Black manual seatbelts

[Kindred]

I don't think the festiva ever came with black interior trim. I don't have a clue where to start looking for a set of 4-point black seat belts that will fit in my car. Anybody have an idea?

[aithanmier]

do you mean 3 point retractable? 4 points are racing harnesses and you can get those in black from summit. if you mean stock style belts those are 3 point belts. i dunno where you could get a set in black, I'd just buy a set in grey and dye them.

[Kindred]

Yes, I meant 3-point. :wink: Dye the thing? What would I use to dye a seatbelt? Just drop the entire assembly into a bucket of fabric dye?

[aithanmier]

yeah it's worth a try eh? or you could look up an interchange on the seat belts, they probably used them in another car too, if so they should have black.

[aithanmier]

well if anyone is still interested in non stock color seat belts try http://www.seatbeltsonly.com it's a division of rod doors and they specialize in hotrod interior pieces. 3 point retractables in every color from black to florescent green.

[25Horseplay]

Might try looking at cars in a junk yard, mazda's maybe?

[aithanmier]

i'd be leary about junkyard seatbelts, never know if they are any good. this is your safety after all...

[25Horseplay]

i'd be leary about junkyard seatbelts, never know if they are any good. this is your safety after all...

Yes they are used, but aren't the ones in your car also used? Why would they be any worse than what is in your car today? Just make sure there aren't any cuts or abrasion's that might compromise the belts.

[fastivaca]

I wouldn't take junkyard belts from a car thats been hit hard though. If it's just there because it's old then I would just follow the advice offered earlier... no cuts or abrasions. My guess is that something from an early Mazda would work.

Ian
92 GL Sport
Calgary

[Safety Guy]

I've wondered before if Aspire seatbelts would work? I just checked with a Ford dealer a few days ago and manual seatbelts were no longer in the system. They'd be expensive anyway: about four years ago I bought new left side belt assembly for the Mutt. It was over $110!

I'd be very leery of junkyard belts unless they came out of an obvously uncrashed vehicle that has had it's doors closed to keep the moisture off the belts. Sun, age, wear, water, spills, etc. will all degrade belt strength over time. In a crash, belts are designed to stretch a bit, so never use any from a crashed car (unless you see a healthy head impression in the windshield indicating they weren't used).

Karl

[FB71]

just a thought....

JC Whitney has black replacement retractable belts in some different lengths for reasonable prices.

I don't normally buy too much from them, but I have bought some things with good results.

[aithanmier]

yeah there are some other sources for retractible seatbelts in standard colors, i was just impressed with the colors offered though roddoors. seriously how many places carry bright yellow or purple seat belts? incredible. they also carry festiva carpets, in just about any color you could want in cut pile, or slightly more limited colors in 80/20 loop. they even carry wool carpets. talk about an upgrade. on the downside they are kinda pricey on carpet, bout $195 but from the sample they sent me it's a whole lot better quality than the stock replacements.

[Safety Guy]

Wow Aithan, that site might be the answer to my manual seatbelt upgrade for Lux this spring! I'll probably get the 3 point nonretractables. I just have to decide whether I want a matching color or something that really CLASHES with my grey interior!

Also, I need to find new tie-dye seat covers!

Karl

[aithanmier]

tie dye seat covers?
hmm just make some get some white or light grey covers and tie dye em!