Rear Seat Belt Upper Bolt Extension

[bvenvert]

I recently upgraded all the roll bar padding on my 1997 TJ to the thicker foam from a 2003 and have an issue with the rear seat belt mounts at the roll bar. When I reuse the old bolts they pull the upper seat belt anchor in so tight that the belts will no longer retract or rotate. Is there an easy fix to extend the upper bolts so that they will rotate and work like they used to with the thinner pads.

I have looked through the forum and didn't see anyone else having this issue.

 

[macleanflood]

I'd probably take some 1/2" black iron pipe and cut appropriate length spacers, paint them satin black and get longer bolts.

-Mac

 

[bvenvert]

Are the upper seat belt anchor bolts on the 2003-2006 different than the ones that are used on the 97-02? I was hoping I could find a set of bolts from a jeep that has the larger roll bar pads, but I order a set from Jeep Hardware that were replacements, but they appear to be the same as the original bolts I have.

 

[KennethS]

If you use new bolts, make sure to get Grade 8 or better. Don’t want one of those bolts to snap in a collision.