64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

[David L.]

Enclosed are photos of 2 slightly different 64-early 66 seat belt buckles.
Is the buckle with "MODEL - IC - 8000" stamped on the top an early 64 buckle? This buckle appears to have been media blasted. This is how I bought a pair of them at a swap meet back in the dark ages.

Dave

[Tracy C.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

You are correct David. The buckel on the left was used for the 64 model year. The other one is typical for 65 and early/mid 66 production.

[David L.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

Tracy,

I also have another set of 1965-E1966 GM buckles with the same stampings on the back side but the front flaps has a "rough" gray finish. The inside flaps have the same casting numbers ("1D" , "8000-1-20", and the manufacturer "LESTER"). I am guessing that these buckles might be a 1965-E1966 Chevrolet passenger car or 1965-E1966 Chevrolet truck. It appears that these buckles could be converted to Corvette buckles by smoothing the surface of the flap and somehow machining a 0.025" deep recessed area 7/8" diameter to accommodate the bowtie sticker.

Dave

[Tracy C.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

The texture I can see here appears to be in the painted surface. The textured surface is OK for corvette usage too. I've seen both smooth and textured. You are correct though, machining the c'bore for the bowtie decal is all these need to be converted for correct use on a Corvette.

tc

[Mike G.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

It's a textured, spatter-type finish that Irving used. Never been able to find any process information on the material or their application process. Pretty tough to duplicate!

Tracy,

I also have another set of 1965-E1966 GM buckles with the same stampings on the back side but the front flaps has a "rough" gray finish. The inside flaps have the same casting numbers ("1D" , "8000-1-20", and the manufacturer "LESTER"). I am guessing that these buckles might be a 1965-E1966 Chevrolet passenger car or 1965-E1966 Chevrolet truck. It appears that these buckles could be converted to Corvette buckles by smoothing the surface of the flap and somehow machining a 0.025" deep recessed area 7/8" diameter to accommodate the bowtie sticker.

Dave

[Mike G.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

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Not Corvette but still kind of interesting. Particularly the lack of a "G" on the logo. Faintly recall the story that a mistake was made on some early prototype 'chute and the name "Irving" stuck.

Found these in a junked out sedan many moons ago. Always wondered what they were for originally. Aftermarket seat belts?

Without the medallion, should be correct for 1963?

[Tracy C.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

No mistake on the lack of "G". The company started as the Irvin Parachute Company. Producing seat belts was a sideline part of the business.

tc

[David L.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

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Not Corvette but still kind of interesting. Particularly the lack of a "G" on the logo. Faintly recall the story that a mistake was made on some early prototype 'chute and the name "Irving" stuck.

Found these in a junked out sedan many moons ago. Always wondered what they were for originally. Aftermarket seat belts?

Without the medallion, should be correct for 1963?

Mike,

Back in the dark ages I had an original set of 63 Corvette seat belts. If you removed the round red medallion on your seat belt buckles I would say they would be 63 Corvette seat belt buckles. Is the area recessed to accommodate the round red medallion or is the flap totally flat?

Dave

[Mike G.]

Re: 64-Early 66 Seat Belt Buckles, MODEL-IC-8000 - 2 variations

Dave:

Giving them a really close look for the first time, I'd have to say there must be a shallow recess in the lift lever because there are some segments on the medallion circumference that are sitting virtually flush.

Mike