Cherokee shoulder seat belt replacement

Dave: Yes, you are right, 6 ft arms. I finally wedged a wrench in
the mechanism for a backup and got the spool out easily once in the
right mind set. Funny how I could fly a plane 15 years without
wondering what that allen head bolt was for. I sent them to Amsafe in
Griffin, Ga. on the suggestion of a Wag Aero phone rep. Thanks for
the input. Leo

On Sep 26, 9:58*pm, Dave wrote:
Ummmm......

If your install is "stock Piper factory"....

The bolt *is removed to remove the mechanisim...

The head is on the OUTSIDE OF THE FUSELAGE , on the roof.

You need someone on the outside holding the head.

(unless you have 6 ft arms...

I sent mine to "Aircraft Belts" for refurb..

Dave

On Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:02:31 -0700 (PDT), texas slacker

wrote:

My warrior is fitted with shoulder strap seat belts anchored to the
upper side of the plane, just above the second window. From the looks
of them they were original equipment. Now - I need to remove the
retracting mechanism so I can have new belts attached. After removal
of the plastic cover plate I see the spool, bolted to a bracket which
is attached to the fuselage with three phillips head screws. The bolt
just rotates so I assume it has an unsecured head that I can't get to
so the three screws are the only way to remove the retracting
mechanism. The only problem is that the screws are so close to the
spool that I can't get a proper bite with a screwdriver. A closefit
screwdriver will simply "cam out", I can't get any lateral pressure on
it. I might be able to grab the screw head with a pair of vise grips
but hoped that someone on this group would have a smarter way. If you
did - where did you take the equipment for fixin? Leo

Great!

Good things are said about Amsafe... You should get a good job!

Glad I could help!

Dave

On Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:31:22 -0700 (PDT), texas slacker
wrote:

Dave: Yes, you are right, 6 ft arms. I finally wedged a wrench in
the mechanism for a backup and got the spool out easily once in the
right mind set. Funny how I could fly a plane 15 years without
wondering what that allen head bolt was for. I sent them to Amsafe in
Griffin, Ga. on the suggestion of a Wag Aero phone rep. Thanks for
the input. Leo

On Sep 26, 9:58*pm, Dave wrote:
Ummmm......

If your install is "stock Piper factory"....

The bolt *is removed to remove the mechanisim...

The head is on the OUTSIDE OF THE FUSELAGE , on the roof.

You need someone on the outside holding the head.

(unless you have 6 ft arms...

I sent mine to "Aircraft Belts" for refurb..

Dave

On Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:02:31 -0700 (PDT), texas slacker

wrote:

My warrior is fitted with shoulder strap seat belts anchored to the
upper side of the plane, just above the second window. From the looks
of them they were original equipment. Now - I need to remove the
retracting mechanism so I can have new belts attached. After removal
of the plastic cover plate I see the spool, bolted to a bracket which
is attached to the fuselage with three phillips head screws. The bolt
just rotates so I assume it has an unsecured head that I can't get to
so the three screws are the only way to remove the retracting
mechanism. The only problem is that the screws are so close to the
spool that I can't get a proper bite with a screwdriver. A closefit
screwdriver will simply "cam out", I can't get any lateral pressure on
it. I might be able to grab the screw head with a pair of vise grips
but hoped that someone on this group would have a smarter way. If you
did - where did you take the equipment for fixin? Leo

Neither in this case..

Simple, good engineering..

The head is on the OUTSIDE OF THE FUSELAGE , on the roof.

You need someone on the outside , standing on the wing walk,holding
the headwhile you twist off the AN nut on the inside.

Not everyone quickly makes the connection between the bold head on
the roof with the seat belt assy on the inside..

One of the many features that make Mr. Piper's airplanes so easy to
work on..

Dave





On Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:10:34 -0400, "Morgans"
wrote:


wrote

Kinda makes one wonder how the factory gets the screws in the first
time... G

Ain't that the truth!

I have two possible answers. The assembly was built up in a way that it can
not be taken apart in reverse order, or there was some damn special tool
involved. Perhaps a screwdriver tip made real close onto a universal joint.

In my way of thinking, if it requires a special tool, 99% of the time it was
poor engineering that makes the special tool necessary.

I don't know how Piper does it, but Cessna puts that screw in place and then
builds the airplane around it.

Jim

--
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought
without accepting it."
--Aristotle



Kinda makes one wonder how the factory gets the screws in the first
time... G

texas slacker wrote:


My warrior is fitted with shoulder strap seat belts anchored to the
upper side of the plane, just above the second window. From the looks
of them they were original equipment. Now - I need to remove the
retracting mechanism so I can have new belts attached. After removal
of the plastic cover plate I see the spool, bolted to a bracket which
is attached to the fuselage with three phillips head screws. The bolt
just rotates so I assume it has an unsecured head that I can't get to
so the three screws are the only way to remove the retracting
mechanism. The only problem is that the screws are so close to the
spool that I can't get a proper bite with a screwdriver. A closefit
screwdriver will simply "cam out", I can't get any lateral pressure on
it. I might be able to grab the screw head with a pair of vise grips
but hoped that someone on this group would have a smarter way. If you
did - where did you take the equipment for fixin? Leo

As others have replied, you get the whole retract assembly off via the
big nut, not the screws. The bolt head is on the outside of the plane.

I did not get mine rewebbed. Instead, Chief Aircraft had (and still has)
complete new assemblies. I paid $136 each. They are up to $149. Part
number BM H162-9-66N. Since rewebbing costs $75 - $100 or so, once you
add shipping, it ain't worth it in my mind to reweb. Don't forget the
down time. Also, many of these old retractor mechanisms have pretty worn
out return springs. Rewebbing may give you a nice new belt that still
won't fully retract. As a bonus, you get shiny new chrome hardware.
Combine this with new lap belts and that new interior can look awfully
spiffy.

Good Luck,
Mike