Correct belts for a 58?

[Mick Fuson]

Hi, haven't posted in a while, but I have a question. I'm making pretty good progress on my 58 and I'm tying up some loose ends on the interior.

I'm wanting to make sure I put the correct belts in the car. The interior is Signet red. The cars VIN is #6009 and the build date is April 8th and according to Noland's book, the early cars (AIM 4/22/58, up to ABOUT # 6300) had the steel gray belts.
I guess what I'd like to know is how firm is that information? It says ABOUT #6300 and I'd much rather go with red belts if possible, but I'll install those blue ones in my red interior if I have to. Has anybody else ran across this problem before and if so how does that affect the judging process?

Thanks for any help, Mick

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

As currently written, the '58-60 JG doesn't agree with Noland Adams regarding belt fabric material coming in different colors circa VIN 6300:

"1958 seat belts are a gray four-web weave material with the potmetal handle painted in a blue 'Hammertone'."

I'd check specifically with the current '58-60 National Team Leader on this before you restore based on Noland's book. There are pockets of information Noland supplies that's considered 'wrong' these days. Remember, much of Noland's information comes from the drawing system and that doesn't always reflect what actually happened on the assy line considering inventory on hand, Etc...

[mick fuson]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Jack : Thanks for the quick response to this dilemma . It would appear that according to the JG , I need to be looking for a set of the "blue-gray" -4 weave belts with the "hammertone" buckles ,as you mentioned. I got the opportunity to speak in person with Noland Adams this past summer at a show , and we discussed several issues , but I hadn't got to this point yet on the car. Noland is a "Super" guy to talk to , and will be the first to admit , that what the AIM says , and what really happened in the plant could be two entirely different matters. I will contact our National Judging Chairperson , and get their take on this issue. Thanks Mick

[Philip C.]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Mick My 58 vin 6001 red int. has it orig belts they are blue gray with hammertone buckles good luck with your car Phil 8063

[mick fuson]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Phil : This pretty well settles this issue , if you are sure you have the original belts in your car , as it looks like #6001 should have been built slightly before lunch on April 8th , and my #6009 should have been built around 1 or so in the afternoon of the same day , and I seriously doubt that they changed plans over lunch ?!?!?! I guess I should start looking in "ernest" for a set of the blue-gray , 4 panel webbing , hammertone painted buckles , as soon as possible. Again many thanks for the info. Mick

[Steven B.]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Mick-For what it's worth, there is a repro pair on ebay, #4623057467 exactly what you are looking for. I have a '58, #2731 and just bought an identical pair as the ebay ones from Ssnake-Oyl Products in Texas. They use the original buckles, but have a 4-panel webbing that is new. They also sew in the Irving Air Chute labels on all 4 belts. Mine look as original as could be. Looked for a long time to find originals, but this solved the problem for me. Good luck

[mick fuson]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Steve : Thanx for the reply , and info. I have been in contact with the E-Bay seller about his belts , and he indicates to me that his belts are "blue" , and I'm unclear if that is the "color" I should be looking for ???? I have been told that the 58' belts were more of a "blue/gray" color , then a true blue ???
I guess , a sort-of "washed out" blue effect ??? Do your Ssnake/Oyl belts appear to be this "gray" , or more "blue" ???? I understand that the hammertone finish on the metal appears to be a "shade-of-blue" , but really am unclear about the belt color ??? In your opinion , do you think the "E-Bay" belts would be as "correct" as any that I will find , or should I keep looking ???

[Steven B.]

Re: Correct belts for a 58?

Mick-mine are blue/grey. Email me and I will email a photo of mine-can't figure out how to attach pics here. The buckle color matches the belt and is the same blue/grey. I spoke to Grossmuellers in NJ and they have a waiting list of a few years for authentic belts due to the high demand and lack of supply. All my buckles are original, all with the original name and #'s and they look great.