Seatbelt Aesthetics

Doug in NJ

Doug in NJ

Well-known member
Hello,

I an trying to figure out what style of buckles to get for my car's seatbelts. This web page shows the styles that are available from the vendor I was thinking of using:

http://www.seatbeltplanet.com/seatbelts-and-accessories/lap-belts/

I guess they are all functionally equivalent, but does anybody have an opinion of what style would look the most appropriate (or the least out-of-place) in a model A sedan with a nice mohair interior? I am sort of dubious about the 70's GM starburst style. What do you think about the all-metal airplane-style buckles?

Finally, I need to decide the color. None of the available colors match the seat color, but a dark tan sort of matches the carpet. Or should just I go with basic black? If any of you have good taste in these sort of things, I'd love to hear your opinion...

Thanks,
Doug
 
I have the lift latch style with shoulder harnesses and retractors in my 160B. I HATE THEM. I too thought the push-button types looked out of place. I had lift latch belts in the Cessna 150 I once owned 1/3 of, and they were easy to use, so I thought the lift latches sold for aftermarket cars would be similar. NOT! They are difficult to get latched. You need to feed the tang exactly square into the latch or no-go. It's like playing 'Operation'. BUZZ!! Frustrating. I frequently have to assist passengers who can't get 'em to click closed. If you are thinking of that type, I suggest you buy just one first to check it out.

Now I'm thinking of raiding a bone-yard for some late model Ford belts. I'll use them with my existing retractors and three point harness system. I'll paint the ugly red buttons with 2K.
 
I was going to get the metal ends, decided they would ding the paint in my cabby. Check out snakeoyl seat belts. They will mail you a few samples in the color range you want for free.
 
In the Spring 2006 issue of the Model A Times we did an article on Beams Seat Belts. They make a wide variety of colors and styles. You can get something that really goes with your interior.
 
All of mine are the push button though I got rid of the red on those that had that color buttons. Since seat belts obviously didn't come in a Model A, get what you like best. Colorwise I have brown or tan in most because it gets "lost" better in the fabric color. On the SW nothing was close so I used black. It seems like I read somewhere that you shouldn't dye seat belts as it affects the integrity or strength.
 
Forgive me for asking, is it required to now put seatbelts in antique cars that originally don't have them? Sorry Newbie.
 
Wuudie said:
Forgive me for asking, is it required to now put seatbelts in antique cars that originally don't have them? Sorry Newbie.
Click to expand...

Depends on your state. Here in California the law says whatever was on the car when it was originally sold (only sensible law on the books in this state, AFAIK)
 
I have Julianos retract, I have them for all 4 people in the vicky, also in the front seat & in the rumble seat in my Sport Coupe. They are all retract.
 
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