Topic: Seat Belt Restoration Questions

[markb0729]

I’ve been looking for a set of decent seat belt cores for my September 2, 1964 Dearborn built 65 Fastback that I can have restored.  I finally found a set on eBay for a decent price and acquired them.  I have not decided but I’m probably going to have either Python or Ssnake-Oyl to restore the seat belts.  My question is about the hard rubber pieces that are on the ends of the seat belts (pics below).  I’ve searched this forum and read through many posts but have not found a definitive answer of whether they were present on early (65) Mustangs or not.  I've seen examples with and without.  Where are these hard rubber pieces typically found?  One end?  Both ends?  What would be correct?  Also, should there be protectors (see last pic) where the belts mount to the rocker panel and transmission tunnel?  What are the MCA judging guidelines for seat belts?  I'm trying to get this correct.

[CharlesTurner]

Yes, the plastic ends are correct.

[markb0729]

Thanks Charles.  Should I be looking for the soft plastic pieces that slip over the mounting brackets as illustrated in the last picture?

[CharlesTurner]

The long sheath was used in convertibles.  I have seen the short ones in coupes/fastbacks. 

The 2 on the bottom of the pic are rear seat belts.  65 did not come from the factory with rear belts, so it's up to you what to install.

[markb0729]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.  The last picture in my post was grabbed off of eBay.  The seat belts I acquired don't have a sheath on either belt and are only the front seat belts.  Do you think I should try to acquire the sheath's for the front seat belts?  I'm trying to do my restoration as correct as possible. 

[CharlesTurner]

If the belts you have didn't come with sheaths, then no need to add them. 

[markb0729]

Great, thanks.

[jwc66k]

If you send your belts out to either SsnakeOyl or Python for restoration don't expect the molded plastic on the belts to be replaced. They don't have the equipment to mold it on. Python at least will (or may) sew a new label on the belt. What you do get back is fresh chrome, the latch is "done" very well and if you sent a retractor they will make a serious attempt to return it with a descent rubber boot.
Jim   

[markb0729]

Thanks For the info Jim.  I don't have the seat belts in front of me at the moment but IIRC the existing hard plastic on the ends of the seat belts could be removed, cleaned up a bit and put back on the refurbished belts.  Am I correct in this assumption? 

Do seat belts restored by Python and SsynakeOyl fair well in MCA concours judging?  Are any points typicall deducted?

[CharlesTurner]

Do seat belts restored by Python and SsynakeOyl fair well in MCA concours judging?  Are any points typicall deducted?

Shouldn't have any issues.