Has anyone else run into this issue?

I ordered a Seatbelt Solutions front seatbelt assembly from Classic Industries (CI part number C97103) and am having difficulty installing it.

I believe there is an issue with the design of the retractor assembly.
Classic Industries' Part Number: C97103

The part description says 82-92 Front Seat Belts Gray.
My Camaro is a 1987 standard coupe (not RS, not IROC).
So the part description appears to match my car.

However, when I tried to install the seat belt retractor assembly, I found there is by General Motors' design a strengthening flange that competes for space with the top-rear edge of the seat belt retractor assembly.

This conflict causes a gap at the mounting bolt of the retractor assembly. The gap is large enough to cause the bolt's washer to be loose. The gap is about double the thickness of the bolt's washer.

I am concerned about proper function in a scenario when the seat belt is needed. I am also concerned it will prevent proper installation of the headliner.

I have reported this to Classic Solutions. They were terrific to work with, but unfortunately they weren't able to confirm a like-for-like exchange will solve the issue. The issue appears to be inherent to the design. The best they can do is a refund.

I emailed Seatbelt Solutions maybe a week ago. No response. I'll call them next.

One can reasonably assume most or all of the 82-92 Camaro retractor assemblies manufactured by Seatbelt Solutions has this problem.

Have any of you experienced the same issue and is there an alternative solution to simply returning or exchanging?

Thank you!



Pictures with callouts.

 

Can you cut a triangle piece out of the seat belt retractor plate to allow the flange to stay in place?

 

@battmann , thanks for responding! I'm considering that, and might resort to it. I wonder if anyone's solved it in a way that doesn't void a warranty.

 

I called Seatbelt Solutions and they said they are aware of the strengthening flange and that's why a washer is included for each bolt.
I explained to them there is still a gap, about the thickness of another washer. I expressed slight concern that a collision would put too much strain on the bolt itself, as opposed to the car frame/unibody also holding the retractor assembly frame in place.
I ended up emailing that person the same picture above. We'll see if he responds.

 

More than a month has passed. No response. I'm giving up on the idea that there is something Seatbelt Solutions can/will do.

 

Some solution! That's classic for ya! Sorry for the puns.
What does the OE seat belt frame look like? Is the frame "missing" that corner? That would seem better than even adding one washer.
You'd think these corporations could bother themselves make better products.