Seatbelt doesn't ratchet

[Qman]

I have an '86 c10 custom with three point belts. My seatbelts dont click when pulled on quickly. Neither side. Im wondering if this is a common Chevy thing, and if so, what is wrong? This makes me a little nervous, thinking that the belts won't do their job if they are ever needed

[bd]

The belts use an inertial lock mechanism.  Does the belt lock if you drive across a big bump that would otherwise toss you into the roof, or if you slam on the brakes?

[Qman]

Does the belt lock if you drive across a big bump that would otherwise toss you into the roof, or if you slam on the brakes?

Tried that today, it didn't do it. Maybe it just needs to be really hard braking to the point of lockup(didn't feel like putting spots on my tires)
But I took the seatbelt mechanism out, and it ratchets when it is tilted even a little. So it seems to work.

OT...do you or anybody know how to take this apart so I can wind up the spring? dang thing doesn't want to retract.

[OldGray]

I was able to take mine apart enough to be able to clean them and lubricate them, and after using them for a good while they are much smoother.  But I don't think I took them down far enough to have to wind any spring. 

[Irish_Alley]

you should be able to have the same effect if you pull the belt out really fast. it should catch, in my 91 crew cab the drivers belt isnt original (its tan) wont click or grab no matter what. the passengers side (should be original, its blue) i can pull it out and it will catch this is where i keep one of my kids child seats and i can get her pretty tight

[Dr_Snooz]

I'll trade you my belts that I can hardly pull out because they keep catching. LOL.

In most seat belts, the latching mechanism relies on a weighted pendulum in the mount. Inertial forces (like hard cornering or braking) cause the pendulum to swing out, activating the locks. I'd imagine enough lint, sandwich crumbs, sunflower seeds, moisture and corrosion would gum up that mechanism pretty good. If you're able to tear it down and clean/lube it all up, you might get it working again. It's what I plan to do with mine. I know a shot of WD-40 did wonders for my buckles.

Alternatively, you can buy replacement belts online. Might be a good idea anyway given that the belts decay over time with UV exposure. If they are frayed at all, definitely replace them.

[Qman]

Update: belts back to full working order and better than ever
There are two round covers on the side of the seatbelt mechanism that house the springs to wind up the belts. One for the shoulder belt and one for the lap belt.  All you need do is gently pry this cover off and spin it a couple revolutions in the direction the belt spins when it retracts. Just a warning though, you need to hold it so it doesn't unwind or so the spring doesn't jump out. She popped out on me. A couple minutes later, I got it wound back up and in place. Retracts like a charm now