1974 Challenger seat belts/rear plastic

[74ralley]

Not sure if some one asked this in the past but can anyone tell me about 1974 challenger seatbelts. my 74 had the rear plastics that the belts came up through, but I dont believe anyone is reproducing these panels. The only ones that I have seen are the ones without the cutouts. I was told at Carlisle a few years ago that I would have to find a set of front belts from a 1970 through 1973 as the 74 was the only year for the belts to come through the rear panel  .I know the paddock sells a set for around $250 labeled as 3 point retractable seat belt kit . Im unsure if this is what I need or not as to the mounting. Any feedback or answers is very much appriciated.   

[Bullitt-]

From what I understand the panels were the same with openings cut for the belt to pass through. If you have a good set of '74 belts keep them & alter the panels, especially if you have to replace your panels anyway.  You don't want to deal with the shoulder belt like my '73 has.

[brads70]

My 70 Challenger has 74 belts installed in it when I bought it. I put new panels in it. No big deal you just have to cut up to the slot to allow the belts to fit in. Just as Bullitt said.

[74ralley]

Thanks for the replies. What is the best way to cut the new panels as I do have to get new ones, mine are long gone. The old panels were trashed when I bought the car in 1989. What is the best way to get the slots in the top of the panel even? I had a pair of panels (used, not in very good shape)  that I tried to cut years ago using the marks on the back side of the panel as a guide but it was way off.     

[brads70]

I just used a hacksaw blade then with fine sandpaper smoothed off the "burrs". When the seats are in I don't believe the cut is visible.
Here is a picture, hope that helps!
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/B_Richmond/PDRM0014.jpg

[74ralley]

Thanks! Hopefully I will be ordering the new door panels and the new rear panels over the winter so I can test fit and make the mods before the car is painted, Again Thanks for the advice and response.

[kmyles]

I just used a hacksaw blade then with fine sandpaper smoothed off the "burrs". When the seats are in I don't believe the cut is visible.
Here is a picture, hope that helps!
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/B_Richmond/PDRM0014.jpg

Hey Brad where did you get your new door panels and are you happy with them?? I need to buy some new ones.

[brads70]

Hey Brad where did you get your new door panels and are you happy with them?? I need to buy some new ones.

They are originals from swap meets ( Carlisle) and a buddy was switching from black to white. All I hear is how crappy the re pops fit and when I see them ( at Carlisle) they are not the same, different plastic,pattern is off.
If yours are just" chauky" try this! It's free
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=61561.0