Could anyone tell me if there is a difference in the seat belts from a 1982 Berlinetta and all the other 3rd generation Camaros? Reason I ask is this. I have a 1982 Berlinetta and when I got it the seat belts were not attached at the bottom. They are attached at the top. I was trying to figure out where they go to on the bottom also so went to take a look at my mom's car. Hers is a 1985 Z28. Well, she has a retractor at the bottom and at the top. I only have one at the top, none at the bottom. And I still can't figure out where in the world the seat belts attaches to. I just bought new door sill plates today also, and there is a spot for the seat belt retractor at the bottom to go, which I do not have, but the plates supposedly fit all 82-92 Camaros. But, is mine actually different or did someone else maybe install the seat belts wrong? I cannot even use them right now because they are just hanging there. And I cannot find a single hole for a bolt to go to hold the darn thing in. Some help please!! Thanks.

 

It sounds like someone cut off the lower belts and took the retractors and brackets... The bolt holes are probably hidden behind carpeting. There's a L-bracket that attaches with a regular 1/2" bolt to that hole, and then a T34 Torx bolt attaches the retractor.

While you're at it, check the buckles for fading/chipping on the red buttons. If they're faded or chipped, you might want to check out the junkyard and get a set of 4th gen seatbelts.

 

1982 is the only year for the 3rd-gens to not have a lower seat belt retractor. The flat metal bracket on the belt will go onto the side of the rocker panel. Look closer and you will find the bolt hole.

1982-83 use different buckles which don't use the sun fading red push buttoms so you don't have to worry about what Crayz9000 said.

The door sill plates are also 1982 only. They have just a slot in them rather than the big notch for the retractor like 1983-92.

 

Well, that information helps me too... I did the 4th gen belt swap and want to get rid of the unsightly gap in the door sill. Now I know what part to get, thanks

 

Thank you so much, that helps alot. Now hopefully I can take the door sill plates back and trade them for some 82's.

 

quick question,,,,,
the 82 belts use a funny GM type buckle...... will a rear seat belt (newer 84-92) fit INTO a older 82 GM rear seat buckle??

 

When you sany funny GM type - do you mean that the button is o the side and has GM written on it?
Reason I ask is that my fronts have the GM button, but some recently acquired rear seat belts have the red plastic button on the top. I can of course try front/rear buckle belt combo's out

 

No. The '82-83 buckles are a completely different design than the '84-92 style. The later style buckle won't even slip into the earlier style reciever.

Lots of GM vehicles use the same type seat buckles during a certain period. I know my brothers old 1980 GMC snow plow truck uses the same buckles as 82-83 F-bodies. If you need parts head for the salvage yard and look at late 70's/early 80's GM vehicles.


Sassy: Good luck on finding some '82 sill plates. They're not that easy to find anymore.

 

wierd you say that cause i now have them in my car.... i have the newer style seat belts with the older 82 gm side button buckles. The metal is alittle tight going in but with a little push it goes in and clicks fine.

So if anyone else is wondering they do work!