Seatbelt retractor cover retainers

[Wallington]

I was uploading a collection of photos and measurements I'd taken for a 3-D print sample so figured I'd share a few of the basic pics for general interest.

These are the roof retractor cover retainer inserts. They appear to be numbered #9686109 regardless of type and revised in shape for later cover versions.
These help align the cover openings where the belt passes through and also holds it together tight.

I actually had one of these on my car, or a spare set, that had a lollypop stick in place. Perfect fit. I like to think it was a lazy production line worker, saving costs.

1974-1977 uses the black type. 1978-1981 use the white type. The white type will fit all, the black type will not, however, it seems easier to remove as can turn using the tabs to release. These also fit many other GM models at the time. I'm not sure the exact reason for the shape, easier to remove, but fills in part of the gap where brightly coloured caps on the seatbelt retractor mechanism and bright gold anodising, this was only visible through the centre of the gap so no need for full length, especially if had to be universal among other models that may be different.

The 1977 Firebird documents already show the white revised type even though often not what was in use. I don't have any earlier Service manuals to confirm what they say, or if it was to save costs or another model required the change before Firebirds did in 78.


Firebird 9686109 seabelt retractor cover retainers 75-77 black 78-81 white (1) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird 9686109 seabelt retractor cover retainers 75-77 black 78-81 white (2) by Ben, on Flickr

74-77 retainer in 75-77 cover.

Firebird 75-77 seatbelt retractor cover retainer fit (1) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird 75-77 seatbelt retractor cover retainer fit (4) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird 75-77 seatbelt retractor cover retainer fit (3) by Ben, on Flickr

74-77 retainer in 78-81 cover. Doesn't fit

Firebird 78-81 seatbelt retractor cover with 75-77 retainer fit (1) by Ben, on Flickr

[aussieta]

i didnt even know they are supposed to be there
looks like mine went missing before i owned my car

[Wallington]

Fairly typical, half went missing first time the covers or belts had to come off. They don't do much, but then if you have distorted covers that won't sit right, they might do a lot.

[TA301]

Interesting the one with the tabs to facilitate install and removal. Did not even know they existed since the ones on 1981 are the white version.

[Wallington]

Not sure the actual reason for the tabs, expect more to be filling the gap as that's where bright orange or blue retractor covers are, or fresh gold plating. It may have been visible once. Whatever the reason, didn't bother when redesigned for the covers with altered belt openings. But who knows, and probably who cares!