In order to replace the seatbelt assembly in the 350Z, follow the below steps:
1. take off the plastic trim that runs down the doorway by the door (between the metal and the carpet by your hips when sitting in the car)
2. take off both plastic interior panels under the rear small windows (where the top anchor of the seatbelts are attached)
3. loosen the center divider plastic by first undoing the shifter trim and loosening the 2 screws holding it down, another screw under the coin tray (for 1st gen interior, unsure about 2nd gen), and 2 more on either side closer to the trunk
4. take off center interior panel (where the bose sub and glove box is)
5. undo whatever screws you see blocking the way to the inside of the metal wall (houses the speakers, small storage spaces, glove box, etc) and take out either the metal panel and/or glove box
6. undo the seatbelt anchor bolts at the pillar and by the floor (plastic/vinyl covers slide away/off)
7. undo the yellow clip and 2 bolts holding the seatbelt assembly
8. reverse the entire process*


*The seatbelt assemblies will lock and will not unwind if it's not in the exact orientation as it would be if it were installed in the car.

 

Is there any way of rebuilding them after say an accident or do they absolutely have to be replaced. eBay is selling rebuild guides and am curious as to what that might mean.

 

Id replace them, for the peace of mind alone.

Thanks for the write up OP-and thanks for bumping ^ My belt barely retracts anymore so Ill be all over this. I wonder if this is common on the Z...

 

How the hell do I unplug the yellow plug

 

was told cleaning the belt with water and washing powder does the trick, as soon as mines dry ill let you know if it works

 

BACK FROM THE DEAD.. but, how the heck do you undo this type of plug?

 

I wish I could remember but I don't even remember what it looked like.


edit-
I found a picture of the seatbelt assembly and you can see where it plugs into. Probably not possible, but can you get a good picture of the actual clip/plug? If I can see it, I might remember how to take it off.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...509_212359.jpg

 

Is it okay to try to just break away the plastic piece that goes around the window instead of trying to take apart the whole seatbelt? I already have the rest of the plastics removed except for the piece around the seatbelt.