Seat Belts

[61LaRk4dr]

Hello,

Does anyone know where I could obtain the OEM seat belt material that was used in the 60's? I believe most vehicles used the same seat belt material during this time as I have a 1963 Ford Galaxie that has the same seat belt material as my ones for the 61' Lark. It just happens to be that the ones for the lark are not in that good of shape. The buckles are great but the material is stiff.

I don't plan on using this vehicle as my primary transportation or I would resort to using mordern seat belts. I would like to keep it as original as possible.

Thank you

[JBOYLE]

There are ads in Turning Wheels, Hemmings, etc.
In appearance the new seatbelt material is the same as vintage seatbelts, its actual composition may be a bit different to meet any new safety standards.

If there are differences (and I don't know that there are) you'll only be able to buy new material today unless you find NOS.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[JBOYLE]

There are ads in Turning Wheels, Hemmings, etc.
In appearance the new seatbelt material is the same as vintage seatbelts, its actual composition may be a bit different to meet any new safety standards.

If there are differences (and I don't know that there are) you'll only be able to buy new material today unless you find NOS.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[StudeRich]

There IS a major difference in the webbing of the 60's vs this new material, it's thinner, tighter weave, more man made ingredients than the coarse weave mostly cotton (I think) material of old. If anyone has reproduced it, it would be the big reproduction GM parts people like Year One. What is available only just "simulates" both the buckle and the original webbing, but it's the best we have found afford-ably!

quote:Originally posted by JBOYLE

There are ads in Turning Wheels, Hemmings, etc.
In appearance the new seatbelt material is the same as vintage seatbelts, its actual composition may be a bit different to meet any new safety standards.

If there are differences (and I don't know that there are) you'll only be able to buy new material today unless you find NOS.

StudeRich -Studebakers Northwest Ferndale, WA

[StudeRich]

There IS a major difference in the webbing of the 60's vs this new material, it's thinner, tighter weave, more man made ingredients than the coarse weave mostly cotton (I think) material of old. If anyone has reproduced it, it would be the big reproduction GM parts people like Year One. What is available only just "simulates" both the buckle and the original webbing, but it's the best we have found afford-ably!

quote:Originally posted by JBOYLE

There are ads in Turning Wheels, Hemmings, etc.
In appearance the new seatbelt material is the same as vintage seatbelts, its actual composition may be a bit different to meet any new safety standards.

If there are differences (and I don't know that there are) you'll only be able to buy new material today unless you find NOS.

StudeRich -Studebakers Northwest Ferndale, WA

[52-fan]

I don't believe that SDC judges count off for upgraded safety related items if that is what you are concerned about.

1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, 1947 M5. Searcy,Arkansas

[52-fan]

I don't believe that SDC judges count off for upgraded safety related items if that is what you are concerned about.

1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, 1947 M5. Searcy,Arkansas

[Avantidon]

Folks regardless of the level of use of the car, there is a major difference in the safety factor. The old belts deteriorate and if involved in an accident they probably won't do their job. If it were me and I agree no SDC Judge I know would ever take points off for the wrong material in the belt. I personally feel this is a safety first issue and the new technology would be my choice.

[Avantidon]

Folks regardless of the level of use of the car, there is a major difference in the safety factor. The old belts deteriorate and if involved in an accident they probably won't do their job. If it were me and I agree no SDC Judge I know would ever take points off for the wrong material in the belt. I personally feel this is a safety first issue and the new technology would be my choice.

[JDP]

If you are that anal, these guys will restore your belt for about $300 a pair.

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/Ssnake-Oyl_Seat_Belt_Showroom20.html

JDP/Maryland
64 R2 GT (Sid)
spent to date $62,839.60
63 Daytona HT/4 speed
63 Lark 2 door
57 Wagon

[JDP]

If you are that anal, these guys will restore your belt for about $300 a pair.

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/Ssnake-Oyl_Seat_Belt_Showroom20.html

JDP/Maryland
64 R2 GT (Sid)
spent to date $62,839.60
63 Daytona HT/4 speed
63 Lark 2 door
57 Wagon

[61LaRk4dr]

Well, I suppose I will go for using new material for the seat belts and just sew on the studebaker/packard manufacturing tag on the back. Works all the same for me since you guys do have a point about safety.

Thank you

[61LaRk4dr]

Well, I suppose I will go for using new material for the seat belts and just sew on the studebaker/packard manufacturing tag on the back. Works all the same for me since you guys do have a point about safety.

Thank you

[barnlark]

I don't know how different you're '61 is from my '60 for belts. I am pretty sure all '60's were only grey in color for belts originally, but I used black ones with the same original weaved material to match my seats. It's all in how goofy you want to get. The originals were definitely thicker than the new ones that vendors have today, that's for sure, as stated above. Not sure about yours, but mine had the S-P holes and round red stickers on the aircraft style buckles with a metal clip on the end of the connecting belt. I found a place that makes custom tarps and tents, etc. here in Cleveland and they have sewn mine with the correct stitching on my buckles, had the clip, and pressed grommets on my door lock interior panels for a very reasonable price. I mean cheap. They also have yards of new belt material that is very close to early lark belts in multiple colors. Very strong material. If you email me I can send a sample of what color you may need if you're not in a hurry. They are only a few blocks from where I work.

[barnlark]

I don't know how different you're '61 is from my '60 for belts. I am pretty sure all '60's were only grey in color for belts originally, but I used black ones with the same original weaved material to match my seats. It's all in how goofy you want to get. The originals were definitely thicker than the new ones that vendors have today, that's for sure, as stated above. Not sure about yours, but mine had the S-P holes and round red stickers on the aircraft style buckles with a metal clip on the end of the connecting belt. I found a place that makes custom tarps and tents, etc. here in Cleveland and they have sewn mine with the correct stitching on my buckles, had the clip, and pressed grommets on my door lock interior panels for a very reasonable price. I mean cheap. They also have yards of new belt material that is very close to early lark belts in multiple colors. Very strong material. If you email me I can send a sample of what color you may need if you're not in a hurry. They are only a few blocks from where I work.