While I agree that old seat belts are less than 100 percent save, the old
(early 60's) airplane style belts and buclkles can be reused
by simply replacing the webbing. It is easily done by anyone with an
industrial sewing machine and some nylon webbing od the same
size. Those buckles were made so that wear is not really a problem. If they
are not rusty, they should last for years if cleaned up.
ANd here's the kicker: If you want to have an original style belt and buckle,
those round or square indentations that originally had
foil logos glued in will accept some reproduction decals that I have made up.
They are $4.00 per pair.
Regards,
Joe Curry
Chris Sharp wrote:
>
> I've asked several yards for old belts to salvage the hardware. In each
> case, I've been told that state law requires them to destroy them and they
> are not for sale. This was in both Texas and Ohio; YMMV, depending on where
> you live. Anyway, I wouldn't want to use old belts anyway -- they may look
> safe but you really won't know until they're needed and if they aren't up to
> the task, it could very well cost you your life.
>
> On a less depressing note, ISTR that there was a company or two that sew new
> belts into your working hardware (inertia reels, buckles, etc.). They used
> to advertise in Hemmings Motor News (i.e the old car bible). You might pick
> up a copy at a book store or try http://www.hmn.com and poke around a
> little.
>
> Later-
>
> Chris
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-spitfires@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-spitfires@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Gary Hutton
> Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2000 11:41 AM
> To: Spitlist
> Subject: seat belts
>
> Good morning all,
>
> I am planning to give myself functioning seat belts for my 76 Spit this
> Christmas and I wondered if anyone on the list has had any experience
> using belts from cars from a junkyard - it seems that most belts are of
> a pretty standard design (excepting those that try to strangle you when
> you close the door) and would therefore be easily adaptable to the spit
> and hopefully a little cheaper than the new retractables from the Big 3.
> Anybody tried this?
>
> TIA,
>
> Gary Hutton
> 76 - 1500 "Stinky" (per my 8-yr. old daughter)
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