[Lieutenant Dan Icecream]

I went to my local P-n-P yesterday to pickup a new drivers seatbelt. Found a nice one off a 92 9C1/LO5.

After work, I drove to AutoZone to pick up a T47 Torx bit, remove the old one and *attempt* to change it out...

Bolted the new seatbelt in place to find out that the bolt in the floor was stripped!

I purchased a 3/8" bolt (Stock is 1/2" OR metric?) and fought it for about 2 hours! FINALLY, had enough room to squeeze my fingers between the frame and body to attach a nut to the bottom of the bolt...

MY QUESTION:

Is is safe? (Yes, I know, the larger the bolt, the more strength.)

This weekend, I would like to replace it with a Grade-8 bolt... (Limited selection at AZ)

Any suggestions?

Safety first!

 

[Lieutenant Dan Icecream]

I have never heard of the threads in the floor being stripped out. Did you use the original bolt that you removed from your car to attach the replacement belt? I believe you should be using a t50 for that application (I use a t50).

My best guess is that you should have a replacement threaded part welded in the floor, if what you say is so. Your airbag will cover you safety-wise, and the mere presense of the seatbelt will keep you from getting a ticket.

Yes. I used the original bolt from MY car, not the parts car.

Mine takes a T47.

I don't have the time or resources to have a new 'section' welded in, right now...

 

[Lieutenant Dan Icecream]

how are you gonna get that nut tight with just your fingers? you definately need to get it rethreaded. safety is definately the key here so if you dont have a tap, or dont know how to use one definately spend the little extra money it takes to do it right. t 47 is the proper star key fitting.

Well, I got it threaded, and just kept tension by pulling up on the bolt, got it finger tight THEN 'cranked-down' on it a little. Tightened right up... No problem.

I don't own a tap/die set, but I do know how to use them properly.

Everything *seems* to be OK. I'll probably do what you said, get it tapped out, and install a new bolt.

 

[Lieutenant Dan Icecream]

You can not retap the hole for the original threads. The only other option is to get a kit like the one used for repairing threads for spark plugs, only with the appropriate threads for the seatbelt bolts.

I copy.

I picked up a 7/16" Grade-8 bolt.
Going to replace the 3/8" Grade-5 bolt.

Thanks for the info.