Seat belts interchangeable side to side ??? (1 Viewer)

[GringoBob]

Are the FJ80 seat belts and retractor assemblies interchangeable (i.e., identical) side to side? Can I replace my front driver's side assembly with a front passenger side assembly?

And, thank you all for your interest.
GringoBob

 

[YMT]

Yes, it will work for side to side. But only from the same row. Front seat belts are interchangeable, but not with middle or third row.

Edit: this is info for a 91.

 

[BILT4ME]

Are the FJ80 seat belts and retractor assemblies interchangeable (i.e., identical) side to side? Can I replace my front driver's side assembly with a front passenger side assembly?

And, thank you all for your interest.
GringoBob

Specifically what year?

On the 95-97, you MUST use the retractor assembly from the location it was designed for (LF to LF only, RF to RF only). That being said, the actual BELT can be moved from a RF to a LF if you remove it from the retractor.

On my 96 LC and on the 97 LX that I got an extra set of belts from, the PS (RF) belt is about 9" LONGER than the DS (LF), so I gave the retractor one extra turn (should have done two) to retract the extra length. The LF retractor is not as big as the RF, so the new belt fills it TIGHT.

The 91-92 trucks are unique to their years for the buckle and the retractors.

The 93-94, I don't know.

The 95-97 have location specific retractors. The second row belts have a different buckle and are way short. The third row belts will work, have a different, but usable buckle, but are 6" SHORTER than the front row belts. I did that first, then discovered I could no longer reach the glove box due to the belt not being long enough. That's when I switched with the PS front.

 

[Pancake Donkey]

Also switching belt and retractor from driver to passenger on the 95-97 will not let the seatbelt to be pulled out from the retractor as it will be in a position which triggers the lock mechanism.

 

[GringoBob]

BILT4ME -

It's a 1997, and I just ordered a 1997 right side front (passenger) belt to replace the front drivers side belt with. It sounds like it is doable if I put the belt on the original drivers side retractor.

And, if the length poses a problem, I may be able to get an auto upholstery shop to cut out the extra 9 inches out of the passenger side belt and resew it. Being familiar with the belt assemblies, do you think that's a possibility?

Thanks!

 

[GringoBob]

Also switching belt and retractor from driver to passenger on the 95-97 will not let the seatbelt to be pulled out from the retractor as it will be in a position which triggers the lock mechanism.

Thanks Pancake Donkey. You have saved me the time of even thinking about trying to use the passenger side retractor on the driver's side.

 

[GringoBob]

Specifically what year?

On the 95-97, you MUST use the retractor assembly from the location it was designed for (LF to LF only, RF to RF only). That being said, the actual BELT can be moved from a RF to a LF if you remove it from the retractor.

On my 96 LC and on the 97 LX that I got an extra set of belts from, the PS (RF) belt is about 9" LONGER than the DS (LF), so I gave the retractor one extra turn (should have done two) to retract the extra length. The LF retractor is not as big as the RF, so the new belt fills it TIGHT.

The 91-92 trucks are unique to their years for the buckle and the retractors.

The 93-94, I don't know.

The 95-97 have location specific retractors. The second row belts have a different buckle and are way short. The third row belts will work, have a different, but usable buckle, but are 6" SHORTER than the front row belts. I did that first, then discovered I could no longer reach the glove box due to the belt not being long enough. That's when I switched with the PS front.

BILT4ME -

It's a 1997, and I just ordered a 1997 right side front (passenger) belt to replace the front drivers side belt with. It sounds like it is doable if I put the belt on the original drivers side retractor.

And, if the length poses a problem, I may be able to get an auto upholstery shop to cut out the extra 9 inches out of the passenger side belt and resew it. Being familiar with the belt assemblies, do you think that's a possibility?

Thanks!

 

[Pascoscout]

I can't see many upholstery shops being too willing to modify a seatbelt. A lot of liability if it's done incorrectly.

There are some specialty seatbelt shops online that could make you a direct replacement belt. Aftermarket & Replacement Seat Belts | SeatbeltPlanet.com™

 

[BILT4ME]

BILT4ME -

It's a 1997, and I just ordered a 1997 right side front (passenger) belt to replace the front drivers side belt with. It sounds like it is doable if I put the belt on the original drivers side retractor.

And, if the length poses a problem, I may be able to get an auto upholstery shop to cut out the extra 9 inches out of the passenger side belt and resew it. Being familiar with the belt assemblies, do you think that's a possibility?

Thanks!

Absolutely!

I used a PS belt on my DS retractor. I would make sure I wash it with Dawn dish soap and dry it before install.

Also, tighten the retractor two full turns more than it came apart with so it has enough oomph to retract all the way.

I love the extra length on mine. I'm a tall fat guy and I can reach all the way to the floor on the PS with the new belt.

I would NOT cut and resew until after I tried it and used it for a while.

Make sure you install it the correct direction, as the seen on tag will be on the opposite side now.

 

[BILT4ME]

Sewn, not seen

 

[GringoBob]

I can't see many upholstery shops being too willing to modify a seatbelt. A lot of liability if it's done incorrectly.

There are some specialty seatbelt shops online that could make you a direct replacement belt. Aftermarket & Replacement Seat Belts | SeatbeltPlanet.com™

Well, I'm in Costa Rica which has only about 5,000,000 people ...a lot of old cars ...and a lot of mechanics, upholstery and body shops to keep them moving. So, the upholstery shops are the likely candidates to repair seat belts.

Your point is well taken however. And, if I have the work done here, I would use the upholsterer near my home that one of the larger bus companies here uses. They are seriously professional and I have no doubt they can/would do the job correctly.

...And, I bookmarked your link ...just in case ...

Thanks!!!

 

[GringoBob]

Absolutely!

I used a PS belt on my DS retractor. I would make sure I wash it with Dawn dish soap and dry it before install.

Also, tighten the retractor two full turns more than it came apart with so it has enough oomph to retract all the way.

I love the extra length on mine. I'm a tall fat guy and I can reach all the way to the floor on the PS with the new belt.

I would NOT cut and resew until after I tried it and used it for a while.

Make sure you install it the correct direction, as the seen on tag will be on the opposite side now.

That sounds like very good advise and I will certainly follow it!
Thanks!

 

[Pascoscout]

Sorry didn't see the Costa Rica part. Being outside the states probably makes it easier to get this type of stuff done. Here that type of request would certainly involve several lawyers and a mountain of waiver papers.