I want to remount my seatbelts in my car and since the car was apart when I got it they are fully retracted.. How do I get them to move outward again?

bolt the retractor down first, it'll let go then

The belt will only release if the retractor is orientated correctly, gravity is required.

Oh gotcha. Had no idea . Thanks.

Some interesting seatbelt info :
https://914electric.wordpress.com/2011/09/2...elt-tightening/

I freed up the belt using their recommendation...

And easy way to clean them up is in hot soapy water. Lower the whole mechanism into the bucket run it back-and-forth dry thoroughly. Trying to unwind the mechanism, and then reset it is troublesome.

the cleaning is very important, and then you can pull the belt out all of the way and lubricate the bobbin for smooth operation

Gosh do I feel stupid. Thanks to the recommendations from everyone they are out and working. Thank you.