Repro vs Stock seatbelts

[Wallington]

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[Gene-73]

I have a set of Morris aftermarket for my 73 and if I compare the buckles to the original 73 OEM belts they are drastically different.
But I believe the Pontiac buckles were different for the later year second gens so it's possible that they might fit.

Here's a photo of my 73 buckles.

[TATurbo]

Where you able to settle this question?
I might have the parts to test this...Are the Morris belts the ones that have the GM logo on the button?

[Gene-73]

No, it's one of my posts. They generally get ignored.

For what it's worth, I enjoy reading your posts. I'm always amazed at how much information you have at hand and are willing to share.

[roadking77]

Wallington, Like Gene I also enjoy and learn from your postings.

[Jack]

I think we need a "like" button but x3 what Kerry and Gene said.

[5th T/A]

Wallington, please don't think that way. In the brief time I have been a TAC member you have been one of the most prolific contributors to the site with lots of great information. Intelligent contributions from you and others is what makes TAC so good. I believe I read most if not all of your posts but am guilty of not acknowledging them.

[stros]

Not sure if it helps as Gene posted Morris pics above but here is my entire Morris setup including the 3 point rear retractor for the kiddies.  Mine have the GM buttons.  I wouldn’t have bought these from Morris if they didn’t offer the GM buttons.

The rear seat retractors said 70-73 on them but they fit fine on my 77.  I have had to replace one of the Morris retractors (driver).  I think I’ve had them for about 6 years now.

[stros]

Sure no problem.  The covers on the retractors do pop up.  I’m not 100% sure if you can get the belt out of it though.  Pics of the lifted cover and the retractor trunk brackets (passenger then driver side) are below.

[stros]

Thanks again for the pics. Do you still have any of the GM original belts? Still wondering if these function together or not.

Sorry I can’t find any pics of the original belts.

Interesting response from Morris and now I know why the GM buttons are no longer available.  I’m still curious why the 3 point rear setup fits fine on my 77 yet no mention of supporting that year.  I would guess the 78 and 77 parcel shelfs are pretty similar too.

[stros]

Darryl, was this hole already in your car or had to drill it? Apparently, it's one of the reasons they listed the rear belt as 70-73 only, because years after that may not have it, before then saying, that's the only years they've checked. WTF...

Morris rear seatbelts with retracter extra hole required on some by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

That's a good question.  The brackets were installed about 8 years back along with the new seats by an upholstery/interior shop.  Hence I'm not sure. 

[Wallington]

Darryl, Guys,

Just thinking, do the buttons with the GM logo have the raised 3D effect with lettering as per original, or is it more of a label or flat insert?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/110645422238?hash=item19c2fb289e:g:8vMAAMXQBNlRiIj1

I wonder if any of those textured black cover plates can be popped off easily, or if they match the brushed chrome GM version. While they don't look too bad, they really only suit black belts and look out of place completely on others. If they came of by flexing those end tabs, they could be maybe swapped, repainted to match interior, retrimmed in vinyl etc, sanded smooth and chromed! etc.

I see guys like Inline Tube offer a small range of repro parts, someone had the chrome covers but can't see them at present. The GM buttons come and go, wouldn't want to pull a buckle apart anyway, especially one unlikely to match components.

And there's an endless supply of used buckles and belts that at least are partially decent in chrome or button if you cut the webbing away and use for parts. I even have my own mint condition deluxe chrome set, just no legally tagged webbing that complies locally. Pity I can't take a photo of correct compliance tags and supply at time required, even if not mine! Because with all the sleeves and covers they'd largely be inaccessible anyway, or I'd make sure of it......ahem.

[stros]

Hey Ben - they have a raised effect like the originals.  Definitely not a label.

[Wallington]

Thanks for that, not sure if that's good or bad, since I didn't know what I was trying to achieve anyway! Hopefully they sort out their licensing or someone else steps up.