber/plastic boot that covers retractor, but it pretty tight. May have shrunk a bit thru the years. Thought I might put it in some hot water to get it loose? Anyone have these things apart? Any feedback or ideas would be appreciated ? Thxs

Is there anything I could put on the rubber/plastic portion to soften it? Vaseline? It doesn't have to come apart for awhile. If I let it work in for a few weeks to soften it up it might help. ???

There should be two small rivets holding the boot to the retractor. Once those are removed use a heat gun on the boot. Be careful not to overheat the boot. Once it becomes pliable it should slide off.

As a note you can use a hairdryer. Same holds true on getting the boot too hot.

Don't see any rivets. Looks all original, just a rubber boot slid over the retractor mechanism. Heat gun might do the trick. dart4forte I see your in AZ ,so you know what the sun does to interior pieces out here. I think its just shrunk on tight?

Has the color faded? If not it's probably ok. Just try the heat gun or hair dryer. As far as rivets, I went out to the garage and the 71 has rivets.

Are you replacing the boot. If not and you are reprinting them make sure you use a good quality paint like SEM. Also make sure you use a good wax and grease remover. That paint will fisheye unless you get it super clean.

dart4forte, They are discolored, were originally green but have turned very dark green where they were more exposed to the sun. Think there salvageable? I wanted to remove them and dye them black. Plus the retractors are a little finicky at times, thought there might be dirt or something inside. Tried to slide a butter knife between the rubber and mounting bracket, not a chance... These came out of an AZ car that has been sitting for a long time.

We have a board member Bill whom restores these. Drop him an email I bet he will offer assistance. Here is his website: http://www.allmoparseatbelts.com/

I work for Bill. I do his internet sales. When I send him cores that's how I remove the boots