Seat belt restoration/replacement?

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any recommendations of where I can get the original lap-belts from my '69 restored correctly? Honestly, the receiving (female) ends of them are fine -- I really only need the two male ends done. I'd like to get my original labels sewn to new belt material with correct stitching, etc..

Alternatively, is there anywhere that sells what I need new (including correct date-coded labels and stitching)?


Thanks in advance,
Paul

[Bill M.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Seatbelt city did a few sets of mid years for me perfect job

[Michael B.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Take a look at https://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

[Daniel D.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

I also recommend Seatbelt Sity (I think that's how he spells it). I copied this info from another post, but think the number is current...Charlie Santorelli at SeatbeltSity, Bedminster,NJ. (908)719-2354. Phone only during regular business hours. 9am-4pm. I don't think he does email. He did my 65 belts a while ago, and I'm happy with them.

[Gary B.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Paul,

I would not use Snake Oyl a 2nd time, after having to have their restoration redone correctly by Charlie Santorelli.

Gary

[Harry S.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Paul, search the archives as there is lots there on this topic.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Paul,

I would not use Snake Oyl a 2nd time, after having to have their restoration redone correctly by Charlie Santorelli.

Gary

I second Gary's statement. Charlie Santorelli is my preference at Seat Belt City.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Snake Oil is garbage... non OEM stitching, webbing, and tags.

Only one to do this work is Charlie Santorelli. Be patient but if he can help you, he'll get back to you and deliver superb results both functional and OEM correct.

Good luck

Dan

[Gary B.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Dan,

At least for '66 and possibly other C2 years, Charlie will tell you there is no source for the original cotton material used to make the four tags with the date code that are sewed onto the belts. So, you either have you re-use your original tags or you have to accept non-original material used y Charlie. If Charlie can tell non-original tag material, some judges will be able to tell as well. This is a case where perfection is likely not possible to achieve.

Gary

[Reba W.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

I don't know if 1968-69 tag material is the same as C2, but I agree that reproduction tags are not correct. Hopefully, you have usable ones. Look inside the vinyl boot on the buckle end; those are usually pristine.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

If you have the patience for it, you can also collect the various components separately and have Seatbelt Sity restore and assemble the components. This was my only path to a 100% TFP set of bright blue belts for my very early '69. It was also a very expensive route. However, do your research and make sure you have the right parts for the build date / VIN of your car. '69 seat belts had at least two revisions during its long production run.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Seat belt restoration/replacement?

Dan,

At least for '66 and possibly other C2 years, Charlie will tell you there is no source for the original cotton material used to make the four tags with the date code that are sewed onto the belts. So, you either have you re-use your original tags or you have to accept non-original material used y Charlie. If Charlie can tell non-original tag material, some judges will be able to tell as well. This is a case where perfection is likely not possible to achieve.

Gary

Hi Gary, in my reply I was assuming reusing originals and/or sourcing tags from other originals was occurring. I do agree, no good source for OEM tags, ink, font, etc.

If you have the patience for it, you can also collect the various components separately and have Seatbelt Sity restore and assemble the components. This was my only path to a 100% TFP set of bright blue belts for my very early '69. It was also a very expensive route. However, do your research and make sure you have the right parts for the build date / VIN of your car. '69 seat belts had at least two revisions during its long production run.

Hi Flloyd, I agree with you and it is an exciting element of the hunt. My brother and I do a substantial Corvette parts business fulfilling the needs of this idea... Carlisle, for example, is normally ripe with quality sub-components ready for pick.

Dan