72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

[Mike E.]

The vinyl t-shaped stop that is on the male end of the shoulder belt needs to be removed in order to retract the belt through the seat in order to remove the seat.
Any tipas? I'd like to save the originals, if at all possible--they're in decent shape, but obviously a bit dry and hard after 37 years.
Thanks!

[Bill C.]

Re: 72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

Heat them with a blow dryer.
Works great - will soften and make easy to pull off the belt clip.

[Dick W.]

Re: 72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

Very hot water works well also

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

Nice warm sunlight works well too, especially if the car is left outside in the sun with closed windows. However, October was too late for that -- we only had two sunny days in October in Chicago, and Mike probably had less since he is about 75 miles north of Chicago.

[Kurt G.]

Re: 72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

I used Bill's method a couple of years ago. Works great. Make sure it's a blow drier, not a heat gun, and be patient. Don't force them off until they're nice and soft.

[Steve L.]

Re: 72 shoulder belt vinyl stop--looking for removal tip/s

Hot water is more controllable. And don't forget to flip the buckle upside down before pulling it through the seat.