Stupid Ford, WTF made those fools decide instead of using a nylon belt on the buckle, use a steel cable, this is the second time it's broken and I'm mad, they should have replaced it the first time it happened, it was not yet 5 years old, it's a safety issue, poor design! Meanwhile my 1973 still has its faded factory belts, yeah, steel cable was so much a better idea. I need a new buckle, and I'll be damned if I put it back the way it was, there has to be one from a swivel seat I could use. I need to get it fixed because it's the only vehicle I have that takes passengers, I am about to get surgery for a baclofen pump, no drivers side seatbelt now.
I'm not looking to replace it all, just the buckle, the one in my van is specific to the belt, those are the wide early style. I had hoped I had the ones to my quick release bases, all I have are what goes in the floor for the rear bench, far too long for my use up front, there has to be some in a conversion van on the rear captains chairs.
I'll dig through my stuff Mark, but I think I tossed all the old belts I had from PaP.
I think the truck buckle is a direct fit, found one on ebay, guy is on vacation, so I can't get it, not so much of a special mount it seems, just requires a short belt. Thanks Catfish, this sure brings to light that I might outta sell the 73 and try and get something that doesn't require removal of the passenger seat, and this time, power steering is a must.
I had to swap the seatbelt electrical connector, the truck has the ends swapped, van buckle warning light connector is a female, trucks is male, I believe this is done on purpose so you can't just swap it, but seeing as how 2 originals have broken I am certain they are a poor choice, extremely hazardous for my health, no way would I ever trust the stock buckle since they just snap out without warning or pulling on them. I have several retractable shoulder belts, I could upgrade the 73 with one.
My belt swap is a failure, damn van belt wont lock in the truck buckle, I hate this van and am considering getting rid of it, the buckles can't be trusted, Ford should be ashamed over this, I am pissed I will have to spend $80 on something I know is gonna break, I have no faith of it holding in the event of an accident!
BTW anyone considering a 97+ Econoline, the 2 front seats use different buckles and are very expensive to replace, I am left with only one option, a key ring D-ring, pathetic garbage.