[JimChevy]

I have a set of replacement retractor covers that I want to install but I'm not sure how to remove them. There is a phillips screw that won't budge! How do I get this screw out and when I do, is a spring going to fly out or what?? Thanks

[topless67goat]

I did mine last year...same color.

I can't say why the screw won't budge. I think mine were tight but I was able to break them loose. As far as springs flying out that won't happen. There is a couple parts in there one of them being a spring which you'll have to wind while putting them back togther. Getting the proper tension may be a small challenge just get a feel for the tensions before taking apart and try to reproduce while putting back together.

Once you get that screw loose just remove the retractor assembly slowly and put it back together the same way it came apart. Make sure you do one at a time so as not to mix up parts. I took them apart at the same time and ended up putting the pass cover on the drivers side.

[JimChevy]

Thank you sir! Sounds pretty easy, just have to get those screws loose tonight without stripping them!

[corellian corvette]

Use a little heat on the plastic retractor cover. Will help getting the latch out w/o breaking or cracking it...

[JimChevy]

I may have to try that if I can't get it free.

[1969GTO]

I did mine on my 69 GTO last year.
Since I was replacing the covers,I just made a note as to the direction the cover was facing and then just cut the darn thing off [plastic cover].
Then put the new cover over the buckle and do some hard pulling till the buckle come through...............worked for me.

[2002Z4CSS]

Use an impact driver to loosen the screw.

[corellian corvette]

+1 on impact. My body guy actually once showed me a simple trick. Hit the head of the screw a few times hard with a hammer. That will knock it loose and it comes right out...

[JimChevy]

Update- I found out that screw doesnt turn at all because it has a deep groove running down the length of it that the spring housing rides in. It simply pulls out! When I did this the spring unwound. It took awhile to figure out how to reassemble the mechanism. I cleaned up the belt like new and reassembled the spring assembly by turning counter-clockwise ( this is what makes the belt retract) using a cordless drill on reverse. When I got the tension set I kept the drill bit in the screw head while I hurried up and put the nut on the other end of the bolt! I see no other way of doing this. I also pulled the belts thru the new retractor covers really hard to get them thru as 1969GTO suggested. I hope this helps someone else.

[1969GTO]

I had no clue either when I did mine last year,I figuerd since I was getting rid of the old covers,just cut the darn things off,got lucky,it worked