I recently purchased an 08 HHR for rebiuld.The seatbelts are tight as you know what with no give!Please gimme some advise as to what to do.I need to replace airbags as well.

 

I have an 08 and Ive never had that problem

 

for rebuild? was it in an accident? sounds like maybe the seatbelt retractor was jammed during the accident and not extending all the way.

you can try to disassemble it and see if you can free it, or buy another at the salvage yard

 

Sounds like the seat belt pertentioner have deployed. they go off with the air bags. no way to fix them must be replaced. But I don't know if the hhr is equiped with these. also check the TSB's with a search I think there is somthing in there about seat belts getting stuck.

 

What he said. When I was run off the road by a cell phone driver I only had the front bumer and intercooler broken but the seat belts retracted and locked.

Once these belts lock they are done. You much replace the belts and they are not cheap.

My accident was not major. I lost a front and rear valance, belts, air bag, radiator and inter cooler. No head light or sheet metal was damaged. It was at $7,000 to fix the car. Todays cars will nicke and dime you into large bills to repair them anymore so one has to becareful when buying a crashed car.

 

Thanks!!I kinda figured it was tyed into the airbag module.Yes I agree its costly but me/friend do all the work ourselves saves alot.