removing seatbelt plastic covers - LotusTalk

elise seeker · 03-24-2005, 12:08 AM

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 · 04-03-2005, 06:33 PM

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 · 04-03-2005, 07:35 PM

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 · 04-03-2005, 09:26 PM

mine broke off the first day

elise seeker · 04-03-2005, 11:04 PM

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

biobaggie · 04-03-2005, 11:41 PM

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 · 10-05-2007, 04:50 PM

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 · 10-05-2007, 04:58 PM

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

Chris Mackey · 12-14-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-14-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-14-2007, 03:29 PM

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 · 02-24-2008, 11:10 AM

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 · 02-24-2008, 11:16 AM

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

VegasT · 02-24-2008, 10:48 PM

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 · 02-25-2008, 02:27 AM

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 · 02-25-2008, 05:14 AM

Just ordered my new covers. Thanks Faze!

TimMullen · 02-25-2008, 08:28 AM

Quote:

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.

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.

Quote:

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.

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 · 02-25-2008, 11:55 AM

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 · 02-25-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

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 · 02-25-2008, 02:31 PM

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

03-24-2005, 12:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
elise seeker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bay area, CA Posts: 162	removing seatbelt plastic covers 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...

04-03-2005, 06:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
BMJM100 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Worcester, Ma. Posts: 369	Seatbelt covers. 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

10-05-2007, 04:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,920	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. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. 55 Shot Zex nitrous kit.

10-05-2007, 04:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
buzzy n. Chiefly British. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Norwalk, CT Posts: 655 Images: 10	Replace with the Exige part. It's much smaller and better looking. __________________ UK Expat with an 05 Starlight Black Elise \| Touring \| Hardtop \| Starshield \| 06 LEDS \| 07 Badging \| SS Brake Lines \| Lotus Sport Indicator Stalks \| Polk Speakers \| Alpine iDA-X001 \| Multivex Mirrors \| S111 Lidbone \| S111 Bootie New Ride: 08 Black Magic GTI \| Autobahn Package "I wish I was still a teenager, I used to know everything back then" ' or '1' = '1

12-14-2007, 03:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,920	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. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. 55 Shot Zex nitrous kit.

04-03-2005, 07:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
elise seeker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bay area, CA Posts: 162	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?

04-03-2005, 09:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
charliex disproving HD MTBF daily Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 8,190	mine broke off the first day

04-03-2005, 11:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
elise seeker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bay area, CA Posts: 162	cool... can you post a picture before mine irreversibly break off accidentally?

04-03-2005, 11:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
biobaggie Mr. Sparkle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 600	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 .

02-24-2008, 11:10 AM	#12 (permalink)
Faze Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 144	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 __________________ -- 2006 Lotus Elise - Starlight on black, black badges, HT, touring/sport/premium packages - HID, Katana SC 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 1956 Vintage 550 RS Spyder Replica Last edited by Faze : 02-24-2008 at 11:16 AM.

02-24-2008, 11:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
RoadDad 道のお父さん Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hell Posts: 3,994	I've been contemplating that change for awhile. That does look a lot nicer. __________________ "There are two things no man will admit he cannot do well: drive and make love" -- Stirling Moss Nunquam est ponenda pluralitas sine necessitate. Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate. Pluralitas non est ponenda, nisi ubi est necessitas. Add RoadDad To My Ignore List

02-24-2008, 10:48 PM	#14 (permalink)
VegasT Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 146	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. __________________ 2007 Lotus Exige S 2005 Lotus Elise (Sold) 2003 Hummer H2 (Daily driver) 2007 Merc. E-550 Sport (Wifes car)

02-25-2008, 02:27 AM	#15 (permalink)
chuck_risen CLR Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: I live in Glen Ellyn IL, a suburb of Chicago. Posts: 823	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

02-25-2008, 05:14 AM	#16 (permalink)
JUNGLISTluder High Roller Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 688 Images: 6	Just ordered my new covers. Thanks Faze! __________________ 06 Lotus Elise - AR/Blk, Touring, Premium, TC, HT, DRL Delete, X-Pel, TS Pro1 Exhaust, TS Pro1 Intake, BBmod, Saikou Michi OCC, 6000k HIDs, Stealth Bulbs, 07+ Letters, Re-grooved Bilsteins, LG Stone Guards, CR Engine Covers, S111 Folding Tow Hook, FF CF Spoiler, 17" PIAA FR-7s, CharlieX 06 ECU V2.0, Greddy/BOE Supercharger 88 BMW 528is - Blue/Llama Beige, M20 stroker motor, Alpina SW, 3.73 LSD, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sports, M3 SSK, 16x8 BBS, 225/245 tires, shadowline

02-25-2008, 11:55 AM	#18 (permalink)
RoadDad 道のお父さん Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hell Posts: 3,994	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. __________________ "There are two things no man will admit he cannot do well: drive and make love" -- Stirling Moss Nunquam est ponenda pluralitas sine necessitate. Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate. Pluralitas non est ponenda, nisi ubi est necessitas. Add RoadDad To My Ignore List

02-25-2008, 02:31 PM	#20 (permalink)
Faze Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 144	Yeah, I think they took them out of the same Hummer parts bin as the rear view mirror. __________________ -- 2006 Lotus Elise - Starlight on black, black badges, HT, touring/sport/premium packages - HID, Katana SC 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 1956 Vintage 550 RS Spyder Replica

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