SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MODIFICATION TO YOUR VEHICLE
I've hated the mouse motor style automatic belts with a passion ever since my Dad brought home his new 1987 Camry when I was in Junior High. One of the drawbacks of S13 is of course the auto belts. No biggie though as they can be easily swapped out for S14 belts, JDM S13 belts, B14 belts, or possibly others.
I decided to use B14 belts since I found some in the local junkyard for a decent price.
The first thing to do is obviously to remove the trim panels.
Next remove the automatic motor assemblies and the rail systems. There is a metal trim piece which the plastic trim snaps into that you will reinstall after the auto rail system is removed. Also remove the bottom reel assemblies for the shoulder belt and the lap belt. They are both located on the floor, one towards the center console, and one towards the rocker panel. Its necessary to remove the seats.
Next I installed the manual reel assembly. I temporarily threaded the bottom bolt into the factory hole and drilled a hole for the top tab of the reel bracket. I used that to center the reel and then drill a hole to screw the top mount into. Then I tightened up the bottom bolt.
Next I threaded a bolt into the factory top pivot hole and put a dab of silicone on it and put the b-pillar trim panel into place. The silicone was transferred to the trim panel so I knew the proper spot to drill the hole for the top bolt.
The b-pillar trim panels stick out further on the S13 than the B14 so I bought longer bolts so the pivot would be in the right spot. I used delrin spacers from Lowes that I shaved down and drilled out to the proper size for the pivot bracket to sit correctly. I used the B14 spacer combined with a B13 latch bracket spacer and it puts the pivot in the perfect spot.
Next I used a dremel to shave down the plastic trim panel to allow clearance for the belt to pass through without binding.
Next install the lower belt mounting bolt into the rear most hole where which old lap belt reel assembly was bolted to.
Finally, put everything back together and enjoy you new manual belt goodness!
I am NOT an engineer, nor do I design cars for a living. If you attempt to copy this method of modifying your car you do so at your own risk. I will not be held liable in the event of injury and/or death under any circumstances. AGAIN, THIS MODIFICATION IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
