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I have a few of my seat belt labels that are barely hanging on. One is completely off. Who reproduces these and do the repros look exactly like the original (are they quality repros?)? Some of the ones I need are date coded. Are the repros made to match the date codes that I provide? I like to do the installation work myself. Is the stitching difficult to reproduce? Thanks for any information, tips, suggestions.
Tony, Try Ssnake-oyl Products(903)769-4555 . I had them restore my belts in my 66. I think they did a great job. They rewebed mine and stitched my original labels back on. They should be able to help you.
Tony, Try Ssnake-oyl Products(903)769-4555 . I had them restore my belts in my 66. I think they did a great job. They rewebed mine and stitched my original labels back on. They should be able to help you.
I do not know whether or not anyone currently reproduces these labels. However, the three firms that I know of that specialize in Corvette seatbelts and restoration thereof are Ssnake-Oyl Products located in Texas, Sunwest Auto Specialties located in Arizona or New Mexico, and Andover Automotive located in Maryland. Ssnake-Oyl advertises in a number of the Corvette mags, Sunwest advertises in the Driveline and Andover can be found on the web at www.andoauto.com. I would suggest that you contact any or all of these folks regarding the labels.
I do not know whether or not anyone currently reproduces these labels. However, the three firms that I know of that specialize in Corvette seatbelts and restoration thereof are Ssnake-Oyl Products located in Texas, Sunwest Auto Specialties located in Arizona or New Mexico, and Andover Automotive located in Maryland. Ssnake-Oyl advertises in a number of the Corvette mags, Sunwest advertises in the Driveline and Andover can be found on the web at www.andoauto.com. I would suggest that you contact any or all of these folks regarding the labels.
A few years ago I purchased a set (4) of seat belt labels from Paragon. From what I remember they were identical to the originals. But, it was a time when I thought, like you, I would do-it-myself. Since then I've traded cars, never "re-did" the labels, and may even still have them.
I just recently had the experience of using Ssnake-Oyl and, like Pete, they did a first class job for me, dated tags and all. Unless you are really proficient at it, my suggestion would be to let the professionals handle this detail. Tom
A few years ago I purchased a set (4) of seat belt labels from Paragon. From what I remember they were identical to the originals. But, it was a time when I thought, like you, I would do-it-myself. Since then I've traded cars, never "re-did" the labels, and may even still have them.
I just recently had the experience of using Ssnake-Oyl and, like Pete, they did a first class job for me, dated tags and all. Unless you are really proficient at it, my suggestion would be to let the professionals handle this detail. Tom
Hello Tony; If you can find the correct repro labels for your belts, I suggest finding an auto trim shop to sew them on. Your wife's "Singer" just will not cut the mustard on this, I've tried. You need a true heavy duty sewing machine. I've had excellent luck with trim shops duplicating the stitching pattern. Hope this helps. Chuck
1963 Corvette Conv. 327/360 NCRS Top Flight
2006 Corvette Conv. Velocity Yellow NCRS Top Flight
1956 Chevy Sedan. 350/4 Speed Hot Rod
Hello Tony; If you can find the correct repro labels for your belts, I suggest finding an auto trim shop to sew them on. Your wife's "Singer" just will not cut the mustard on this, I've tried. You need a true heavy duty sewing machine. I've had excellent luck with trim shops duplicating the stitching pattern. Hope this helps. Chuck
1963 Corvette Conv. 327/360 NCRS Top Flight
2006 Corvette Conv. Velocity Yellow NCRS Top Flight
1956 Chevy Sedan. 350/4 Speed Hot Rod
Be cautious in buying repro labels. I do not know how many there are, but I have judged several cars with repro labels where the material is incorrect. Originals are a thin silk-like fabric; several repros I have seen are made of a paper-like material. Some do not have the correct size font for the dating. You may be ahead to have the old labels re-sewn. Like Chuck, I also would recommend having a professional do the stitching.
Be cautious in buying repro labels. I do not know how many there are, but I have judged several cars with repro labels where the material is incorrect. Originals are a thin silk-like fabric; several repros I have seen are made of a paper-like material. Some do not have the correct size font for the dating. You may be ahead to have the old labels re-sewn. Like Chuck, I also would recommend having a professional do the stitching.
Restoration of original belts can be done. Photograph stitch pattern before you cut apart. You'll find folks with proper sewing machines at upholstery and cobbler shops where leather stitch work is done.
On your Shark, GM gave you a set of NOS spare labels! You'll find them beneath the inboard (buckle side) belt retainer. Unfortunately, they didn't give you a set of spares for the clasp end tightening instruction label. These are hard to come by as originals quickly frayed from adjustment rubbing.
Later service replacement belts will have the instructions moulded into the plastic fold over sliding belt retainer on the clasp end (an originality deduct). Service replacement belts typically have subtile differences in the silhouette dimensions of the inner belt retainer that's molded. Last, advances in nylon make much of the webbing material used by professional belt restorers to be slightly thinner than the original material.
If you have a coupe, or convertible with shoulder harness option, feel the thickness of your lap belt and contrast to that of the shoulder harness material that winds into the inertia reel. You'll understand the subtile thickness difference.
Restoration of original belts can be done. Photograph stitch pattern before you cut apart. You'll find folks with proper sewing machines at upholstery and cobbler shops where leather stitch work is done.
On your Shark, GM gave you a set of NOS spare labels! You'll find them beneath the inboard (buckle side) belt retainer. Unfortunately, they didn't give you a set of spares for the clasp end tightening instruction label. These are hard to come by as originals quickly frayed from adjustment rubbing.
Later service replacement belts will have the instructions moulded into the plastic fold over sliding belt retainer on the clasp end (an originality deduct). Service replacement belts typically have subtile differences in the silhouette dimensions of the inner belt retainer that's molded. Last, advances in nylon make much of the webbing material used by professional belt restorers to be slightly thinner than the original material.
If you have a coupe, or convertible with shoulder harness option, feel the thickness of your lap belt and contrast to that of the shoulder harness material that winds into the inertia reel. You'll understand the subtile thickness difference.
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