R&R seat belts

[Patrick H.]

Hello all,

I have some black lap belts that are in decent condition as far as fraying is concerned, but a couple are faded, and all are very stiff. The stiffness makes them quite difficult to use.

Is there a "sure fire" way of "un-stiffening" the belts? I've considered washing them, but won't if the only way to fix them is to re-web them. They're great original, Survivor/Bowtie type belts otherwise (great date codes, labels, lack of fray, etc.), so I'd hate to re-web them just for the sake of doing it.

In addition, would a little spot-applied black Rit dye take care of the color?

Thanks,

Patrick

[Dave S.]

Re: R&R seat belts

Patrick,

I just had Charlie at Seatbelt City do over a set of 61 seat belts for me. He took some parts in trade and made a set which was show quality and correct for my car. A real gentleman to deal with and performed the work in less than 2 weeks. I would give him a call and he can advise you accordingly. He's an NCRS member and Driveline advertiser. He mentioned to me that he would be in Orlando in January.

[Harmon C.]

Re: R&R seat belts

I Use Tuff Stuff foam cleaner from the auto parts store on seat belts and black spray dye. I would not reweb good looking original belts as their are many ways they can take away points on reweb jobs. They got me and they were correct so I just said OK.

[Gary S.]

Re: R&R seat belts

Patrick, I had real good luck cleaning up a Carlisle-purchased set of 66 set belts that were almost totally stiff. All I did was to pull the seatbelts out and clamp the retract mechanism so it wouldn't retract. I soaked the belts in Simple Green and then scrubbed with a soft bristle brush. The water turned brown when I rinsed. I kept repeating this until I could rinse and get clear water. I let them air dry and then worked on the retract mechanism. I have no experience dying or tinting belts though.
Gary

[Rob Dame]

Re: R&R seat belts

I would think a nylon dye would work,a carpet dye perhaps.
Something that won't come off on your clothes.
Rob

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: R&R seat belts

------Once you have cleaned them as the above posters told you to,try a permanent black majic-marker.Worked great for me..........Bill S

[David B.]

Re: R&R seat belts

Charlie at Seat Belt City is the way to go. He restored my belts.

908 719 2354

David