69 Seat Belt Guide & Grommet

[Michael C.]

I'm installing new carpet and don't remember how these parts should appear after installation. Is the guide entirely concealed by the grommet and carpet (including the black part)? I know it's a challenge to get the grommet inserted into a slot that I have to cut into the new carpet. I have the original rubber (?) grommets which are pretty hard due to age, but they soften up temporarily with heat. I'll just have to work fast. The grommets are in good condition.
Thanks,
Mike

SeatBeltGuideGrommet.jpg

[Edward C.]

Re: 69 Seat Belt Guide & Grommet

The blue carpet (or whatever color your carpet, it looks blue in the pic) grommet was hard plastic, not rubber. The repros are rubber and junk. Getting the grommet in is not really difficult but the first time can look more confusing than it really is. Just keep cutting very small amounts of carpet at a time. The only way it will stay in the carpet properly is how they did it from the factory and that is to staple it into the carpet from the back. The shape of the cut in the carpet is more than just a slit. I’ve done a few but it’s been awhile. If I remember, the cut is maybe 3/4 to 1 inch high and maybe 1/2 inch longer than the long opening. Pretty much 1/4 inch larger than the opening all around max. I wouldn’t even soften them up. In fact, harder is better in my opinion. You want the carpet to “lock” into the groove around the opening. Work patiently. Do not cut too much carpet. Small cuts, keep test fitting.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Seat Belt Guide & Grommet

Thanks Edward for the info. Not the kind of plastic I’m accustomed to. It does get soft after being in the sun a while, but resumes original hardness after cooling. Doesn’t really matter at this point. Back to my question: Is the black part of the guide visible after everything is in place?

[Edward C.]

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 Seat Belt Guide & Grommet

Thanks again Edward.