the inertia reel is very sensitive to position, you pretty much have to have the reels in the exact position (horizontal/vertical) that they would be in when mounted to the vehicle. Try bolting one up ..I bet it will work then.

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00' C230K
88' 190E 2.3
79' 280CE (Sold)
84' 300SD
73' 450SE
93' 300E
68' VW Bug (what the hell was I thinking!)
99' HD FLSTF