Seat belts

[Teacherman]

Is there anyway to restore the chrome to seat belt buckles? The webbing is fine. I'm not missing any seat belts. The chrome on the buckles have just flaked off after 35 years. All of the replacements I have seen are either the wrong color (eBay; why is tan so rare?) or the buckles don't look like the originals.

[SteveC]

this place has tan and you can build your own.. http://www.seatbeltpros.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y You can get the old classic lever style as well you can even get the 3 point retractable if you do deside to go that route make sure to get hardware kit #1

[Teacherman]

That's close, but no real cigar. The buckles still don't match what I've got right now.

[Supermike]

You can buy new chrome surrounds and buttons for your buckles from NPD or LMC

[Teacherman]

You can buy new chrome surrounds and buttons for your buckles from NPD or LMC

I see at at NPD (I knew LMC didn't have it; I've been pouring over their catalog for two days). But they list it for 68-70. Does anybody know if there is a difference between 68-70 and 72? When I get home I'll see about taking a picture and posting it and see if someone with a 68-70 can do the same. Thanks.

[Supermike]

Did the belts change in 71-72? I know they did from 67 to 68, but I thought they were pretty much the same thereafter all the way to 73, at least.

And you're right, it's just NPD... I just couldn't recall which when I posted.

[MadMaxetc]

www.SeatBeltsPlus.com has some crome latches on new belts that look correct for our trucks, lots of options too.

[l1k2gadd]

Sun fading, sun fading, sun fading. Remember the original parts in your truck have been exposed to the sun for many years. The colors you see in the reproductions may indeed be original, before fading. When you expose the sun protected parts of a vehicles interior, like underside folds on seat upholstery, carpeting or a fabric style headliner, you'd be surprised to see how much fading actually takes place over the years. The only way to be able to replace one buckle cover without having it look odd is to replace all of them.

[hotrod ford]

should have said somthin. the swb i just got rid of had original tan belts

[Teacherman]

All I need is the buckles, or the chrome around the buckles. The tan colored part of the buckles, plus the webbing, is fine. Here are some shots of the buckles. If someone can tell me they match 68-70, I'll order on set of chrome and let you guys know how it works out.

[Supermike]

That looks like a match to me! But I can't say 100%... maybe 95%...

[Teacherman]

Well, let's order a set of chrome and find out. It's worth the $30 or so plunge. Besides, I just finished my taxes today (3+ hours with Turbo Tax), which means small refund and a share of the economic stimulus package will be coming my way. Nothing like that feeling of putting your great-grandchildren in deeper debt.

[Supermike]

They might be in debt, but at least maybe they'll have great-grandpa's old Ford to drive around.

[Supermike]

Did you order them, Teacherman? Were they the same? Inquiring minds want to know...

[Teacherman]

I have been instructed by my CFO that I am not to use the American Express card to purchase truck parts again until at least April 10, when the bill rolls over. I was banned from buying parts altogether until I cleaned out the garage to make space to park the truck and "get it out of the driveway."