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My early 65 seat belts need some serious resto. The dated labels are still there but the chrome is 50% gone leaving rust. Can Snakeoyl or Seatbeltcity(name?) restore these. I spoke to Seatbeltcity at Carlisle and the price was over $500.00 WOW. I would like to do this myself except I am not sure how to disect the latch. My wife has 3 sewing machines, and feels certain she can sew the belts back like factory. Is there an integity issue, God forbid I did have an accident with this car and the belts failed. The friction roller in the latch is rusted reducing its gripping action. How can I dissasemble and where can I get replacement parts for the latch? Thanks Dick Gutman
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
Yes, there is an integrity issue. Would you let your wife sew you a parachute? Or buy a cheap parachute? Give your belts to a professional and get it done right one time, the first time. I have used Charlie Santorelli at Seatbelt Sity for years. He does a great job and is very professional.
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
I can't believe that the sewing is a major function of safety. It seems to me that the fact that the fabric slides through the buckle is a bigger issue - under a strain it will loosen. On the buckle end the sewing only keeps the fabric from completely sliding through the buckle, on the anchor side MAYBE it is a factor. A strong thread and duplicating the sewing pattern would suffice.
As for "risking your life" - I hang glide and my life does depend on a two small pieces of webbing (seat belt material) that are sewn together. This sewing is not rocket science.
I would not let the issue of sewing be a factor in deciding to do the job myself - the rest of the pieces - well that's another story.Comment
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
I will contact Charlie and/or Snake Oyl to quiz them on these points you both mentioned. Plus, if there is a difference in the thread they use in their stitches. My belts are fine, just grungy. No cuts or tears. Thanks Dick GutmanComment
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
Dick,
I second the vote for Charlie/Seat Belt Sity, he restored the belts for my '64 and they came out great. All the original belts and hardware were reused.
James WestComment
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
I don't mean to be nosy, but can you tell me what the cost was? How bad were your latches. My potmetal release handles are rough. I figure I could send them to him and pick them up in August at Carlisle. Thanks Dick GutmanComment
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Re: C2 seat belt restorers?
I used the people at www.corvetteusa.com for my 1967 shoulder belts. The results were just fine for my driver.Comment
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Pic of Shoulder Belts
It's hard to get 39 years worth of grime out of the lap belts!! So there is a small variation in colour.Comment
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