A while back, my driver's side shoulder belt would not lock or retract. I opened it up to find that the shaft for the belt spool had come loose from the side plate of the ratchet assembly, so the shaft was turning free.

I "fixed" it by welding it. However, the metals didn't like being welded, and though it stuck OK, I really don't trust it if I really need it.

I can pick up a replacement from the local U-Pull-It salvage. But since the plastic sleeves on the floor pieces are splitting and dying, I was wondering about an upgrade.

• How are 4th-gen belts mounted? Are they still in the roof like our cars, or are they in the door or seat back?
• Does any one know of a source of aftermarket belt systems, short of a 5-point harness?

Thanks.

 

I believe 4th gen belts mount very similiar to the 1982 belts, with the retractor in the roof only. This is a popular swap, and I think there might be a tech article on it as well. I think you may have to change out your sill plates to the 82 style or you'll have huge holes from where the retractor mounted.
I have not done this swap myself, but many others have, perhaps somone who has done this mod can provide additional info.

edit: here is the tech article on 4th gen belts:
https://www.thirdgen.org/4thgenbelts

 

Great! This is exactly what I wanted to know. I'll just hit up the salvage for a 4th-gen set of belts.

very much!

 

Here is a pic of the 82 sill plate beside an 83 and up style.

 

Here is what the 4th gen belts look like with the 82 sill plate.

 

Double post-sorry

 

Ya if only i can find some 82 sill plates now...ive had 4th gen belts but they will look ugly if i cant somehow fill the gap by the sill plate...

 

I found my set of sill plates on Craig's List for $20. Might give that a try.

I visit the local boneyards often, if I find another set I'll let you know.

 

ive got an 83 and it has the same sill plate as the 82 style that your talking about, so i dunno where you got your information

 

The information came from here through searches I made. I've not seen and 83, but I found an 82 with the plates I needed.

If they are also on an 83, then so be it.

 

Does anyone know a place where I can find that style (82-83) of door sills new?