I need a set of black NOS (or repos) seat belts for 66 Big Block coupe which is being restored. The retractors are also needed. Where can I get these at a reasonable cost?
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Re: 66 Vette Seat Belts
Larry---
The terms "1966 NOS seat belts" and "reasonable cost" are mutually exclusive. However, I'd suggest that you contact the following for belts:
Andover Automotive at www.andoauto.com Sunwest Auto Specialties at 505-292-7609 Snake-Oyl Products -haven't got their number handy but they're in the Dallas, TX area, I believe.
One of the above vendors should be able to supply you. I'd shop them all, though.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 66 Vette Seat Belts
Larry---
The terms "1966 NOS seat belts" and "reasonable cost" are mutually exclusive. However, I'd suggest that you contact the following for belts:
Andover Automotive at www.andoauto.com Sunwest Auto Specialties at 505-292-7609 Snake-Oyl Products -haven't got their number handy but they're in the Dallas, TX area, I believe.
One of the above vendors should be able to supply you. I'd shop them all, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Are You Sure, Joe?
Joe Lucia advises NOS belts for your '66 and low cost are mutually exclusive. This may be a first -- where Joe and I disagree....
Major catalog houses list belts at reasonably 'rich' prices ($300 range) then go on to say they're 'remanufactured'. So, where are they getting all these used Corvette donor belt sets from? I maintain they're not comming off Corvettes!
If you blow a day and walk through scrap yards that are open to the public, out of the way, and specialize in older cars, I think you'll see the basic Corvette belt (web, buckle, clasp) in full size Chevy passenger cars of the '64-66 era. Next, you'll find the 'stuff' needed to restore (labels, pockets, buckle springs, Etc.) in the major parts catalogs (Paragon, Dr. Rebuild).
If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and blow some personal time/labor, you can get the job done for well under $100. But, you need to use the Judging Guide to get the details right (where do the labels mount, what orientation, what thread/stitch patterns).
As for NOS retractors, I find them nicely preserved in the back seats of Buick, Olds, Caddy where owners stuffed 'em under the seat bun years ago to make room. Good hunting!Comment
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Are You Sure, Joe?
Joe Lucia advises NOS belts for your '66 and low cost are mutually exclusive. This may be a first -- where Joe and I disagree....
Major catalog houses list belts at reasonably 'rich' prices ($300 range) then go on to say they're 'remanufactured'. So, where are they getting all these used Corvette donor belt sets from? I maintain they're not comming off Corvettes!
If you blow a day and walk through scrap yards that are open to the public, out of the way, and specialize in older cars, I think you'll see the basic Corvette belt (web, buckle, clasp) in full size Chevy passenger cars of the '64-66 era. Next, you'll find the 'stuff' needed to restore (labels, pockets, buckle springs, Etc.) in the major parts catalogs (Paragon, Dr. Rebuild).
If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and blow some personal time/labor, you can get the job done for well under $100. But, you need to use the Judging Guide to get the details right (where do the labels mount, what orientation, what thread/stitch patterns).
As for NOS retractors, I find them nicely preserved in the back seats of Buick, Olds, Caddy where owners stuffed 'em under the seat bun years ago to make room. Good hunting!Comment
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Re: 66 Vette Seat Belts
Please remember that there are early 66 seat belt buckles that are the "lift plate" design, with a silver Bowtie on a smooth brushed aluminum background, that are used through serial number 14000 to 16200, and there are the newer style with the brushed steel body. They are totally different. I have found the newer style, as Jack stated, in a local junk yard. The belt material was in great shape and out of four buckles, I put together 3 good buckles. A little elbow grease and a little luck never hurt.Comment
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Re: 66 Vette Seat Belts
Please remember that there are early 66 seat belt buckles that are the "lift plate" design, with a silver Bowtie on a smooth brushed aluminum background, that are used through serial number 14000 to 16200, and there are the newer style with the brushed steel body. They are totally different. I have found the newer style, as Jack stated, in a local junk yard. The belt material was in great shape and out of four buckles, I put together 3 good buckles. A little elbow grease and a little luck never hurt.Comment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
A story to share: A few years ago I ran across a 64 full size Chevy in a junk yard. The car was pretty much stripped down the the bone. Not alot left -- even inside. However, the seats were still in place. I was able to reach in where the rear bench seat meets the rear back & came up with 2 pristine buckles. This was a scary thing to do since I had no idea of what was living behind there.
Seems as if the buckles were shoved inbetween the seats almost from day one. The buckles looked brand new. The fronts were also still there but were a bit worn.
Jack's advice is sound if you've got access to yards with a decent supply of old cars. If not, expect to pay some bucks as Joe suggests.
I live in South Florida where the yards have mostly 'newer' cars. However, I periodically find a jewel like the 64 mentioned above. This yard also turned up a Nash Metropolitan at a later date. The glovebox had an original owners manual in decent shape.
Fred OComment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
A story to share: A few years ago I ran across a 64 full size Chevy in a junk yard. The car was pretty much stripped down the the bone. Not alot left -- even inside. However, the seats were still in place. I was able to reach in where the rear bench seat meets the rear back & came up with 2 pristine buckles. This was a scary thing to do since I had no idea of what was living behind there.
Seems as if the buckles were shoved inbetween the seats almost from day one. The buckles looked brand new. The fronts were also still there but were a bit worn.
Jack's advice is sound if you've got access to yards with a decent supply of old cars. If not, expect to pay some bucks as Joe suggests.
I live in South Florida where the yards have mostly 'newer' cars. However, I periodically find a jewel like the 64 mentioned above. This yard also turned up a Nash Metropolitan at a later date. The glovebox had an original owners manual in decent shape.
Fred OComment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
Jack----
Yes, I'm sure. In my response, I said that "NOS 1966 seat belts" and "reasonable cost" are mutually exclusive terms. As far as I know, 1966 new-old-stock, black seat belts(GM #3869791, first design and the service-replacement GM #3921480, second design)are very difficult to locate and expensive to buy. I was specifically referring to NOS belts, since that's one of the specific things that Larry asked about. I did not say that "used belts", "restorable belts", or even "reproduction belts" and the term "reasonable cost" were necessarily mutually exclusive terms.
Of course, your advice as to where to find restorable belts of original configuration which could be used in a 1966 Corvette application is excellent advice and I would strongly suggest that Larry follow it if he is inclined to expend the effort involved in the search and restoration process. For me, the search and restoration process is often more important and satisfying than the utility to me of the finished product. I can't tell you how many rare items that I've sought out, restored, and added to my collection that I have absolutely no practical use for, whatsoever. But, many folks don't feel that way.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
Jack----
Yes, I'm sure. In my response, I said that "NOS 1966 seat belts" and "reasonable cost" are mutually exclusive terms. As far as I know, 1966 new-old-stock, black seat belts(GM #3869791, first design and the service-replacement GM #3921480, second design)are very difficult to locate and expensive to buy. I was specifically referring to NOS belts, since that's one of the specific things that Larry asked about. I did not say that "used belts", "restorable belts", or even "reproduction belts" and the term "reasonable cost" were necessarily mutually exclusive terms.
Of course, your advice as to where to find restorable belts of original configuration which could be used in a 1966 Corvette application is excellent advice and I would strongly suggest that Larry follow it if he is inclined to expend the effort involved in the search and restoration process. For me, the search and restoration process is often more important and satisfying than the utility to me of the finished product. I can't tell you how many rare items that I've sought out, restored, and added to my collection that I have absolutely no practical use for, whatsoever. But, many folks don't feel that way.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
Joe,
I too have rare parts in my collection that I have absolutely no use for. The most extreme case for me was when I ran across 8 original Delco oil filters for a 1965 GTO. These gems were vintage over-the-counter examples -- complete with the little hex nut welded on the bottom of the filter. A friend & myself bought all of them. Neither of us own a goat or probably will.
I'm not really hooked, I can stop anytime I want (yeah, right).Comment
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Re: Are You Sure, Joe?
Joe,
I too have rare parts in my collection that I have absolutely no use for. The most extreme case for me was when I ran across 8 original Delco oil filters for a 1965 GTO. These gems were vintage over-the-counter examples -- complete with the little hex nut welded on the bottom of the filter. A friend & myself bought all of them. Neither of us own a goat or probably will.
I'm not really hooked, I can stop anytime I want (yeah, right).Comment
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