E-body Retractable Shoulder Belts Anybody?

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!

retractable belts were only used in 74 e bodies, not 1973. i can take a pic in my 74 cuda this weekend.

it only controlled the shoulder belt, seperate retractor for the lap belt.

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.

71TA, thanks for that very helpful info.

And yes, please post some pics.

ted, yes, please post some pics

thanks a lot

The second picture shows the cheap plastic cover that CAME with the kit and the firm rubber 73 covers I used.

So which one of these are the ones you ordered?

C-Bucket Seat Retractable Lap w/Shoulder Harness Set,8 1/2" Offset $65.00ea


or:

H-Retractable Lap w/Shoulder Select Buckle End From Below $60.00ea

I don't remember. I'll have to investigate. I think I have Alzhiemers and I'm only 42!

Yeah....C or H? lol I'm going to order some for my 71 Challenger,so I'll check back later to see which ones you got.I was planning on sending a PM to see where you got your belts since I forgot This post saved me the trouble

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

Cool....thanks! I've got some 73 belts stashed back somewhere to get the covers off of.It might be easier to buy some than find mine

Do you have to be pretty tall for those belts? I.e. do they NOT cut into your neck?

I'm 6' 3" but my wife may want to sit in my car who's only 5' 7".

I have a 74 challenger parts car with everything still in the car and the rear panels are in good shape ,pm me if interested.

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....

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.

Hmmm, those OEM pics sure look familiar.

Yep they're your belt pics!

Like your Salt Flat wheels! I've been looking at some Colorado Custom Sugar Cities that are similar but UGH, $$$. Nice look!