68 Roadster seat belt replacement

[David M.]

Hi All,
Refreshing the interior on an April build 68 Roadster. Trim code 978/411

OEM belts are long gone. CHEAP plastic replacements in their place.

Did this car have retractable belts? Looked through 40+ archived threads. Some said yes, some said not sure, and some said no according to the JGM. So I'd say it's a no.

Who makes the best-looking/high-quality buckles/belt reproduction assemblies?

We are sourcing the interior from Al Knoch. The installer said Knoch has belt assemblies probably through a 2nd tier supplier as I don't see them on his website.

The installer is well-known in this area for award-winning custom & OEM interiors. He knows what he's doing.

Another option would be to get OEM buckles restored & re-webbed.
Any feedback on Ssnake Oyl or others?

Looking to the NCRS community for any feedback before dropping the hammer on ordering the belts.
We want the correct look and safety. Most sites say "Direct Fit" which doesn't equate to the correct look.


Attached pictures 1 & 2 are what I believe a 68 buckle should look like. Is anyone reproducing these?

The last picture is Wesco Performance. These do not look like what we need with the large rectangle to the right of the buckle???

[Rob V.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Hi David--

My original seat belts in my '64 Roadster were shot. After searching, I bought a "direct fit, reproduction set" from a large Corvette supplier. The belts did not look correct, and the buckle promptly fell apart when I accidentally sat on it while working on the passenger door panel. I then contacted a west coast parts supplier who I had used previously, and even though he advertised "seat belts" in the Driveline, he was "too busy" to search his inventory for me, as it was not worth his time. Finally, I learned of Mr. Charlie Santorelli, "Stingray Sity," and contacted him. Short story: Charlie provided me beautiful, restored seat belts with attached and restored buckles, in the correct for 1964 medium/dark blue color. Additionally, Charlie made me an additional "longer belt" to accommodate my expansive stomach. Suffice it to say, the seat belt material/webbing and buckles are outstanding, and I highly endorse / recommend Charlie's services. Contact Charlie, 9 AM to 4 PM at (908) 719-2354.

[David M.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Thanks Rob.
We want to do it right the first time for sure.
We'll get Charlie on the blower and see what he has.

Keep the tips coming...

[David M.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Update:
Knoch interior received 411 blue per the interior code. Darker blue carpet.
The seat belts ordered from a reputable vendor clash with the seats, they're too light.
Saw these at Corvette Central. May give them a try.

Questions:
-What configuration is correct for a 68 roadster April build, retractors or no retractors?
-Were all retractors black or color matched to the webs in 68?
-Any original 411 code vert owners out there? Are the belts lighter or darker than the seats?

I thought I remember hearing that the retractors will not fit 68 roadster or coupe?

TX
Dave

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

My 68 has the original belts and they do not retract.

[David M.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Thanks Brandon. Looks like Mid America agrees.
Click the link below, click on knowledge tab. Tons of info for all years.

https://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette/product/corvette-1968-oe-style-seat-belts-gm-buckle-car-set-693243

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Charley restored mine. A piece of art.

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 Roadster seat belt replacement

Charlie also restored my 68 belts and buckles. He had the correct labels too. The job is done right with Charlie. No retractors on my belts

Terry