[Docl]

My passenger seatbelt does not retract. Is there a replacement unit readily available and how difficult is it to replace?

TIA.

 

[maxvelocity]

Belt might just be twisted in the retractor. It is located under the fuel tank cover

 

[Docl]

Belt might just be twisted in the retractor. It is located under the fuel tank cover

I guess it's time to start getting to know the car. I assume it's located under the carpet panel in the engine bay. Looks easy enough to remove.

 

[93viperrt10]

Its actually just behind the seat , pull the seats and I think its just behind the rear panel.

 

[carbuff]

I assume it's located under the carpet panel in the engine bay. Looks easy enough to remove.

Yes, what we call the quarter-window panels.

The belt reel and retractor are housed in a plastic housing that is supposed to prevent engine bay fumes from entering the interior. rotfl

The plastic edges warp on the housing, and the fumes (or Lotus Perfume as we say) enter the interior.

Lotus lined the plastic housings with headliner material, yes the same stuff that disintegrates on the headliner. IMAGINE just how long it lasts in the heat of the engine bay...

When I had my gas tanks out I addressed these issues. You can see the reel on the left side of the first picture (cover removed).

I removed the headliner material (actually, it just fell out ) and lined it with DynaMat (car audio sound deadener). (Second picture) I added a seal around the perimeter (bulkhead mating surface) as well, before I bolted the housings back on.

 

[maxvelocity]

Its actually just behind the seat , pull the seats and I think its just behind the rear panel.

Pull the seats?
How do you access the Esprit seat belt retractor that way?