Driver Seatbelt repair/replacement for Red 1987 Dodge Diplomat

O

OnionPatch

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The driver seatbelt in my '87 Diplomat completely stopped retracting(insult to injury with the transmission leak the very same day), is there a way I can rebuild it/fix it myself? I've looked for replacements but haven't found anything. Really gonna need it if I'm going to drive it home 3 hours from my uncles shop after he hauled it up there and showed me how to rebuild the transmission.
 
I’m heading up this weekend to work on it, I might get around to it I hope.
I’ll post pictures of her if I can remember to take some.
 
Sometimes you can blast some schmoo into the retractor mech, after removing the B billar interior cover. Maybe use WD-40 or other such lubricant with a flexible wand/spray straw.
 
there is a slight possibility i may have a replacement in my shed. tan though. and kind of dirty. there might be blue in there too.

i had that issue a while back and i can't for the life of me remember how i fixed it. i know i took the molding off (i was gonna paint it anyways) and fiddled with it and it kind of just fixed itself. i think the seatbelt can get stuck if extended too far.
 
Here she is, my pride and joy. 318 LA with freshly rebuilt A-904. Edelbrock carb with MSD ready to run distributor. Still got factory manifolds but I’m planning to get huggers and dual exhaust. Not sure if long tube headers will fit.

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I see how to get to the belt mechanism, I’ll probably take the panels off and take a closer look tomorrow. The mechanism is completely out, absolutely zero retraction.
 
Try pulling at it or trying to make it retract while pushing the black plunger thing in the door jamb multiple times while youre doing it. It's part of the tension setup and might make it do something. Otherwise maybe it'll be more clear once it's removed from the car what's wrong with it.
 
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