New seatbelts are stuck

[ThunderSquirrel]

Just got a NOS seatbelt kit. However I cannot get the seatbelt retractor to release. I'm sure I'm missing something simple, but is there a release on them?

 

[Suprman]

I find mine need to be at a certain angle for the locking pendulum mechanism to allow release. When installed in the truck properly they sit at the correct angle though.

 

[Retiredwarhorses]

They have to be facing in the direction that they would unreel if installed...either fully up or facing down.
dont pull hard or fast....nice, slow and easy....it locks on inertia.

 

[KansasBobcat]

As usual agree with retired warhorses!

 

[ThunderSquirrel]

Even mounted on the bracket, there's no luck. I get maybe 1/4" play back and forth, but they just won't unwind

 

[Valence]

I suggest taking pictures (or even video) for the folks here. It'll help determine if something is wrong. Even with economic cut backs, pictures are still worth many words

 

[Dr Zoidberg MD]

Just got a NOS seatbelt kit. However I cannot get the seatbelt retractor to release. I'm sure I'm missing something simple, but is there a release on them?

I just did my front belts last night and they would not retract until I had them in position. I had to bolt in the top first, then the reel, and then the bottom. As others have said, they seem to need to be in that "just right" position.

 

[ThunderSquirrel]

I was able to get them to release by getting the trip lever with a small screwdriver. No matter what position I had them in they wouldn't release on their own. I don't know if during shipping they reeled up too tight or just got stuck. But they seem to work now.

 

[Dr Zoidberg MD]

I was able to get them to release by getting the trip lever with a small screwdriver. No matter what position I had them in they wouldn't release on their own. I don't know if during shipping they reeled up too tight or just got stuck. But they seem to work now.

Good deal. I suspect that they were reeled in too far and that was what was causing your issue. Glad you were able to get it figured out.