c1 seat belt and PV failure

[Mike M.]

been putting miles on our 57 vette in prep for its PV at Kissimmee this January. On rounding a sharp left corner at speed, a terrible screeching sound eminated from the center of the car. brought it back to the shop and on the lift, discovered the inboard seat belt fastener was scratching the drive shaft. the seat belts are secured to the floor pan reinforcement with 3/8-16 bolts inserted from inside the cockpit. they were secured with standard hardware store 3/8-16 nuts which happen to be .32" thick. i looked around for a thinner 3/8-16 nut(the kind used on midyearclutch rod adjustment nuts whcih are .21" thick). removed the .32" nuts, installed the .21" thin nuts, and then ground off the excess end of the bolt that was actually making contact with the driveshaft.no more screeching at speed. bring that PV on. mike

[Steven B.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike, you wouldn't happen to have orig. type dealer installed belts in it, would you?

Anyone know if there is a source of accurate reproductions of the gray belts?

Thanks!

Steve

[Edward M.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike;

Is this the 57 250 hp FI powerglide car?

[Tracy C.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Atta boy Mikey...Most guys sweat blood and pamper their cars in preparation for PV. You go out and flog the snot out of yours..
I need to start saving my pennies to make it down this year.

tc

[Barry H.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike, I thought the metal reinforcing cup on 56-57 had a special small head bolt pressed in to the cup, & facing the seat. The center seat belt "hambones" were held with a 3/8 16 nut inside the car. I think I have an old rusty one here, Can send a pic if you need. Also will give it to you if you can use. Barry

[Mike M.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike;

Is this the 57 250 hp FI powerglide car?

yes, the black one that was at Marlborough this fall.mike

[Mike M.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike, you wouldn't happen to have orig. type dealer installed belts in it, would you?

Anyone know if there is a source of accurate reproductions of the gray belts?

Thanks!

Steve

my seat belts in the 57 are from andover seat belts. they aren't close to originals. mike

[Mike M.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

Mike, I thought the metal reinforcing cup on 56-57 had a special small head bolt pressed in to the cup, & facing the seat. The center seat belt "hambones" were held with a 3/8 16 nut inside the car. I think I have an old rusty one here, Can send a pic if you need. Also will give it to you if you can use. Barry

barry: you're correct in your description of the metal cup and its fastner positioning. i bought this old 57 i just finished just south of pittsburgh in 1970 with 252,000 miles on its clock. as you know, southwest Penna and northern WVa salt their roads heavily in the winter. hence, most of the sheetmetal original to this 57 were rusted beyond use. regards,mike

[Steven B.]

Re: c1 seat belt and PV failure

my seat belts in the 57 are from andover seat belts. they aren't close to originals. mike

Thanks Mike! I have not been able to find anything close to original looking. Decades ago I bought a set of "NOS 1957 seat belts" advertised in "Vette Super Shopper". I was pretty excited until I opened the package and found black belts, the same as I used in a Piper 140. 'Still got 'em.

Steve