-88 SL: Two questions about safety belts

I was about to install the new safety belts, when I discovered that the original ones have an automatic tensioning system. The new ones have not this system.
I try to keep the car as original as possible, and my first thought was to keep the old ones. But, safety matters also and the old ones needs to be replaced.

Question 1: Will the old belts with the tensioning system work, after 34 years, meaning: will it make any difference if I replace them with new ones?
Question 2: After I took out the first old belt, did it retract into the spool completely. It is now not possible to pull it out. The stop mechanism reacts the same moment I try to pull out the belt. I have tried to prevent the stop mechanism to engage, but it seems like it is a hidden mechanism which engage the stop. Anyone with experience from this?

Rgds Erik

Hi Erik,

regarding your 2nd question:
As you got an automatic seat belt system I guess the internal stop system reacts on belt extension speed, vehicle deceleration and spool position in the vehicle (at least that is the case in todays systems) Thus, you may wanna try to hold the spool in the same geometric position as it is assembled in the vehicle which I hope would unlock the stop mechanism.

Good luck,
Rolf

Hi Rolf,

thanks for your reply.
I have tried that, but with no result. I think the belt is "overspooled", and that has in some way engaged the stopping mechanism.
Another alternative to my two problems will be to cut the old belt, and take the new belt into the old spool. In that way will I keep the original spool, and also maintain security with a new belt.

Rgds Erik

Hi Erik,

I don`t think I would follow your proposal as we are talking about a safety system, which should probably not be disassembled and assembled that deeply. I´d rather use the new one without the pretensioner instead.

What is the supplier and part number of the original one ?

Cheers,
Rolf

Hi Rolf,

you are probably right. I saw a video on youtube where someone did just that, from an airbag service company. He managed to do it, seemingly without compromising the function. I am not sure.
I dont have the original belt here, but it is the original one from -88.

Rgds Erik