Restoring OEM Seatbelts

[TKCR]

And the After pics

[TKCR]

Just finished up a nice set of Charcoal Black belts for a forum member.

[TKCR]

This is a Burgundy set that was cleaned and restored for someone. Throughly cleaned and dyed. Rust removed from the mounts. Retractor mechanisms were cleaned and lube for better retracting. Buckles were also disassembled for through cleaning of debris that get trapped inside the buckles. These turned out quite nice. I didn’t take the time to take Before photos, been really busy trying to get everyone’s belts done and shipped out to them.

Going to take a few weeks off on doing anymore belts, although I still have a couple of prior commitment sets to complete. I desperately need to get some projects done around the house this summer. Garage space is needed for an up coming Garage Sale. Plus Big Red needs some undivided attention. I haven’t even had time to get her out and stretch her legs this year.

[TKCR]

Got a set of Charcoal Black restored for someone. First pic is before on the retractor casings. The rest are after. I got going on them and didn’t get any before pics.

[TKCR]

These were done for a forum member. They were done in the 77-79 Blue. They were pretty dirty and faded, but in fairly good condition. Throughly cleaned and dyed. Buckles were disassembled for through cleaning, debris and rust removal. New emblems for the buckles.
Here are the Before pics.

[TKCR]

A few pics of the cleaning of the buckles.

[TKCR]

And then the after pics.

[smupser]

Originally Posted by TKCR

And then the after pics.

I’m absolutely blown away at how nice these came out Tina, your high standard of quality shows in your work. I cannot wait to install these in my blazer. Thanks again!

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by smupser

I’m absolutely blown away at how nice these came out , your high standard of quality shows in your work. I cannot wait to install these in my blazer. Thanks again!

Your welcome!

[TKCR]

Completed another set of Charcoal Black seatbelts for someone.
A couple before pics, and then after.

[TKCR]

73-75 Saddle 2 point seatbelts restored for a fellow forum member. And did I ever mention, I love these 2 point belts! There is just something about those buckles, so classic.
Here are the Before Pics. Last pic is after through cleaning

[TKCR]

And After. These also got new emblems.

[TKCR]

1987 Charcoal Black that were restored for someone. These were also paired up with a set of NOS Center Buckles

[TKCR]

Restored another set of Charcoal Black belts for someone. These were pretty filthy and rusty. So the Restoration consists of through cleaning, rust removal. The buckles were disassembled for through cleaning also. Check out the Before & After pics.

[TKCR]

And the After Pics

[Hammered 77]

Nice work! What year are these for, they look different from the set before them? Which of the two would fit in my 77'?

Thanks
Rick

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Hammered 77

Nice work! What year are these for, they look different from the set before them? Which of the two would fit in my 77'?

Thanks
Rick

The set in post #238 are 1987. These are 77/78-86. All of them will work. GM just made a minor model change to the seatbelts, leading into the next generation of trucks. Much like the engine. The 1987 was the first TBI engine.
I personally like the 1987, because of the lower profile.

[Hammered 77]

TK thanks. The search begins for either style. I know the charcoal are harder to find. I'm also thinking about going back to a bench seat and feel that the 81-87 will be a better choice.

Rick

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Hammered 77

TK thanks. The search begins for either style. I know the charcoal are harder to find. I'm also thinking about going back to a bench seat and feel that the 81-87 will be a better choice.

Rick

I have both, probably more of the 87 style then the other. They just all need the restoring process. Most of the ones I do are for people that have sent me their belts to restore, but I do have a stash of belts that I have acquired.
And to be correct on these belts, for the color, these are the Charcoal Black. They are one in the same. There was no black or just charcoal, they are all Charcoal Black.

[Pontiac1976]

TKCR: I have a question. Have you found a set on factory looking alum rivet for the 81-87 tall re-coil covers. Are are you using just rivet.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Pontiac1976

TKCR: I have a question. Have you found a set on factory looking alum rivet for the 81-87 tall re-coil covers. Are are you using just rivet.

These rivets?
The 87 belts, in the last photo, those take a longer rivet.m

[TKCR]

This set of 1987 Burgundy started out pretty nice, compared to a lot I see. It did have some minor fading. These got the usual treatment of being throughly cleaned, plastics freshened up with dye. Buckles disassembled for cleaning of debris. New emblem were installed.

[LT7A]

Nice! Good to see this stuff being rejuvenated and put back into use.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Nice! Good to see this stuff being rejuvenated and put back into use.

I cringe, thinking about all the belts I left behind in the trucks at the Pic-N-Pulls. I would pull the seats for restoration, but left countless belts behind, until I tried restoring a set that I did find. That's what got all this started.

[LT7A]

I hear you. I think we all have those thoughts. But at least we're doing what we can with what we have access to now.