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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Reconditioning Seat Belts
Posted by: aharder Feb 15 2018, 08:13 PM
Do we have anyone here that can recondition seat belts? My Drivers belts is getting pretty weak and I'm not sure I want to dig into that task
Posted by: Chris914n6 Feb 16 2018, 01:29 PM
It's usually dirt/sweat buildup on the belt. The retraction mechanism is just a coil spring and a gravity lever to lock it on hard stops.
Easiest DIY would be to pull it out, scrub it with a tooth brush and diluted dish soap, rinse it and let it dry. Then it should be back to normal.
Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 16 2018, 02:09 PM
Linseed oil is good for cleaning belts.
Posted by: marksteinhilber Feb 16 2018, 02:24 PM
It's usually dirt/sweat buildup on the belt. The retraction mechanism is just a coil spring and a gravity lever to lock it on hard stops.
Easiest DIY would be to pull it out, scrub it with a tooth brush and diluted dish soap, rinse it and let it dry. Then it should be back to normal.
Agreed, I've removed my webbing and cleaned it with soap and water soaking. You pull the webbing out to full extension and it is simply looped over itself after passing through a slot in the winder.
My spring retract seemed weak though, so I wound up more spring tension before re-installing the webbing into the slot. Rust on the chrome guides also causes slow retraction, so cleaning and polishing there helps. I would worry about UV deterioration of the webbing as the safety issue....
Posted by: johnhora Feb 16 2018, 02:38 PM
Linseed oil is good for cleaning belts.
Really...never tried or seen that done....interesting
did you try this just as an experiment or did you see else where
I've used linseed in woodworking
Posted by: marksteinhilber Feb 16 2018, 03:01 PM
Linseed oil is good for cleaning belts.
Really...never tried or seen that done....interesting
did you try this just as an experiment or did you see else where
I've used linseed in woodworking
I needed seat belts. I bought some used at a good price and then took them apart to clean up and refurbish for use. Any fabric or webbing can often be cleaned using soap and water. Everyone is afraid of working on someone else's seat belts because of liability concerns, soo it's not easy to find someone who will, or explain how. I had no idea how easy it was to get the belt webbing off the winder spool, it is simply thru the slot and then wound on itself.
Posted by: JmuRiz Feb 16 2018, 03:03 PM
I read WAY back that after cleaning with upholstery soap (wool-lite) that scotch guarding them works well. Anyone else try the scotch guard trick?
Posted by: gothspeed Feb 16 2018, 03:19 PM
I think a good soak and scrubbing with antibacterial dish soap and a plastic bristle brush would do the trick 
Posted by: mepstein Feb 16 2018, 03:23 PM
I put mine in the dishwasher. Turn out great.
Posted by: aharder Feb 16 2018, 03:25 PM
Thanks for all of the info.
Looks like I'm going to be doing some deep cleaning on my Belts when I get my back pad project in motion.
Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 16 2018, 03:26 PM
I have used linseed oil to clean and it worlds well. I suppose there are others that may work too.
Posted by: Jamie Feb 16 2018, 08:37 PM
I have used linseed oil to clean and it worlds well. I suppose there are others that may work too.
I can't imaging linseed oil doing anything but making an oily mess, so how do you remove the oil from the belts? I'm a longtime woodworker, but we only use boiled linseed oil for a finishing material.
Posted by: hockeymutt Feb 16 2018, 08:44 PM
I put mine in the dishwasher. Turn out great.
Pretty sure I'd have to go buy a new dishwasher if my wife ever caught me doing that.
One of my old bosses used to throw all his sockets in the dishwasher, I never had the balls.
Posted by: mepstein Feb 16 2018, 09:19 PM
I clean the parts first then the dishwasher. It’s really good for the final deep cleaning.
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Posted by: aharder Feb 16 2018, 10:26 PM
with Mark, I just have to wait until she's in bed.
Posted by: GeorgeRud Feb 17 2018, 08:23 AM
I think seatbelt planet does offer a rebuilding service that replaces the belt material.
Posted by: johnhora Feb 17 2018, 09:11 AM
Mark...
you just kill me man 
gentle cycle is it.... 
this is why I come here everyday...
good tips, tricks, and great entertainment
Posted by: branston Feb 18 2018, 08:49 AM
Do we have anyone here that can recondition seat belts? My Drivers belts is getting pretty weak and I'm not sure I want to dig into that task
Sent mine to Safetyrestore to get the webbing replaced, couldn't be happier. Done two cars now, 914 & 912E. Awesome super-fast service for $75/side IIRC.
https://www.safetyrestore.com/6-seat-belt-repair-service
Posted by: DickSteinkamp Feb 18 2018, 01:05 PM
http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/
"Ssnake-Oyl™ Products is the world leader in seatbelt restoration. For almost thirty years, Ssnake-Oyl has provided the highest quality seat belt restorations for your classic or late model vehicle. We use only the highest quality products for restoring your seat belts to original factory appearance. We use new webbing that has the original colors and patterns. We also sew stitch patterns identical to the originals. We can use your parts, or if needed, we can usually supply that missing part. We have a large warehouse full of used parts in case you are without an important piece to make your restoration complete. Each set of seat belts goes through a thorough quality control inspection prior to shipping. You will see why Ssnake-Oyl is the industry standard for originality and quality finish."
I used Ssnake Oyl to restore the seat belts on my MGB. They did a first class job.
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