[goatman55]

I picked up a 72 firebird a few months ago and I have been trying to research what I have before I tear into it. My seat belt buckles are plastic, but I’m not sure if they are the “exploder” buckles or not. Thanks to photobucket, most of the old threads are almost useless. I am mostly curious because the car has been well used and all of the buckles are still in tact. It also has the belt minder, so I assume it is a late 72 model.

I’ve attached a photo of a buckle, hopefully it works. I finished my GTO 10 years ago, and haven’t posted here in a long time.

Dave

[Judge273]

Those are not early 72 F body males. Your built date would be after Dec of 71 is the changeover. Jan 1st of 1972 and beyond..

Thought they looked more like these....

['ol Pinion head]

goatman55, those are definitely late '72 model F-body standard seatbelts.

have a partial set out of my '72, but the male ends are not that good. would be very interested in purchasing your set if you are not restoring the '72, or desiring to go with race type belts or the new 3 way style.

[goatman55]

I’m trying to keep the interior stock looking. I just wanted to make sure I’m not wasting my time on buckles that will most likely fail.

[Judge273]

I learned what later exploding 72s look like. That's why I like the forum!

[bird72]

Yes, they look like my late 72. I have had good luck so far and I do particularly like the style, with the sleeve pocket storage above, and the single buckle with clip on shoulder option.

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by goatman55

I’m trying to keep the interior stock looking. I just wanted to make sure I’m not wasting my time on buckles that will most likely fail.

That's cool, just took a chance asking. This style buckle/belts were made by Irvin. the '72 Firebird partscars I've owned were all early '72's and had the separate lap belt & separate shoulder belt. Years ago when I picked up my late '72, several of the male ends as well as the front retractor covers had seen better days, so I pulled them out & now, not sure what I did w them.

[Formulabruce]

Parts are now available to rebuild these and or send off for a rebuild.
I do not recall where I saw this, could have been the parts place.
RE, the exploding belt females