I have done a search around the web about doing this and need more detailed information.
We are selling our HHR and need to replace the passenger side rear shoulder belt that our dog chewed. I got the part from GM Parts Store and got an interior panel tool kit. We had found reference to having to remove a bunch of panels starting in the spare tire well, but no details as to where to start and sequence of panel removal. My husband is impatient and thought "screw that" and pried away the the panel covering the retractor, gouging the edge of the panel. He was able to get the lower mount bolt out but the retractor bolt is holding fast, despite him getting it loosened slightly such that the retractor wiggles, and shredding himself in the process because the panel is in the way.

I read another old thread somewhere that people were having trouble removing those bolts and breaking bits with breaker bars, and that an impact wrench was the only way to do it. I called a body shop to see if they could take over but they refuse to install any part they didn't acquire themselves. That would crank up the price considerably, cutting into our take on a car that probably won't bring much anyway, but we feel we need to sell it with functioning seat belts. I have a friend with an impact wrench so can take it to his place. But, I want to have proper access to the bolt and need to remove those panels, pain as it is. I need more help than "remove the lower panels and then the upper panels" as was stated in an old thread on this forum about installing after market seat belts. Anyone able to direct me towards more complete instructions?

 

You could try a 3/4 inch drive breaker bar before going nuclear. If you use a impact rated socket it won't break as easy.

 

Those are probably 250 foot pounds. A breaker bar or a 3/4 inch impact minimum. Even a 3/4 may not bust it.

 

I did my fronts with just hard work, not even a breaker bar just a 1/2 inch drive.

 

Arent the retractor bolts the ones with the star bit in the center about 3/8" diameter or so ? I know almost every car I had used those bolts on the seat belt retractors and secured to floor on other end. I usually apply some heat as they use blue lok-tite on the threads too

 

IIRC, I just used a 1/2 ratchet handle and hit it with a 5 lb hammer a couple of times. I know I did not have any impact tools other than hammers.

 

1/2 inch drive breaker bar and an extension tube made of pipe or floor jack handle, pull slow and steady in case is slips!

 

Last time I put a cheater bar on 3/8” ratchet I bent it. Don’t do that.