Stuck Lap Belts

Had the same with my '73 Dart -- a fight with the belt retractors every time I and my passenger went to belt in. The lock plate tends to get "grabby" with age; lubrication will limber it up.

Remove the retractor/reel assembly from its floor mount. Refer to TSB 23-14-73C (pages 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5) for how to get access to the reel assembly. Hold the locking plate away from the toothed wheel and pull the belt all the way out. Spray both ends of the reel and every other pivot/slide point (lock plate, tooth wheel, etc.) with a good grade of silicone lube. I like CRC's Heavy Duty Silicone (red and white can). Adjust the lock plate per TSB 23-15-74D (pages 1 • 2 • 3 • 4). Then pull the belt out and let it retract several times; you should notice it's much easier. Pull the belt out all the way and spray both sides of it with the silicone, moving the spray nozzle back and forth to cover the full width of the belt. It'll dry quickly enough not to make a mess of your clothes. Shoot a shot of silicone into each of the buckle latches through the tongue slot. Reinstall the belts and you should be all set.