lynnhowlyn@aol.com

OK - I've been here before on this:

1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
rear of door opening, etc)

Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.

To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).

Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.

So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
(don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)

I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
"straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks!

Lynn in Vancouver

Mike Romain

I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.

Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.

One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.

This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
while wheeling, but this damages the strength.

I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
strap over towards the door.

Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> OK - I've been here before on this:
>
> 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> rear of door opening, etc)
>
> Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
>
> To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
>
> Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
>
> So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
>
> I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
>
> Any suggestions or thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Lynn in Vancouver

Mike Romain

I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.

Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.

One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.

This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
while wheeling, but this damages the strength.

I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
strap over towards the door.

Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> OK - I've been here before on this:
>
> 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> rear of door opening, etc)
>
> Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
>
> To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
>
> Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
>
> So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
>
> I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
>
> Any suggestions or thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Lynn in Vancouver

Mike Romain

I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.

Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.

One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.

This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
while wheeling, but this damages the strength.

I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
strap over towards the door.

Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> OK - I've been here before on this:
>
> 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> rear of door opening, etc)
>
> Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
>
> To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
>
> Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
>
> So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
>
> I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
>
> Any suggestions or thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Thanks for the feedback.

The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)

And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.

You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
people behnd me in the group.

If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever

I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
out yet.

Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
additional comment from others in the group

Lynn

Mike Romain wrote:
> I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
>
> Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
>
> One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
>
> This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
>
> I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> strap over towards the door.
>
> Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > OK - I've been here before on this:
> >
> > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > rear of door opening, etc)
> >
> > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> >
> > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> >
> > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> >
> > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> >
> > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> >
> > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Thanks for the feedback.

The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)

And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.

You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
people behnd me in the group.

If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever

I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
out yet.

Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
additional comment from others in the group

Lynn

Mike Romain wrote:
> I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
>
> Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
>
> One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
>
> This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
>
> I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> strap over towards the door.
>
> Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > OK - I've been here before on this:
> >
> > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > rear of door opening, etc)
> >
> > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> >
> > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> >
> > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> >
> > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> >
> > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> >
> > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Thanks for the feedback.

The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)

And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.

You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
people behnd me in the group.

If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever

I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
out yet.

Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
additional comment from others in the group

Lynn

Mike Romain wrote:
> I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
>
> Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
>
> One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
>
> This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
>
> I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> strap over towards the door.
>
> Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > OK - I've been here before on this:
> >
> > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > rear of door opening, etc)
> >
> > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> >
> > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> >
> > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> >
> > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> >
> > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> >
> > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Lynn in Vancouver

Earle Horton

Lynn,

I bought a set of 3 point aftermarket replacement belts for my YJ, from Cool
Cruisers of Texas. I am pretty sure they are the same as 4wd.com sells, and
I don't have the problem you describe. I would guess that there is
something actually wrong with your vehicle or the way you have mounted the
belts, but I can't imagine what. You might consider, especially if you do a
lot of wheeling, a set of manually adjustable belts. It has been hard to
find the good ones recently though.

Earle

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1164692539.805696.105460@j44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually
releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from
a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received
and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly,
consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver
>



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Earle Horton

Lynn,

I bought a set of 3 point aftermarket replacement belts for my YJ, from Cool
Cruisers of Texas. I am pretty sure they are the same as 4wd.com sells, and
I don't have the problem you describe. I would guess that there is
something actually wrong with your vehicle or the way you have mounted the
belts, but I can't imagine what. You might consider, especially if you do a
lot of wheeling, a set of manually adjustable belts. It has been hard to
find the good ones recently though.

Earle

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1164692539.805696.105460@j44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually
releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from
a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received
and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly,
consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver
>



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Earle Horton

Lynn,

I bought a set of 3 point aftermarket replacement belts for my YJ, from Cool
Cruisers of Texas. I am pretty sure they are the same as 4wd.com sells, and
I don't have the problem you describe. I would guess that there is
something actually wrong with your vehicle or the way you have mounted the
belts, but I can't imagine what. You might consider, especially if you do a
lot of wheeling, a set of manually adjustable belts. It has been hard to
find the good ones recently though.

Earle

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1164692539.805696.105460@j44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually
releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from
a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received
and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly,
consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver
>



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com