Anyone disassembled/restored seat belt receivers Options

[doug_b_928]

I did a search but didn't see any posts showing the disassembly/reassembly/restoration of the female seat belt receivers. Mine are pictured below. I've ordered new stickers but would like to replate the screws on the back and the main steel portion (mine were very corroded where they bolt into the car; I put POR15 on them a couple of years ago but I'd rather disassemble, media blast and replate the whole thing). Any advice based on past experience with disassembly/reassembly would be much appreciated (as always).

[FlacaProductions]

I know the OP is talking about the receivers but there has been mention of the retracting part as well.

I took two of them somewhat apart recently - but I did NOT take the cover (the thinner of the two) that houses the coil spring off.

Instead, I fully extended the belt and then pushed the webbing back thru the metal bar where it is held by another bar that runs through a pocket in the belt. Slide the bar out but be mindful that the bar will spin (quickly) if released.

I put a screwdriver in the slot that kept the retractor in this position while I put the belt in a bucket of Woolite-water and washed 'em out and hung them out to dry.

While they were drying, I took the screwdriver through the slot and advanced the rod to the point where it wouldn't go any more and then backed off a half-turn. It did seem to add significantly to the amount of tension in the retraction action.

I did add a small amount of silicone lube to where the bar spins and then put the belt back through the slot, securing it with the pin. It retracted quite well and I'll be putting them back in the car in a couple of weeks. I'll report back....probably in a separate thread.