Anyone know of a shop that will rebuild the retractable seatbelts from a 1974 914? After 32 years the belts are pretty tired.....

thanks!

Boy thats a tough one, many shops won't work on old seat belts because of liability issues. Actually old seat belts should ideally be replaced after so many years, the claim is the webbing degrades over time and wont have the same stretch in an accident, and hence may fail. Since our cars are 30 plus years old, it is an issue.

You might try rebuilding yourself, or buying an aftermarket belt (i don't know the source but have heard of that being done.) Frankly I have ditched the retracting belts in my 914 for the older style non -retracting type. No danger of the retract mechanism not working, and like to cinch down the belt, feels more secure (and probably really is) Note that the original belts had a date on the tag (tag may be missing) Again it is for safety, old belts should be replaced, but I know of few folks that do this.

good luck

has anybody ever tried to order a replacement from Porsche?

i'd be surprised if they didn't have them in stock still ...
Andy

I agree with the liability issues. If you decide to rebuild them yourself beware, the coil spring in them will explode when you remove the cover. You've got to be really careful when disassembling these (ask me how I know?). Where eye and hand protection - the edges of the springs can be sharp. Takes hours to rewind the spring if it 'pops' on you.

I've heard of several people using 944 belts as replacements. Needs a little modification to the mounting points but it's been done.

There is an advertiser on Excellence Mag. I have never used them, but here is a link to their web page: Seat Belts

Good luck!

QUOTE (dmenche914 @ Dec 23 2005, 03:36 PM)

Frankly I have ditched the retracting belts in my 914 for the older style non -retracting type. No danger of the retract mechanism not working, and like to cinch down the belt, feels more secure (and probably really is)

who would have thought i'd ever agree with you on something!

early style seatbelts all the way for me as well ...
Andy

guess we can agree on 914 stuff, the other stuff is just not as important as 914 stuff right?

Cheers.

called porsche dealer -- no go on the part being available

I need them too .. my belts are pretty much for show at this point

I used http://www.peparts.com ones on my attorney's SC. We're both happy with them so far (1 yr+).

--DD

QUOTE

Pep Parts

those guys seem to have a good product. i'm having mine redone in mid-january, when they're back in the office.

edit: i am ordering product #KT100X. they keep your stock male connnector, d-ring and chrome loop as well, though i'm opting for an updated, smoother d-ring myself.

~a

PEP make a good product for sure.

I like the idea of the non-retractable belts. Adds lightness, too....

Aaron- did you get a cost estimate from PEP before they went on vacation?

QUOTE (Jay @ Dec 23 2005, 04:04 PM)

Aaron- did you get a cost estimate from PEP before they went on vacation?

yes, i was quoted $149 per belt, approx $300 for both. looks like their site is down for refurb.

~a

I replaced mine with some 944 seatbelts and they work great. Posted a WTB on the 944 section of the Pelican forum. Set me back $40.

QUOTE (blitZ @ Dec 23 2005, 07:22 PM)

I replaced mine with some 944 seatbelts and they work great. Posted a WTB on the 944 section of the Pelican forum. Set me back $40.

do you have a pciture of your setup? I'm just curious as to how the belts were mounted and the change between stock and the 944 stuff

The reel mounts behind the back pad, so hard to take a picture. The configuration of the belts are exactly the same. The little post which sticks into the back wall is a tad larger, short work with a drill resolved that. I used my old hardware, bolts, washers, etc. The 944 belts do not have the wire guide piece, however I left it off and they retract very well.

I see now. thanks dor the explanation

any particular year of 944...

Mine came from 87-88 model as I recall, not sure if it matters.

if you get the retractable belt part from a 87-88 944 does the 944 belt plate fit the 914 part that you insert the belt plate into .... WOW does it show that I am at a loss for words about these part names ...