1989 Oldsmobile 88 Anyone ever taken a seatbelt reel assemb

Honestly, there are no servicable parts in there. Since it is a safety issue, I recommend replacing it with the correct type.

I agree there are no servicable parts inside the seat belt reel, but swapping the belt was one of the easier things I've ever done on an auto component.

I broke several tools and wasted about 8 hours in three different trips to the wrecking yard trying to get the damn torx bolt out of the floor pan trying to get a rear seat belt with the correct color to match the new interior.

I decided to tear apart the wrong colored rear seat belt reel to see how difficult it would be to swap the belts.

Not just anyone should be taking these things apart, but if the person has enough experience to rebuild brakes, fuel injection, a carburator or an engine, then they can certainly disassembled and reassemble a seat belt reel.

Frankly, it was disappointingly easy. You need to make some reference marks to insure you get it back together correctly, but other than that, there's not much to it. When I get done with my current project, (replacing the headlining), I plan on writing up a how-to using the photos I took during the belt swapping process.

I'm glad I did it, since I have since discovered the is no way to install the plastic trim in the front belt, which is door mounted, with out taking the belt out of the reel.

I'll post the URL to my seat belt how-to when I get it done.

Later,

GeoD

The bolts are a pain. However, I'm glad it's fixed.