Seat Belt Question

[Dennis C.]

Hi,

I have been looking for seat belts for my late (June) '61 car. I looked at cars that have had both painted and unpainted buckles.

I pulled the following out of the judging manual:

6 or 4 weave belt material
Label white fabric with blue embroidered lettering, reading "IRVING AIR CHUTE" across top & "CCA"
Belt model # "ID-51-198-1" on label
Tag sewn to belt with white thread on label side, belt color on back side
Female buckle spring loaded release with no emblem
Buckle release painted or unpainted, rear buckle 810
Chrome plated buckle backside stamped "US PATENT 2,458,810"
Chrome plated male buckle catch containing stamped number "235" with square opening

Based on my observations and the above, I choose to look for unpainted buckles. I thought they would be easier to keep presentable and I wouldn't have to worry about scratches on the painted buckle.

I started calling around and I had several vendors tell me that a 1961 car would definetly not have unpainted buckles.

Right now I am unsure how to proceed, painted or unpainted buckles. Can anyone confirm a late '61 car with unpainted buckles?

Thank you for the help.

Regards,

Dennis

[Wayne L.]

Re: Seat Belt Question

I am currently working on 1961 VIN# 10406 which was built first or second week of July. It is a very original car with all the original interior. It has painted seat belt buckles.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Seat Belt Question

Wayne,

Thanks for the information on your car. It helped a lot.

Dennis