stripped seatbelt bolt recommendations?

[jonny_b]

I stripped the damn head of seatbelt bolt on the passenger side trying to finally get my panels off to paint. I cold just cut the head off, and then kind of shape it like a bolt, or just pound an old socket on it. Anyone else had this problem? Just trying to see which of my ideas would be best without messing up the panel, seatbelt, or the bracket. If so, do sedan seatbelts return and everything match the coupes?

 

[YelloEye]

You're best bet is going to leave the head attached to the bolt. Since you've already destroyed the threads you can weld a new hex head onto it and then get it off.

 

[jonny_b]

I thought of that, I was hoping no to be welding inside of the car. That is going to force me to take all the seats out, and headliner. Damn. I guess I should start shopping for the fabric now.

 

[YelloEye]

You could cut a flat blade slot into the head, it will weaken it a little but might let you loosen it. That sucker is a beast.

 

[jonny_b]

I'm gonna try to heat it up and use some vise grips, then do the cutting small enough I can slide the bracket off so there is more surface area to grip today. If all else fails, the welder and nut gets pulled out.

 

[YelloEye]

Could weld that torx bit into it to.

 

[jonny_b]

Lol. If I didnt borrow it I would. It is a snap on. I wonder if they would still replace it? Lol

---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 PM ----------

Its out!! Heated it up with a little torch, and vice gripped it. Panels ok, but the bracket cover was a casualty. I dont think I can patch it up. Lol

 

[YelloEye]

But a new cover, beats a new panel. Congrats!

 

[jonny_b]

Yep. And since I bought some good hex head replacements, when I need to drop the headliner, it will be easy to get off. Hopefully that is soon. It will look odd until I get that done.

 

[YelloEye]

Make sure to use blue thread lock in there, don't want those to walk out.

 

[jonny_b]

Yep. I rarely use my seatbelt, I know its not the smartest. I will yell at my son about his, while I dont wear mine. But hey. If I can ride a motorcycle with no helmet, then wtf do j meed a seat belt for? But I will be doing the passenger seat for sure, and waiting for the headliner redo for the drivers side. Hell when I do that amd my back deck I am tossing the middle belt too. I never have that many people in my car, and when I do, its annoying seeing there face in my mirror. Thats why I want to put matching racing seats front and back. I know its possible, just complicated, and a looooot of work.

 

[YelloEye]

I'm not saying this as a personal attack, but not wearing a seatbelt is right up there with playing Russian roulette. At least wear one when your passengers are in the car, your body could be the thing that kills them. Not wearing a helmet on a motor cycle is equally a terrible idea, i don't wish it on you, but eventually it'll happen.

 

[jonny_b]

I wont take it personally. But how can me not wearing a seat belt endanger my passengers? Not an attack either, but if we are in a situation where I should have one on, we already hit something.....i take my passengers safety into account when they get in, and my aggressiveness behind the wheel decreases alooooot. I am defensive and think every other driver is trying to kill us.......which most of them shouldnt have a license period. I know I do need to start wearing it consistently though, but its just such a habit. If my cobalt dinged and annoyed me I would for sure. I always have it on in my gf's fake jeep.....its a patriot.....I wont argue that it isnt stupid, I know. It just isnt one of the things I think of when I'm pulling out of wherever I am. And I have been in bad accidents. I rolled a 92 tempo 3 times, and the automatic shoulder strap saved my life. Idk. I will never ride my quad without a helmet, and think motorcyclists who dont wear one are morons, but I dont see not wearing a seat belt the same level of danger.

 

[YelloEye]

I can't find the video right now cause I'm on my phone. But more or less think of setting a large bag of flour, your weight, in the passenger seat. The car rolls, that bag now becomes a lethal projectile with enough weight that you can't catch it due to the massive G forces. The video I'm referring to shows a girl being flung around the cabin of a sedan, killing the other 3 passengers in the vehicle.

 

[jonny_b]

Ok. That makes sense.......lol.

 

[gberland]

they say u got a 50 percent chance when wearing a seat belt of surviving the crash guess its better than 1 percent

 

[ramon]

You get the bolt out yet?


You could try one of these:

Sears.com

 

[YelloEye]

He got it out. That's a spendy set of sockets.