63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

[Norm B.]

I was in the process of changing out the carpeting in my '63 coupe. Everything was going smoothly until I got to the point of removing the seatbelts. The bolts for the inner halfs came out easily, too easily for my comfort actually, but the outer bolts would not bulge. I tried all the standard tricks and finally resorted to an impact gun. Now I have the situation where the outer right side bolt is just spinning and the underbody reinforcement plate is loose. Once that happened I stopped and left the left side alone until I figure this one out. From pictures in a catalogue it appears that there is a nut tack welded to that reinforcement plate but I really cannot see where to access it without getting under the car. I won't be able to get back to this for a day or two now so I thought I would look for advice in the meantime.

Has anyone run into this situation?

Is the tack welded nut is accessible from underneath or do I sawzall off the bolt from inside the car now that it is a bit loose?

I see Corvette Central has these plates, only as a complete set of course, so should I just go ahead and order a set now so I can pick it up in Carlisle?

Looking for any insight or suggestions.

Norm

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

Norm, not a lot of room on a 63 with the body on, You have to access the situation, I just looked at a 63 on the lift, one side you maybe able the other looked near impossible. The only other way is to remove rear bumpers an the body mount bolts to lift the body up some to get access, just remember to install new clean nuts w/ anti seize and bolts, remove the thread lock on the new bolts.

[Eric J.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

Norm, The outer nut plate isnt riveted like the inner plate is. Line the plate back up and put a bolt or screw driver through the hole in the plate you already removed. This will keep it from spinning as you remove the other bolt. (see picture) There is no nut. The steel is tapped. Eric

[Eric J.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

This is a common problem as rust has taken control. As Ed mentioned space is a problem. I had the exact same problem. All I could do is cut as much off as I could the drill out the rivets. I then purchaesd replacement parts and pop-riveted them in place till I pulled the body.

It's nasty but it's a common problem with 63's.

Good luck.

[Norm B.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

Thanks Harry. How did you remove the heads of the bolts? Did you grind them off or cut them off then knock them through? I am thinking these bolts are probably pretty hard but so far I don't really see any other option.

It looks like I can get the plates separately at Paragon without having to buy the whole set.

[Norm B.]

Re: 63 Seatbelt Underbody Reinforcement Problem

Eric. It is the plate closer to the top right of the picture that is giving me the grief. It is the seat belt reinforcement plate, not the seat anchor plate, but thanks for the picture, it really helps me see what I am dealing with.