I have taken seatbelts apart and cleaned them up lots of times but these have given me a challenge. These did not want to come apart but I can tell you they finally did with a lot of foul words. The bolts on the car came out easy so I didn't think these would put up such a fight.
Interesting to note that the date codes on the seatbelts are all between 08A70 and 11A70 (8th week of 1970 through 11th week of 1970 or Feb 16th - March 15th)
You stripped the belts down to that bar that "folds" the seat belt... I assume that in order to remove that bar, you would have to cut the stitching and then remove?
Yes, George that is correct. These being the originals I didn't want to cut them nor do I want to replace them with other ones I have. It probably wouldn't be a big deal to cut the end off and have it stitched back up but I just prefer to keep it original if given the chance. Overall I am happy with the way they came out. I just cleaned these up as nice as I could get them. I did have to replace a few of the GM emblems as well as a few of the rusted black buckle tops.
The flat bits (Bar) are too rust on mine, so I will have to cut the old stitching. I was able to buy new buckles, but installing them is a project too... Your belts and date tags look great! Keep going!
I was able to take mine fully apart. Pulled out the flimsy metal piece and metal bar. Used a wire wheel to clean them up and get the rust off as best I could. I'll find my pictures and post how I took them apart.
Rust on that flat bar is what causes the belts to be difficult to adjust. That is exactly what I need to remove and wire wheel…
Yes, little tricky to get out. Did not remove any stitching. You need to pop the back side of the button out towards the bar and lift slightly so the metal buckle fits in the groove and then slide it forward. This creates room for the bar to twist out. With some force, twist the bar and it pops out. I cleaned the bar as best I could still attached to the belt. Used a little sandpaper carefully between the bar and belt to get the backside. Hard part was to remember how to fish the belt threw. I kept one together for reference.
I wonder if I could move the belt out of the way and use a dermal to clean that bar up ? I have used SOS pads but they never get them truly clean as I would like. I have some old nasty belts that are no good so I may try to see what I can get to work. Getting that bar out is a pain and getting it back in is beyond difficult.
