1963 Seat Belts

[Sydney G.]

Guys,
As with most all other '63 components it seems, there was a running change in the fabrication of the seat belt webbing sometime during the 1963 production year.
The '63 judging manual states: "The stitching pattern at both the anchor and D-ring ends of the belts changed as the year progressed. Early 63's are stitched with two distinct square to rectangular boxes with a central 'X'. Later 63's have these two boxes overlapping."
Do any of you know when this change might have occured (estimate) and what is acceptable for judging purposes (vin #)?
In this case, what is deemed "early" and what is considered "late"?
Syd

[Sydney G.]

OK I'll try again. Paging Dave Van Weele

I suppose that this is a harder guess ('63 webbing changeover) than I anticipated.
I'll try a different avenue.
Mr. David Van Weele, if you are out there and happened to scroll down this far on the messages posted, may I please inquire as to the webbing of the Saddle Tan seatbelts in your original '63 Z-06?
Are the 2 distinct square boxes with the central 'X' at the ends of your belts separated or are they overlapping?
Your beautiful car #15,675 is very close to mine (Saddle also) in production.
While many "early" and "late" components are clearly outlined by approximate vin number in the 1963 judging manual many other pieces are not.
Since it seems that a May (vin 15,000 range) is generally considered mid-production, I am guessing that both webbing configurations would be accepted for judging in my case.
Interesting though, to use your car Dave as a measure!
Thanks so much!
I hope that I do not have to type this again and re-post for you to notice.
Syd

[David Van Weele]

Re: OK I'll try again. Paging Dave Van Weele

The seat belt stiching on my car has two distinct boxes with cross stiches that are seperated by about 3/4". When I restored my belts I made a pattern from the originals before taking them apart. Then I took the new material I was able to buy from a guy in Canada along with some original thread to a sail maker to stich for me. I will try to include a photo in an email to you directly. You ask some good questions but I only jump in when I think I can add to the discussion.

[Sydney G.]

Re: OK I'll try again. Paging Dave Van Weele

Dave,
Thank you so much for taking the time.
From the picture you sent, the 2 boxes with the central 'X' seem to me to be overlapping!
This would mean that the webbing changeover occured before your vin number and in this case your car is considered late.

You took your belts to a sailmaker? Wow!! The story and history of your car and of the resto you did just gets more amazing!

You original '63 is perhaps one of those few that could answer many questions in the judgung manual that remain vague such as this time frame of webbing changeover.
Thank you again for your time!
My search for original '63 Saddle belts will continue!
Syd