Seat Belt question

[Gerald C.]

I have a seat belt situation on a 66 that I could use some advice on....when I try to lengthen or shorten the belt, it won't move. The bar are the underside of the buckle is rusty and that could be preventing any movement. I tried spraying some silicone and penetrating oil on the inside and nothing is moving. Is there a way for me to disassemble the buckle?

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Mark E.]

Re: Seat Belt question

I had the same issue after my '70 came out of lengthy storage. The buckle was stuck and the belt fabric suffered rust/water stains and was generally soiled. I soaked the belt and buckle overnight in Woolite diluted with cold water thinking if it didn't work or if it ruined the fabric somehow, I'm no worse off. I believe I also used a soft bristle brush after soaking it for awhile.

Well, the fabric came out looking 99% new and I was able to adjust the buckle again. I think the soaking softened the belt up enough to get movement.

That was several years ago. Today, the belts are 50 years old and I wonder if they are still safe. In other words, is the fabric still strong enough to do its job? So I'm considering replacing the belts even though cosmetically their appearance remains good after cleaning them with Woolite.

Good luck and let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Seat Belt question

Mark,

I went on youtube to see how to take the buckle apart. I lubricated the slide that keeps the belt tight and it moves much better. Not like new, but I adjusted to my needs and since I'm the only one that drives the car, it won't need any adjustments.

Jerry

[Mark E.]

Re: Seat Belt question

Super. Youtube has a how-to video for everything, doesn't it?

[David L.]

Re: Seat Belt question

The seat belt buckles can be taken apart. The 1st photo is of 65-E66 Corvette buckles. The disassembled buckle is in need of 2 springs and a C-clip. The 2nd photo is of L66-67 GM buckles (same a Corvette except for the emblem). The 3rd photo is the back of a 64 Corvette buckle.

You can find very good instructions along with photos on how to disassembly these seat belts buckles in the NCRS "Technical Discussion Archives" in an article entitled "66L-67 Seat Belt Buckles" dated June 18, 2005.

Dave