'63 Seatbelts on eBay...

[Irby G.]

Hello to all,
Just about to begin my resto and these caught my eye on eBay. Would anyone know to what percentage these appear to be correct? The flaps appear to be shiny and I thought they were suppose to be 'brushed'.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110271467349
Sorry about the quality of the pics. I asked for better pictures and they told me they wouldn't have them until they made the belts for me.
The other option is to buy the buckles/ anchors and then buy three stripe webbing from a vendor and sew them myself. What do y'all think?

Thanks in advance to all,
Irby Gauthier

[Tracy C.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

If the pics aren't what you are buying, It's tough to know how correct what you get will be. There are many factors to consider if you will have them in a judged car. (stitch pattern, thread type, tags, tag placement, webbing style, metal finish etc...) The stitch pattern on these doesn't look right from what little I can see. And the anchors have been chrome plated. They should be cad instead.

Flippers for 63 are buffed from the factory, but they typically oxidize over the years to a satin finish. I don't think a "brushed" finish is correct. Usually folks resort to this look to hide the pitting.

If you aren't going to have the car judged, buy the $75 jobs. If you are, spend your money with somebody who really knows belts. I'd recommend Charlie Santorelli 908-719-2354. (he stitched up mine below) He can do ANY color for 63 and the color is correct..unlike the repro webbing thats out there.

Good Luck,
tc

[Stuart F.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

Tracy;

How about the sewn on label? Is that reproduced as well?

I have good buckles, just need polishing, but my anchors are corroded. The webbing is frayed kinda bad so that's my main requirement for getting new and correct, including the label. The rest I can manage, but I'm in no hurry. What I've seen at the shows is not up to par for 63's.

I'll be watching this with interest.

Stu Fox

[Tracy C.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

Paragon sells the most correct label availible. There is an early and late version for 63.

tc

[Irby G.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

Thanks Tracy...very nice picture of the belts.

[Joel T.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

Hi All;

Ditto on Charlie Santorelli; Seatbelt Sity... Charlie is a "unique" kind of guy in this day and age... no e-mail, no website, call me only between 9 and 5... but does great work. As I recall, he does have a booth at Carlisle.

I had nothing in my 1963 when I bought it back in 2005 and Charlie put me together a complete set which are indeed show quality; buckles, webbing and labels. Were not cheap but are spot on.

Joel

[Tom H.]

Re: '63 Seatbelts on eBay...

Tracy gave you good advise on Carlie Santorelli. He did my 63 belts too. I feel he is the best. You can't buy just any belts to be correct for a 63. There are little differences based on build dates. Charlie knows the difference and can provide the proper stitching, labels and buckles.