I'm looking for the bolt that attaches the seat belt buckle (the female latch or receiver part) to the seat rail on the side of the seat. I checked the part diagrams I could find online but wasn't able to find a bolt size or part number. Does anyone know what it is or where I could get one shipped quickly?

Thanks!

 

Rethread the hole to a bolt that is available to you

 

I think the seat belt receptacle's bolt is not shown on parts diagrams because it was an integral or captive part of the OEM seat belt receptacle, although I suppose it could be pried out.

 

the bolts are usually sold with the buckles/belts whatever. that being said its an SAE part, so every car in the junkyard has the same threads for the seatbelt bolts

 

It's an international standard that seatbelt bolts are 7/16 NF. Keeps people from putting any old fastener in there.

 

Thanks, looks like the 7/16x20 bolt attaching the belts to the chassis fits, but is a little long. So, yes, that’s the thread size. Going to see if I can find a shorter one in that size online. Is there a particular grade these should be?

 

Seatbelt bolt grade. It's literally a "Jesus Bolt" - it is a single point of failure fastener. More fun, it's loaded in single shear. In a decent collision, you will put enough force on the seatbelt to permanently stretch it by a foot or more, and all of that load is supported by that one little bolt.

I would not trust a mystery bolt from online. It could be a Grade 5 bolt with Grade 8 stampings on it, or worse. I had one HELL of a time trying to find non-counterfeit bolts for my Ford 9" rearend. Needed 8" long 1/2 NF in Grade 8. The bolts I was getting were stripping or stretching at only 50-60ft-lb of torque.

Heck I have seen bolts come in a tie rod kit with six hash marks (SAE Grade 8) and 8.8 (metric grade)! I couldn't even tell you if they were SAE or metric, because I threw them away. Clearly at least one of the markings was made up! Would you trust them for anything but scrap bin filler?

I like the idea of buying a new latch for the bolt.

 

So I like your paranoid style, but I ordered a pack of grade 8 7/16-20 x .75" bolts from McMaster, who I don't think screws around with counterfeits. Someone tell me if they disagree. I wouldn't buy a bolt like that from Amazon or eBay.

 

Some of the bolts I had problems with were from McMaster.

 

Well crap.

First bad thing I’ve ever heard about McMaster, though I don’t order from them very often.

 

McMaster is a good source but these bolts have to be SO specific that I'd try and track down the real deal. Either post a WTB up for one or just go hit a local pick and pull junkyard and find one.

Knowing you have the right bolt is really good peace of mind.

Dale

 

I have to admit that position seems bizarre to me. Am I missing something? It's not so specific. It's an SAE grade 8 7/16"-20 x .75" bolt. I don't know why I would trust the authenticity or reliability of an unknown junkyard bolt (which may already have been in an accident) more than one of the same specs bought through a reputable supplier. For the same reason it seems odd to pay $50/ea for two new seatbelt receptacles just to get two new bolts.

Not trying to be argumentative, I just want to understand.

I'm much more scared of the 27-year-old seatbelt material failing, to be honest.