removing seatbelt plastic covers

[elise seeker]

I'm thinking of removing the plastic covers that cover the seat belt hooks behind the drive's seat... they are bulky and don't fit the car. I think the bare metal will look better anyways.

anyone removed these? there is an internal clip holding it on, don't want to break it in case I want to put it back later...

[BMJM100]

very easy to remove. Take a look at the top of the cover and you'll see 2 clips. Just lift with a small screwdriver and it will pop open.

Bruce

[elise seeker]

it pops open, but there is something at the top keeping it from coming off. the other problem is the backing piece needs to be removed, which looks like the seatbelt bolt must be removed to take out the piece... have you done it?

[charliex]

mine broke off the first day

[elise seeker]

cool... can you post a picture before mine irreversibly break off accidentally?

[biobaggie]

There's a plastic rivet/plug thingy (appx 1" long and 3/8" - 1/2" diameter)that has a series of semi flexible ridges that look like screw threads. The ridged portion passes through a hole in the other part of the cover, thus keeping them joined together. It's impossible to pull off since the ridges have a much larger diameter than the hole. The head of the rivet/plug is actually glued on to the yellow/white hard foam that is packed into the black plastic cover, so the best way to remove it is to break the glue seal and the 2 pieces come apart. I glued it back in place on reassembly with no problem(although it sounds like you won't be reinstalling). The head of the rivet/plug is shaped exactly to the contours of top part of the plastic cover, so it it is easy to glue back in exactly the same place. I was going to take some photos when took mine off but couldn't find my camera at the time .

[Chris Mackey]

My driver side plastic seatbelt loop cover thing broke last night while I was sliding my ass into the car.

I think I'll just bust off the passenger side, too. It looks better.

[buzzy]

Replace with the Exige part. It's much smaller and better looking.

[Chris Mackey]

Originally Posted by buzzy

Replace with the Exige part. It's much smaller and better looking.

I did this just today. It does look much nicer. The dealer let me have it for free.

[t65tampa]

Originally Posted by biobaggie

There's a plastic rivet/plug thingy (appx 1" long and 3/8" - 1/2" diameter)that has a series of semi flexible ridges that look like screw threads. The ridged portion passes through a hole in the other part of the cover, thus keeping them joined together. It's impossible to pull off since the ridges have a much larger diameter than the hole. The head of the rivet/plug is actually glued on to the yellow/white hard foam that is packed into the black plastic cover, so the best way to remove it is to break the glue seal and the 2 pieces come apart. I glued it back in place on reassembly with no problem(although it sounds like you won't be reinstalling). The head of the rivet/plug is shaped exactly to the contours of top part of the plastic cover, so it it is easy to glue back in exactly the same place. I was going to take some photos when took mine off but couldn't find my camera at the time .

I just installed a harness bar and 6 point harness. I ran into the same problem when I was dealing with the covers. I was able to get them unclipped and access the big bolt, but had to actually disarticulate the cover to get the work done properly. When I was done and needed to reassemble the cover, I used superglue to attach the internal plastic piece with that rivet/plug onto its foam attachment on the posterior half of the cover. It worked fine and the reattachment has held up nicely.

I contemplated leaving the covers off, but I thought it looked better with them on. It's not like I didn't have them to replace, so I put them back on. Maybe you will like the unfinished look of the exposed bolt, but it's not like it's a beautiful piece of kit to show off. I want to try to figure out a way to show off the gorgeous aluminum door hinges.

[Chris Mackey]

I thought about leaving them off, but someone pointed out that the bolt head is pretty close to your head. It could be very painful.

[Faze]

I decided to get some Exige covers as well, much nicer. Here's a photo of them side by side (Exige one is installed). The covers are about $23 for the pair - Part number is A117U6014F from LotusGarage.com. The best part is you don't destroy them when you need to take them off again. They are also lighter

[RoadDad]

I've been contemplating that change for awhile. That does look a lot nicer.

[VegasT]

They're useless..... always popping off....

I took mine off my Elise the first day i drove it.

I like the new design on my Exige S... don't think I will touch those.

[chuck_risen]

They do pop apart easily but go back together just as easy with a little epoxy. They didn't use enough glue on mine but after I put on a little epoxy they have been on and off about at least 6 times and have not come apart again. Not the best design Lotus. It should have been a molded hinge like most auto manufacturers do:
1: Easy to do with plastic
2: Costs less
3: Doesn't have the glue to deal with
4: Easier to work with because you don't have to be worried about breaking it again

[JUNGLISTluder]

Just ordered my new covers. Thanks Faze!

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by elise seeker

I'm thinking of removing the plastic covers that cover the seat belt hooks behind the drive's seat... they are bulky and don't fit the car. I think the bare metal will look better anyways.

See next quote.

Originally Posted by Chris Mackey

I thought about leaving them off, but someone pointed out that the bolt head is pretty close to your head. It could be very painful.

+1 - I don't understand people that remove safety items for a very minor "improvement" in looks.

Originally Posted by VegasT

They're useless..... always popping off....

I took mine off my Elise the first day i drove it.

See previous quote.

Originally Posted by chuck_risen

It should have been a molded hinge like most auto manufacturers do:

Mine was one piece (I believe) - but the "hinge" broke (the "tabs" showed stress/break lines). It was that way on the day I picked up the car. The cover was later replace with a new one (under warranty) and I've had no further problems.

[RoadDad]

Tim is using common sense. Hit your head on the cover -- not so bad. Hit your head on that exposed bolt -- you may have a hole in your head. It's not as hard to do as you think it might be.

[jesterbot]

Originally Posted by Faze

I decided to get some Exige covers as well, much nicer. Here's a photo of them side by side (Exige one is installed). The covers are about $23 for the pair - Part number is A117U6014F from LotusGarage.com. The best part is you don't destroy them when you need to take them off again. They are also lighter

Very clean look - Funny how the old ones just look cheap and ill-fitted in comparison. Ordered - thanks!

[Faze]

Yeah, I think they took them out of the same Hummer parts bin as the rear view mirror.