Seatbelt Retractor Trim Removal

[Gary Lively]

The seat belt allows my body to go forward under heavy braking on the track making steering difficult. I am trying to put on a device that holds the seatbelt from reeling out.

So, I am trying to remove the seatbelt retractor cover panel between the front and rear windows. I removed the access button at the top of the panel and pulled the white button underneath it out a bit which allowed me to get my fingers under the panel at the top. I pulled a bit more than gently and I can see a trim rivet which will not it come out. I am afraid to pull to hard and break or distort the plastic cover panel. Suggestions appreciated!

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[Gary Lively]

Found it! The white button is a trim rivet's center section and the expanding rivet is not fully released by pulling it back. I was able to get a screwdriver from the side of the panel under the rivet and pry it out. Bad design with a very non-standard rivet.

 

[Chilly613]

Found it! The white button is a trim rivet's center section and the expanding rivet is not fully released by pulling it back. I was able to get a screwdriver from the side of the panel under the rivet and pry it out. Bad design with a very non-standard rivet.

Its a one time use clip, you're supposed to push it in to release it.

I have several clips on hand to replace any broken clips, including a couple extras of this one too.

Part number: 91561-TVA-A01

 

[Gary Lively]

Thanks for the info! I was able to reset the rivet for the reinstallation. I will visit my dealer for a replacement just in case.

I am still baffled about how to properly remove it though. Brute force with a screwdriver blade doesn't seem to be the best alternative. Hints welcome!

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