Anyone dye seatbelts?

[dale_z28]

I see there is a set of rear seatbelts on ebay, which my car doesn't have. Only problem is they're gold and I need black. I realize that the ID tags would be also dyed, but maybe they could be removed or otherwise protected? 

[69Z28-RS]

I've dyed parchment/beige ones to tan (for my El Camino), and suspect that almost any color could be dyed to *almost black*..     You'd have to paint the plastic parts, and probably *live with* the dyed labels as I'm unsure whether there's anything you could put on the labels to prevent the dye from absorbing??

[ban617]

i wouldn't think black seat belts would be hard to find

[z28z11]

Worst problem is that they are nylon - don't accept dye very well. If you spray them with vinyl dye, they'll stiffen up on you. Probably easier to find a set of black ones, or go to Snake Oyl and get a set of repros.

If you get a used set, the tags are actually pretty easy to remove - cut and pull the stitches (carefully) and peel off of the adhesive under each end. Reinstallation is pretty easy, especially if you have access to a sewing machine with zig-zag capabilities, or take them to your local upholsterer. Before I cleaned my belts, I pulled the tags, dumped the whole pile in the sink and washed with dishwashing detergent and warm water. Incredible difference before and after -

Regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

Steve is right...  the nylon material doesn't absorb the dye as well as you might like, I dyed mine twice trying to get the beige to go to tan/saddle as I wanted..  My son in law *use spray dye - paint* on some faded black ones to redo the color, and they did come out much more stiff (I didn't like that)...  I think the best choice would be to find black ones, OR I think there are companies that will reproduce new ones (perhaps using your original hardware), and maybe even transferring the original label (or you might could do that yourself?? 

[z28z11]

Here's one possibility - they aren't cheap but they at least provide a good alternative to reproductions -

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Ssnake-Oyl&Category_Code=RS

Regards,
Steve

[dale_z28]

Thanks for the suggestions. The PO must have removed mine, and I actually don't mind how "clean" it looks without them. The horrid-looking ones on ebay are in my price range, is all. It's something I can do without if I have to pay top dollar, or wait until later.
I was concerned about the paint technique stiffening them, and thanks to whoever suggested running them (my fronts) thru the dishwasher to clean and soften them-  I think that was over on the "other side"

[z28z11]

Hand washing with a soaking works better - use a soft brush or a cloth to help loosen the dirt and grime. You'll be amazed how much grunge comes out -

Just remember to dry the buckles well - a little Armor All on the plastic if you have standard covers.

Regards,
Steve

[68camaroz28]

Hand washing with a soaking works better - use a soft brush or a cloth to help loosen the dirt and grime. You'll be amazed how much grunge comes out -

Just remember to dry the buckles well - a little Armor All on the plastic if you have standard covers.

Regards,
Steve

Recently took our 68Z original belts and soaked in OxyClean as James had mentioned (where I first read about it). Hot tap water and let soak overnight. Easy to do and worked great. I still have a couple due to use will need restored but overall the majority look new after cleaning.

[Mike S]

Here's one possibility - they aren't cheap but they at least provide a good alternative to reproductions -

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Ssnake-Oyl&Category_Code=RS

Regards,
Steve

I believe that is the company that restored mine and was even able to save the original date code sewn on tags and put on the new belts. I was very happy with the work.

Mike

[dale_z28]

I will definitely try the soak and oxy-clean method. I think my wife is a little skeptical (and worried about the after-effects) of the dishwasher idea, anyway. Thanks, I'm looking forward to the results! They shoulder belts are coming down as I type this for the replacement of the headliner (thanks to a tear by someone not-so-carefully placing my inner fenders inside the car for transport. Not a happy camper about that!)

[RonA]

When I bought my 69 the seat belts were stored in plastic bags for years, There was rust on the deluxe buckles so I soaked the buckle in Evaporust to see if it would help but of course it wicked up the belt itself. I rinsed them off and it didn't seem to damage the belt. Cleaned the material nice and still black. I don't know if its the right thing to do but it seemed to work.

[abiddle]

Are you looking for originals or are you really set on dying a set? I have a set somewhere, I haven't let them go because they were original to my car. But I bought a set of restored red ones which I liked better with my red interior, I didn't like the black belts with red interior.

I see blacks come up on ebay pretty frequent. Someone is restoring them.

Andy

[dale_z28]

I need to find out what mine (fronts) are coded. I don't know which would be worse, no back belts or having them with incorrect dates (for an 02D car). But if you are offering a set, or considering it, yes, I think I'd be interested

[Mike S]

I need to find out what mine (fronts) are coded. I don't know which would be worse, no back belts or having them with incorrect dates (for an 02D car). But if you are offering a set, or considering it, yes, I think I'd be interested

Not sure how much of a date spread there is for '69, but my '67 04B and 05B cars have their original seat belts dated late Jan '67.

Mike