My belts are slow at retracting as well so I'll give this a try - thanks!

I tried my hand at re-upholstering some of the door panels today. Pretty hap=
py with the results especially considering the minimal cost

http://1981vwcamper.blogspot.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: "Roland" [syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM]
Date: 08/28/2012 08:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: What did you do for your Vanagon this week?

Washed the driver's side seat belt.  Easy job.  Simply pulled it out of the
reel all the way, clamped it so it wouldn't retract.  Then placed a bucket
of warm soapy water on the little shelf next to the seat, dumped it all in,
squeeze repeatedly like you are washing a rag, then rinse with clean
water.  No need to unbolt anything, the middle part of the seat belt is the
problem, not the ends.

Nice and soft and flexible once again.  It actually retracts now when I let
it go.

Roland