Bet this is common knowledge...but

[speedo]

I am installing 3-point retractor belts in my 70 targa. Like a dog that won't give the stick back...the retractor part works great, on both belts. I cannot seem to get the release, to well...release. Am I going to have to disassemble these things? And if so...which side cover should I go after? I've had issues with finicky retractors before...but after a bit of tugging they released. Your guidance is welcome...in fact requested nicely.

Speedo

[CidTito]

I know my 3 point belt retractor on my 69 targa will never retract on the slightest downward angle. I am only guessing but the first thing I would do is to check the angle of both the car and how the retractor is bolted in. If it looks ok... other responses by others will come fly in.

Added note- If you have a traditional 2 point seat belts, like found on any early cars, and you plan to ever drive it, please screw "purism" and install a three point ASAP.

[stretch]

Yep, the angle at which you try to mount the retractor is the key.
Lot's of people have trashed many a good retractor trying to pull out the webbing on the vertical.

Dave

[CidTito]

let me clarify... slightest downward is often ok.. as you will want to make sure you can put them on 'if less' than notably pointing downhill. The down angle might mean no more than "getting the ball rolling" and tightened them there.

[speedo]

So the angle is the important factor here...mine will be mounted in the indent behind the door pillar that already has the nut captured. It will bolt in at the bottom with the retractor pointing upwards. The pivot point is about two feet above and in the center of the vent perforations in the targa trim. So we are saying in that vertical position, the reel will release and I can pull the belt out vertically? There is a latch then inside that tightens on impact, but absent an impact, falls due to gravity and will let the belt be pulled out?
BTW...as mentioned above, this IS a 3 pt harness crossing the chest and waist as it latches.

Speedo

[Jim Breazeale]

I am installing 3-point retractor belts in my 70 targa. Like a dog that won't give the stick back...the retractor part works great, on both belts. I cannot seem to get the release, to well...release. Am I going to have to disassemble these things? And if so...which side cover should I go after? I've had issues with finicky retractors before...but after a bit of tugging they released. Your guidance is welcome...in fact requested nicely.

Speedo

Speedo

You didn't mention if they are installed in the car or not. I suspect you are trying to get them to release while they are out of the car and you are holding them in your hands. They will not release until you hold them against a solid object like the edge of a counter of a wall. They have to be perfectly still. Once you do that they should work just fine. Many perfectly good retractors have been judged to be bad when they were doing just what they are designed to do. Please let us know if my suspicions are correct and if they are working properly.

Regards

Jim

[edmayo]

The larger retractor cover should face rear and assembly should be tilted 15 degrees to the front. Shop manual section 8.

[speedo]

I oriented these in my vise ...vertically and they worked great. Both of them. That is how they need to be tested, not laying on their side on a bench. Thank you very much guys for responding.

[fourteenten]

Hi,

Behind the thick plastic cover you will find the lock/release wheel system, the small cover has the spring. Better leave that one alone if you don't want to end up with a spaghetti of spring metal. From roughly 1974/5 the REPA seat belts were not handed anymore.

Rgds, Cees

[speedo]

My understanding is that the retractor belts replaced the fixed belts sometime in 71-72 timeframe, but they both mount to the same pickup point in a "dished" area behind the B pillar. My upholstered panel that covers that area (pillar back, and window down to seat) is a triangular piece with the backing board covered in vinyl with vertical seams and at some point in the car's life, a PO did a hack job of installing speakers. They used the recess in the side wall to get the depth needed for a flush mount. So I will recover that side panel without a speaker opening. Question is...when Porsche first installed the retractors, where and how did the belt leave that panel? There must have been a slot, but how do I locate it correctly? Anybody have an early car with factory installed retractors that can snap a pic for me? Remember, mine is a targa. Second question is (and this may be answered by a pic of the first question)...does that side upholstered panel meet carpet, or a narrow lower "hump" then carpet? I think the seat back up and in place will tell the answer. My 74 coupe has retractor exiting a slot in the lower "hump"...but I think the retractor in a 74 is mounted lower.

Thanks guys.

Speedo