Dyeing seat belts (1969)

[Michael B.]

Re: Dyeing seat belts (1969)

I just dyed a set of Camaro belts from Lt blue to black. It wasn't critical, but I tried to avoid dying the lables but the webbing wicked up the dye for several inches and into the lables. I did them with hot water on the stove. They came out great and with even black color.

[Greg L.]

Re: Dyeing seat belts (1969)

Thanks for the heads up on the wicking Mike. I never even thought about that but I'll keep it in mind as I don't want to damage my lable.

[Greg L.]

Re: Dyeing seat belts (1969)

Thanks for the heads up on the wicking Mike. I never even thought about that but I'll keep it in mind as I don't want to damage my lable.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Dyeing seat belts (1969)

Greg,

You could also remove the labels for the dyeing process, and then resew them back on. I put a set of repro labels on a set of 67 seatbelts, used an old vintage Singer Machine, 110/18 needle, and the heaviest upholstery thread I could get. I think the thread count was 8 per inch but you can count the threads per inch on your labels.

Takes a little practice on some scraps, and if you have a different color on the back side, use that color thread in the bobbin. Actually learned how to machine sew on my project. They actually didn't come out too bad, and passed muster.

But I found that practice makes perfect, just like in plating.

Regards,

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179