Anyone ever install a seatbelt?

[desura]

My car is missing a seatbelt. I need to replace it. The buckles, etc, are all there, but the actual strap is missing.

How hard is it to replace a seat belt? I would have to remove a few panels...using a screw driver? I saw a youtube video where a guy unhooked the battery for a few minutes so as to not set off explosive bolts while he fiddled around.

Why would a car be missing a seat belt in the first place?

 

[jlee]

I replaced one in my MR2 (it was starting to fray). Other than the interior panels, there were two bolts. I would expect it to be a pretty easy job - but be warned, it might be way more expensive than you'd expect (IIRC mine was $160+).

 

[Raizinman]

OEM Seatbelts can be VERY expensive. On the other hand, aftermarket or junk yard seat belts can be had very cheap. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a junk yard seat belt. When a seat belt is stretched from an accident it will get wavy in the fabric.

 

[master_shake_]

i've replaced about 30 or so.

it's not a bad job just time consuming.

 

[bruceb]

Some of them mount using a TORX bolt which will require a TORX Bit driver (similar to allen keys) ... also if the shop manual specifies a torque value, be sure to use it and a dab of Loctite on the attachment bolt.

 

[thescreensavers]

be careful with cheap china seatbelts not something you should skip out on they break and dont do shit.

 

[jlee]

be careful with cheap china seatbelts not something you should skip out on they break and dont do shit.

Yeah...I went dealer OEM for mine. That's one thing I really, really don't want to fail.

 

[bryanl]

Most seatbelt bolts are held by captive nuts, which are very difficult to replace if their welds break loose, so tighten with a torque wrench.

Don't buy junkyard seatbelts because worn ones are far weaker than new, and any involved in a crash have suffered damage. Some even expose a label that says they've been in a crash and must not be used again, or their pre-tensioners have been triggered or any intentional made tears for load limiting have broken.

 

[jlee]

Most seatbelt bolts are held by captive nuts, which are very difficult to replace if their welds break loose, so tighten with a torque wrench.

I had to cut a bolt off of one of those once. It was a pain in the ass.

 

[slugg]

I replaced a seatbelt in my Miata, when I had it. It was super simple, plus I was able to buy the seatbelt for super cheap from a racing team that removed them.