Part 2

Hi All,
Since no one responded, I figured no one had actually done this and I was on my own. I've posted the following in case some one else has to do the same thing.

Looking at the retractor, it's essentially a reel with some sort of mechanism on one side. There is a black cover over the mechanism. It's held on with plastic lugs that are melted (UV maybe?) in place. With a jewelers screwdriver, I carefully pried the cover off. Underneath is one of the stranger contraptions I've ever dealt with. There is a black nylon cog that rides on a white nylon escapement (much like an old clock), a ball bearing (about 1/4 inch or so in diameter) in a white nylon cage, and a metal disc on the axis of the reel that somehow releases the belt. By lifting the cog, I was able to let out enough slack in the belt to solve my problem. The cover can be pressed back in place with some fiddling. After re-assembly, everything works fine.
Good luck, HNick