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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/6/08 9:36amMessage 1 of 8
O
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Champaign, IL - USA
Joined: 1/1/2008
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1976 Corvette Stingray L-48, Torch Red Pearl paint with Firethorn Interior.
I finally started removing my interior to replace the carpet.  I got the storage compartment out and done last night, and it looks great.  My next chore was removal of the seatbelts to start on the rear compartment.  The problem is that the seatbelt mount bolt up by the top of the seat is so tight that I can't get it out.  Is there some trick to doing this?  What have others done to get this thing out?  It is driving my crazy, and it my only stumbling block.
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/6/08 11:25amMessage 2 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Try "massaging" the end of the bolt head with a hammer. Hit the end(head) of the bolt square on. Don't beat the crap out of it, just a good, firm whack..or ten. Also spray some penetrating oil around it.
These bolts are fairly tight for a reason, so have patience...it'll come out.

Joel Adams
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/6/08 11:41amMessage 3 of 8
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Horse Cave, KY - USA
Joined: 10/22/2007
Posts: 488
Vette(s): 1968 convertible; 1980 L-82
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]...Also spray some penetrating oil around it.... [/QUOTE]
 
Ditto for both ends of the lap belts if you are planning on taking those out.
Current issue of Corvette Enthusiast has an article on seat belt replacement and how difficult the bolts can be.
 
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/6/08 6:31pmMessage 4 of 8
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Champaign, IL - USA
Joined: 1/1/2008
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1976 Corvette Stingray L-48, Torch Red Pearl paint with Firethorn Interior.
Thanks.  I finally got three of them to come out with brute force.  The really stubborn one is the seat belt retractor bold on the passenger side.  I soaked it with PB Blaster and will try again tomorrow.  If that doesn't work, I'll cut the old carpet out, and cut a slit when installing the new carpet and take my time when to hide the cut.
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/8/08 5:30pmMessage 5 of 8
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Champaign, IL - USA
Joined: 1/1/2008
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1976 Corvette Stingray L-48, Torch Red Pearl paint with Firethorn Interior.
After soaking with PB Blaster all night, I tried to get the bolt loose again.  The problem was that the six point socket was slipping up and off of the bolt.  I tried a twelve point, and it gripped well and the bolt came out.  Now I'm cooking with gas.
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/14/08 2:47pmMessage 6 of 8
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
That's the spirit Ed Clap Thumbs%20Up.
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/14/08 4:35pmMessage 7 of 8
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Falls Church, VA - USA
Joined: 3/22/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1975, 4 speed, L48, NOW Silver mist, Oxblood inside 2003 50th Av Torch RED little brother to 75
Oogie's Stingray, best way to get them  out I found was use a 1/2" impact drill and deep sockets. I used a electric one but they also make air. If you don't have access to one you may be able to rent one plus sockets. Or if ya got the money invest in one. Sears has good ones and they aren't too expensive sockets are a little pricey I think its worth it. Great for aroud the shop for lug bolts or any other tough bolt extraction. Just be aware once your buddies know you got one they will borrow lots. Just my thoughts thanks.
 
sgm2004
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1976 Corvette Seatbelt Removal

Posted: 2/15/08 12:28pmMessage 8 of 8
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Badin Lake, NC - USA
Joined: 4/21/2004
Posts: 127
Vette(s): 1979 Red L-48 Corvette with Doeskin interior, 3-speed automatic, 3.55 rear; 1986 L-98 Coupe, 4+3 Manual - Satin Black and Purple (SCCA TT/Hillclimb Car); 1993 White LT-1 Coupe, Black Interior, 6-speed
Hey - Thanks for the comments on impact wrenches. It reminded me I need to get mine back from a buddy that borrowed it....
C3: 1979 Corvette Coupe, Auto, L-48, Red/Doeskin (my wife's fave);
C4s: 1986 C4 coupe (SCCA road race car), satin black, 4+3, Z51 package, L-98;  & 1993 C4 coupe, white, 6-speed, LT-1.
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