Looks like Pyhton Restorations is out of business. No relpy to e-mails. Snake Oyl restorations are having trouble understanding basic questions. So they are out! Any recommendations for restoration services?

Mike

 

Did you try the 212-384-9696 number?

 

What about these guys? Anyone familiar?
http://www.seatbeltsolutions.com/index.html

 

Try it yourself it was pretty easy.
Tide and hot water to clean the belts and adhesion promoter/SEM for the rest.
Good luck.

 

nice work 501 paratrooper

I need to do that to my belts they look like your pic #1 but with dirty webbing too

 

Tide or simple green + hot water + scrubbing + soaking works great for dirty webbing.
If discolored, that's a different story.

 

The dishwasher also works very well for cleaning seat belts.

 

Thanks Retro, I like the dishwasher idea henryK, just don't tell the wife....

 

Anyone tried dye (Ritt?) for slightly faded black webbing?

 

I spoke to Stuart today, and he said that he got your email and he answered your email this morning.

May I suggest that you consider Snake Oyl for your future restoration work. I have never had a problem with Python Restorations, and I know that they do great work. The work is returned in the order that it is received, and that sometimes it takes longer than expected due to heavy work loads. Quality works takes time.

 

Great job on your belts, Trooper! I need to look into the adhesion/SEM items.

Like Mike (no pun intended) and a few others I'm looking to clean up my belts as well.

I haven't taken the belts out of my car at this point but for the sake of knowing, is there a way to remove the retractable webbing in order to clean it in the dishwasher in case anyone decides to use that method? Do you put the whole assembly in the washer?

Mike, what's the status/condition on your belts?

 

I have some heavy fading and wear marks, so I want the webbing replaced. Also the buckles are not working smoothly. I have new plastic "adjustment clips" to install. That is the problem with Snake -Oyl. The person repyling tells me in one e-mail the clip are one piece despite the pictures I sent him clearly showing 2 pieces. If they can't figure out something that simple I have no confidence in their ability to do a complete restoration without scewing it up some how!
Is it possible to disassemble the retractors myself or do I need special tools or something? Maybe I can order the webbing and have an upholster sew them up.

Mike

PS. I did finally get a reply from Python. Doesn't do 1977 belts only up to 1973. WTF!
And that is why I do all my work on all my vehicle myself.

 

How different are the newer belts from 73 and older? I tried washing mine and using ritt dye, also tried fabric paint - they all worked pretty well, at least it looked good but..... mine were so old and brittle it was impossible for the kids to adjust the belts on their own so I had mine redone through a guy I found on ebay He spent a month in the mountain hunting so it took a while and when I got the box of belts back they smelled like an ashtray - I put them in a steam-room for a bit which removed the smell. They look great, work great and even have the correct tags, he used some of my old tags and gave me new ones for the ones that were too gone to reuse. I have heard nothing but good things about python and snake. The issue with doing them yourself is the safety of the webbing. I wouldn't trust my own stitching for seatbelts though I suppose if you have an industrial sewing machine you could easily do it yourself

 

Just a reminder that Seat Belts are made with Nylon, and when you put it in boiling water (like most of the dye's recomend) or even hot water, it weekens the nylon, which could cause the seat belt to snap if you were ever to need it

 

Like all belts it would seem the webbing is car specific and the anchors, buckles etc would be different. How does restoring a 73 belt differ from a 77 belt. I'm sure not much! But what do I know.
So any secrets to taking apart the retractors? If someone at Pyhton, Snake -Oyl can do it, so can I. Plus I don't take 10 days to reply to somone wanting to do business with me. I can also tell the difference between one item and two items. I am done with dealing with jack asses.

Rant over

Mike

 

My seat belts do not retract anymore into the floor. Is there anything I can do to get that function to work again?

 

Check out Bro's "How to do it" page. http://www.442bro.com/

 

That's exactly what I needed. Thanks.
I was looking at how the retractor came apart and my first reaction to
"Caution Do Not Remove" ..........was to remove it, and I was right!
I'll let you know how it turns out. Going to add seat belt restorer to my many other talents!

Mike

 

PS Well that was easy. I took the sholder retractors apart and the buckles. The floor retractor is a bit tricky. I have plastic gear drive/seat buzzer gizmo I am a little confused of how it is removed. Don't want to use too much force or risk breaking something. I am going to hit the internet and see what I can come up with!

Mike

 

Thanks dingusboy. That shows me how to remove everything. Is the retractor spring something I can find and replace or do you think I can wind it tighter? Not sure how to fix it, but I can take it apart now!

 

Akoostics, I never made the repair myself. I only noticed it while going thru Bro's site.

 

I am looking for one of these white gizmo's. It goes on the back of the clear shoulder belt adjuster. Anyone know a source?


Thanks
Mike

 

I've seen them on ebay a few times NOS - I'm sure someone would have a used extra around though