I got new covers for the retractors outside the buckets. Need to remove old covers to install new the latch plates won’t fit thru the hole in the cover. It looks like I have to disassemble the retractor. It has a cover that says “Do not remove”. Anybody been through this? Thanks.

 

This is a really old post but I am going thru the process of replace the covers on my 70 442. I have one of them apart and I'm pretty sure I can get it done. I figured out how it works and getting it back together is the issue but I think I have it figured out. Has anybody else done this and if so what procedure did you use?

 

I need to install already-removed retractors in new covers, so I'm interested in this, too.

 

I got the new covers installed but it's tricky how to do it. I had a buddy helping me do it and once it's apart and ready to go back together you have to spread the spring type retainer to get it started over the belt end. Once you get it stated you can push/drive it the rest of the way on the belt. There's a plastic center that has teeth/splines that secure the belt that goes in the center of the belt end. There will be witness marks where the plastic piece was located in the belt end. There is a right and left cover but they are not marked, you just have to make sure the belt opening is positioned where the belt operates freely. We made a PVC pipe tool that fits over the retractor spring cover and you have to cut a slot in the pipe so that it fits the square section on the retractor spring cover. You position the retractor spring over the slot in the metal pin that goes inside of the plastic part and just turn the pipe until you get the right amount of tension. Once you get the tension set you push the dowels on the spring cover into the holes in the belt frame. The metal pin that goes into the center of the plastic has splines on it also so it doesn't turn inside of the plastic part. I hope this makes sense because it's a tedious procedure but it can be done.

You have to get the belt end through the new cover before you can put all of the parts back together. Once the plastic part and the tension spring is in place then you can put the belt end in the metal frame and install the metal pin. Than you can install the retractor spring assembly on the pin and do the tightening procedure.

 

Mike, it sounds like I should just send mine to you! Can you please e-mail me photos/dimensions of the pipe tool?

 

My buddy said he had no interest in getting into the seat belt retractor cover business. He has the tool he made but I'll see it I can get a picture of it.

 

Here's the tool for the seat belt retractor assembly. It's appox. 6" X 1 1/2" ID with the clearance slot for the cover.

 

Thanks, Mike.