Do it yourself rewebbing?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton, OR
Do it yourself rewebbing?
After hearing all of the talk about rewebbing seat belts and about lots of people having had bad luck with various companies... I was thinking, how hard could it really be? Where would one get the webbing material in the correct size and color? Is the thread that is used to sew the belts together special? Am I crazy? Just about anything has to be more safe than the old weather beaten belts I have now!
-dath
-dath
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Do it yourself rewebbing? (dath)
I've done it many times...doing belts for friends, etc. There are several problems. First, you need an industrial sewing machine, the kind used in trim shops. Your wife's "Singer" will not cut it. Second, it is "technically" illegal for trim shops to "repair" seat belts...something to do with FAA..ICC...strength testing, etc. If the belt fails, and you're injured, in our litigation prone society, the shop would be liable. Many restored belts used to be sold "for show only"...the same way repro jacks were sold....with a label not to really use it. That being said, it can be done. If you're friendly with your local upholstery shop, they can do it for you...with the correct stitch pattern, etc. You can buy repro labels, etc. You can also strip and re-dye belts any color. Hope this helps. Chuck
