Seat Belt Installation

[tonyfromjersey]

I got my seatbelts from gotbelts.com, who apparently has no phone support. I removed the old ones, here's the question:

How do I get the seatbelt through the seatbelt guide that's on the floor. I removed it to make it easier to handle, but the tongue of the new belt doesn't go through the guide. Is there a way to remove the belt from the retractor and then feed it through backwards? Or how else do I get this done without destroying the new belt?

[tonyfromjersey]

Answered my own question, nothing a little cutting with the dremel and a diamond blade wouldn't fix. Just made the hole a little bigger and now I have to coat the cut with something so it doesn't wear on the belt. Probably find something at my local home depot I suppose.

[baltobernie]

That guide also acts as the anchor point when tension is applied to the belt, so a cosmetic filler alone may not be safe. I welded my slot, then ground the contact area to prevent chafing. Extend the belt and clamp it at the retractor. Bunch up the belt on the opposite side of the slot, and use a wet rag to keep the heat away from the webbing. You could use some JB Weld to smooth the slot radius, as long as the bracket is structurally sound.

For others who may be planning this mod, be sure and cut the access slot on the bracket side facing the rear of the car. Incredible forces are placed upon these components in an accident; witness the size of the hardware. The seat belt bolts are larger diameter than the engine mounts!

[SLOSpider]

I did not know that place existed. What model did you get?

[baltobernie]

Name Code Qty Each Options
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEAMS Retractable Lap HL14146 2 59.95 **Webbing Color = 1000-Black
Belt with End Release Buckle Length = 13 inch Cable
Buckle Buckle
Retractor Boot Length = 4 inch
Installation Hardware Kit FHD-1046-1 1 5.95
#1
Subtotal 125.85
Shipping 4.95
Tax 0.00
Total 130.80

Here's (one of many) previous posts on the subject. (The Search tab; make it your friend)
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 80&p=58196