Re-Dying Seatbelts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**leddzepp** · 10-06-2008, 01:39 PM

I have a set of red shoulder harnesses/buckles that I would like to re-dye to match the factory medium blue color of the interior of my truck. I am sure some of you have done this. Any suggestions on stuff/techniques?

**leddzepp** · 10-06-2008, 01:40 PM

Here is what my factory seatbelts look like.

red69ss · 10-06-2008, 04:41 PM

I tried doing it on a set of belts in a car I restored because they didn't make new belts at the time ,I used spray die and it ruined the belts they were stiff as a board I'm sure theres a right way to do it but the method I chose was not it .....hopefully someone who had a good experience will help you out with the proper way

**leddzepp** · 10-06-2008, 05:32 PM

Thanks...I have not had luck with the spray dye in the past with seatbelts. It works great on plastic, but not fabric. I ethought of going with that Rit liqid dye you can get at any store...

PT'S 70 CST · 10-06-2008, 06:56 PM

I have used the rit dye but on black belts. If you can find the dye in that color which I doubt you can, it works great.

PT

scrapmetalart · 10-06-2008, 07:24 PM

google Rit dye. you can make custom colors by mixing the dyes...

Brad · 10-07-2008, 11:46 AM

The potential problem with Rit dye or anything else is that you don't know what it's doing to the integrity of the belt material. I wouldn't want to find out that it was a bad idea at the last second.

**leddzepp** · 10-07-2008, 01:08 PM

Looks like Rit all the way...

*chevy29267truck* · 10-08-2008, 10:32 PM

well i got my 67 chevy truck seat belts from a guy in TN they where blue and in greart shape i paid $50 for them if any one whats
the # send me a prive message

ETsC10 · 10-09-2008, 07:46 AM

Maybe put a "want to swap" on the parts board; you get blue belts, they get red belts...

PT'S 70 CST · 10-09-2008, 09:01 AM

He is not gonna swap shoulder belts

for regular belts.

PT

**leddzepp** · 10-09-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PT'S 70 CST

He is not gonna swap shoulder belts

for regular belts.

PT

Thank you, PT

cdowns · 10-09-2008, 11:19 AM

i'd think to dye those red belts blue you'd first have to try bleaching the red out/then dye them blue// i doubt the dying process would affect the belts but the bleaching process would worry me

if i were to do it i'd search and try and get the correct size and color webbing and transfer the original ends onto it

**leddzepp** · 10-09-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i'd think to dye those red belts blue you'd first have to try bleaching the red out/then dye them blue// i doubt the dying process would affect the belts but the bleaching process would worry me

if i were to do it i'd search and try and get the correct size and color webbing and transfer the original ends onto it

I looked into it, and Rit recommends removing the color with their color remover prior to re-dying. I do not know if it is bleach (probably is

). I will go down to the store and see what the ingredients are.

tphsmith · 10-09-2008, 04:40 PM

the strengh of seat belts???? I use the same one for years to lift and install engines all the time, never a fatality. built like a rock CHEVY

68_chop_top · 10-11-2008, 10:34 PM

I needed belts also and my interior was hugger orange. I bought used tan ones. I took them all apart. I bleached the belts numerous times until they were white. I used Rit dye in red and again in orange. I used boiling hot water and did it outside in a bucket. The finished belts and buckle were so clean and shiny that I used a weak bleach solution to fade them slightly. Alot of time but they match the interior. The integrity of the belt is NOT compromised!

**leddzepp** · 10-16-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68_chop_top

I needed belts also and my interior was hugger orange. I bought used tan ones. I took them all apart. I bleached the belts numerous times until they were white. I used Rit dye in red and again in orange. I used boiling hot water and did it outside in a bucket. The finished belts and buckle were so clean and shiny that I used a weak bleach solution to fade them slightly. Alot of time but they match the interior. The integrity of the belt is NOT compromised!

After a lot of research, this is the route that I am going, as I am changing the color from red to blue. So far I have bleached twice, and they are really starting to fade. I will post pics later.

powell72 · 10-12-2008, 05:20 PM

You might want to contact Jerry Brown at The Truck Shop, I believe he restores belts in most colors, I remember seeing rolls of seat belt material while I was there.
www.thetruckshop.com
The catalog lists the service as $175-225, but I think that's for a full set. Just two shoulder belts should be cheaper???

**leddzepp** · 10-16-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powell72

You might want to contact Jerry Brown at The Truck Shop, I believe he restores belts in most colors, I remember seeing rolls of seat belt material while I was there.
www.thetruckshop.com
The catalog lists the service as $175-225, but I think that's for a full set. Just two shoulder belts should be cheaper???

I could get them restored from just about any upholstery shop...way too rich for my blood, which is why I am re-dyeing them. Thanks for the input though.

powell72 · 10-16-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I could get them restored from just about any upholstery shop...way too rich for my blood, which is why I am re-dyeing them. Thanks for the input though.

I totally understand, if it was me I'd be doing the same as you. Always gotta throw out all the options though.

**leddzepp** · 10-24-2008, 11:03 AM

OK, here is what I have come up with after carefully bleaching, drying, and re-washing with fabric softener. I think they have turned out pretty well. They are slightly yellow at this point (due to the bleach) I am now ready for the final wash with Rit color remover to whiten them up a touch more, and then the actual dyeing process will begin. Note how the color did NOT come out of the rubber boots.

jay_shy · 10-25-2008, 11:09 PM

Very nice post.
I have a few questiuons for you. After bleaching and using the rit color remover are the belts pliable or are they stiff? Were they stiff when you started? Also, did you use the color remover with the hard plastic retractor covers on and the buckle covers on?

I am anxious to see how they turn out because I have a set that needs freshened up.

Jason

jay_shy · 10-25-2008, 11:13 PM

You have a PM!

**leddzepp** · 10-27-2008, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_shy

Very nice post.
I have a few questiuons for you. After bleaching and using the rit color remover are the belts pliable or are they stiff? Were they stiff when you started? Also, did you use the color remover with the hard plastic retractor covers on and the buckle covers on?

I am anxious to see how they turn out because I have a set that needs freshened up.

Jason

They were not too stiff, as each time I removed them, I rinsed them very well with a hose. I think they would definitley have stiffened up had I allowed them to dry in the sun with the bleaching solution left on. I Would soak them overnight. Then, I would allow them to dry in the sun during the day while I was at work. After the last bleaching/rinsing, I IMMEDIATELY put them in a bucket with fabric softener overnight. The next day I rinsed them clean, and allowed them to dry completely in the sun for about 3 days. I am in So Calif and it has been over 90 degrees for the past week, and the UV is very intense at this time of year so I do the think that has also helped the bleaching.

They were very pliable when I started, and at this point are just as (if not more) pliable. The fabric softener is responsible for this I am sure.

You can see the buckle covers bleached out but the retractor covers did not. DO NOT put the entire buckle assembly in the solution. Disassemble (as 68_chop_top says in his post) the buckles/retactors FIRST. The bleach will wreak HAVOC on pitted chrome, which most of these old belt buckles have to some degree, and freeze up the button/ buckle locking mechanism on the receptacles. You DONT want that.

I put ALL the plastic covers in just the rit color remover, per package directions along with the belts and it removed it in a SNAP from the hard plastic buckle covers.... DO NOT bother putting the retractor (floor boots) covers in ANY solution...they will NOT bleach out.

HOTFUN · 10-26-2008, 09:33 AM

Wow ...great post. I have to say though, with the value and rarity of those red shoulder belts I would have myself experimented with a common lap belt first, just in case something went wrong. It does look like it will work great. Good work.

10-06-2008, 01:39 PM	#1
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,038	Re-Dying Seatbelts I have a set of red shoulder harnesses/buckles that I would like to re-dye to match the factory medium blue color of the interior of my truck. I am sure some of you have done this. Any suggestions on stuff/techniques? Attached Images

10-06-2008, 01:40 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,038	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Here is what my factory seatbelts look like. Attached Images

10-06-2008, 04:41 PM	#3
red69ss Burnouts are therapeutic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lancaster, south carolina Posts: 852	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts I tried doing it on a set of belts in a car I restored because they didn't make new belts at the time ,I used spray die and it ruined the belts they were stiff as a board I'm sure theres a right way to do it but the method I chose was not it .....hopefully someone who had a good experience will help you out with the proper way __________________ 1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein

10-06-2008, 05:32 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,038	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Thanks...I have not had luck with the spray dye in the past with seatbelts. It works great on plastic, but not fabric. I ethought of going with that Rit liqid dye you can get at any store...

10-06-2008, 06:56 PM	#5
PT'S 70 CST "GO DAWGS" Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Batesburg, SC. 29006 Posts: 5,410	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts I have used the rit dye but on black belts. If you can find the dye in that color which I doubt you can, it works great. PT __________________ 70 CST SWB 70 NOVA 93 Indy 500 Pace Truck (SOLD) 94 SILVERADO SWB 5/7 drop 2000 Silverado swb 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 (Surprisingly very fast) 2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali BATESBURG, SC. 29006 29006 Some of my restorations http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/thu...NAME=snapfish/ Restored Tach tins 8 cyl - 6 cyl http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518185 Contact info(Not my paypal address) DAWGSFAN227@YAHOO.COM God Bless Our Troops

10-06-2008, 07:24 PM	#6
scrapmetalart Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: DAYTON Posts: 505	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts google Rit dye. you can make custom colors by mixing the dyes... __________________ frontstreetcycle on Instagram

10-07-2008, 11:46 AM	#7
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts The potential problem with Rit dye or anything else is that you don't know what it's doing to the integrity of the belt material. I wouldn't want to find out that it was a bad idea at the last second. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

10-07-2008, 01:08 PM	#8
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,038	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Looks like Rit all the way...

10-08-2008, 10:32 PM	#9
chevy29267truck Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alva Florida Posts: 668	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts well i got my 67 chevy truck seat belts from a guy in TN they where blue and in greart shape i paid $50 for them if any one whats the # send me a prive message

10-09-2008, 07:46 AM	#10
ETsC10 Hand Crafted C-10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 5,180	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Maybe put a "want to swap" on the parts board; you get blue belts, they get red belts... __________________ . Forum Guidelines and Rules Buying and Selling Code of Conduct Become a Board Supporter! Truck FAQ Ellen... the boards artsy-fartsy, eclectic, truck-lovin' gal-member...

10-09-2008, 09:01 AM	#11
PT'S 70 CST "GO DAWGS" Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Batesburg, SC. 29006 Posts: 5,410	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts He is not gonna swap shoulder belts for regular belts. PT __________________ 70 CST SWB 70 NOVA 93 Indy 500 Pace Truck (SOLD) 94 SILVERADO SWB 5/7 drop 2000 Silverado swb 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 (Surprisingly very fast) 2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali BATESBURG, SC. 29006 29006 Some of my restorations http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/thu...NAME=snapfish/ Restored Tach tins 8 cyl - 6 cyl http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518185 Contact info(Not my paypal address) DAWGSFAN227@YAHOO.COM God Bless Our Troops

10-09-2008, 11:19 AM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts i'd think to dye those red belts blue you'd first have to try bleaching the red out/then dye them blue// i doubt the dying process would affect the belts but the bleaching process would worry me if i were to do it i'd search and try and get the correct size and color webbing and transfer the original ends onto it __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-09-2008, 04:40 PM	#15
tphsmith still buypickupparts Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: charlotte Posts: 637	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts the strengh of seat belts???? I use the same one for years to lift and install engines all the time, never a fatality. built like a rock CHEVY __________________ Its Gonna be a Great Day, I woke up this Morning. 72 SWB Fleetside freshly painted. putting a 94 LT1 with 700R4 tranny lowered 4 in the front 6 in the back 81 chevy half ton 350 89 Silverado 4x4 going ta church truck

10-11-2008, 10:34 PM	#16
68_chop_top Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Granbury, TEXAS Posts: 250	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts I needed belts also and my interior was hugger orange. I bought used tan ones. I took them all apart. I bleached the belts numerous times until they were white. I used Rit dye in red and again in orange. I used boiling hot water and did it outside in a bucket. The finished belts and buckle were so clean and shiny that I used a weak bleach solution to fade them slightly. Alot of time but they match the interior. The integrity of the belt is NOT compromised! __________________ Mine is chopped, has a clutch, and a big block.

10-12-2008, 05:20 PM	#18
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts You might want to contact Jerry Brown at The Truck Shop, I believe he restores belts in most colors, I remember seeing rolls of seat belt material while I was there. www.thetruckshop.com The catalog lists the service as $175-225, but I think that's for a full set. Just two shoulder belts should be cheaper??? __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 10-12-2008 at 05:34 PM.



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10-24-2008, 11:03 AM	#21
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,038	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts OK, here is what I have come up with after carefully bleaching, drying, and re-washing with fabric softener. I think they have turned out pretty well. They are slightly yellow at this point (due to the bleach) I am now ready for the final wash with Rit color remover to whiten them up a touch more, and then the actual dyeing process will begin. Note how the color did NOT come out of the rubber boots. Attached Images

10-25-2008, 11:09 PM	#22
jay_shy SWB 4X4 CLUB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 1,088	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Very nice post. I have a few questiuons for you. After bleaching and using the rit color remover are the belts pliable or are they stiff? Were they stiff when you started? Also, did you use the color remover with the hard plastic retractor covers on and the buckle covers on? I am anxious to see how they turn out because I have a set that needs freshened up. Jason

10-25-2008, 11:13 PM	#23
jay_shy SWB 4X4 CLUB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 1,088	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts You have a PM!

10-26-2008, 09:33 AM	#25
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	Re: Re-Dying Seatbelts Wow ...great post. I have to say though, with the value and rarity of those red shoulder belts I would have myself experimented with a common lap belt first, just in case something went wrong. It does look like it will work great. Good work. __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

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