help - seats belt wont pull out 1977

aftermath · aftermath's Garage

I have removed the belts from my 1977 911. They are wound up around the spool all the way. They dont pull out so I can take a close look at the belt. I can seem to wiggle it out a bit at a time by pulling out and letting it back in a bit. Im guessing they are supposed to do this, but anyone know the trick so that I can pull it all the way out for inspection?
Thanks - PS: I hate being a newbie.

RickM · RickM's Garage

If it's an inertia reel it should allow you to pull the belt out slowly. Centrifical force will expand the braking mechanism when the belt is pulled quickly. Does anything appear to bind or look to be stuck in place?

aftermath · aftermath's Garage

Hard to say, I tried pulling slow, I can pull out maybe 1/2 inch, then let 1/4 back in then repeat. I dont know if this is caused by me letting it wind up all the way. I will try pulling slower tonight, but I doubt thats it as I wasnt pulling quickly.

project 911 · project 911's Garage

aftermath-

I don't know if this will help, but they have a strange little pendulum in one end that when hanging stright up and down allows the belt to come out. If it swing to the side I think it locks it up. Try holding it in the upright position (like when it is mounted) and see if it makes any difference. Also, take my advice and don't remove the black plastic end covers. I did and about ten miles of spring came out at mach 3. Spent the rest of the night trying to get it back in!

Jesset100 · Jesset100's Garage

Steve B. Could you tell me if it's possible to rebelt the seat belt? Did you get a look at how the belt is attached to the shaft? Sounds like you took yours apart to lube or rebelt. My belts are frayed and need to be replaced.
Jesse

project 911 · project 911's Garage

Jesse-

To be honest it has been a while since I had it appart, so I can't remember how the belt attached to the shaft. I was so freaked out about the spring popping out.
I had updated my original 71 belts to these with the reel from a later car. I just paid a few bucks for the set at a bone yard. You might look into a good used set. It may be cheaper and easier than rebelting yours. Maybe others will chime in.