Original seat belts?

[Legal Bill]

Does anyone have a lead on a good source for original seat belts, or a replacement that looks original? Please do not suggest ebay. It is filled with adds from some company called Car Parts Wholesalers who sell a seat belt that looks like it came out of a 1995 VW. If any of you have a set in black that you would like to sell, feel free to shoot me a PM. Thanks.

 

[BabaKahawa]

Bill;
Check the advertisement pages in the back of the Healey club magazines.
I have always seen adds for original seat belts.
They come and go, so you may have to check some of the back issues.
Good luck

 

[Legal Bill]

Thanks Baba. I'll do just that.

 

[Cutlass]

Do you really want to use seat belts that are fifty years old? Beyond that, I'm not sure there were any factory installed "original" seat belts. Weren't they dealer installed options?

 

[Legal Bill]

BMC seat belts are of a distinct design and style. Some had the combination MG/Austin healey logo on them. I'm not looking for worn and torn belts. they would need to be in good condition. A good reproduction would be fine too, but I have not found any with the same double hook style anchor bracket as found in the originals. For the price people seek on ebay for very unoriginal looking belts, I may as well buy the much less expensive belts that Moss offers. At least they look similar to the originals.

 

[Legal Bill]

Ok, I think I found a winner. What do you guys think?

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMC-Style...=item35a4a9a78a

 

[GregW]

My seat belts look a little different on my BJ8. They don't have any logo and the buckle has a smoother contour to it. That being said, they were a dealer add-on. Cost a whopping $15.95 for 4 belts in 1967. FYI, that auction is for one belt only. You have to email them once you win the bid to buy the second one. A strange arrangement me thinks.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Jon Peters (Sports & Classics) has been around FOREVER. I've dealt with him off & on over the past 40+ years (he must be getting pretty old...).

AT least he's an Ebayer with a brick & morter store.

 

[Legal Bill]

I spoke to Jon before I posted this info. His cost is not much more than what Moss wnats for thier belts, and his have the correct arrangement for the anchor. Jon tells me he had the belts made and used a period seat belt for the the MG-Austin Healey logo reproduction. He was also quick to say that new seat belts must comply with federal law, so he can only get the reproductions so close to the original style. He says he also has one that just has the Austin Healey logo on it, but admits that it is entirely unoriginal, as they were never available with just a healey logo.

If the concours judges do not like these, I will argue that they are what can be found today that complies with federal law. but as I understand it, the judges don't talk to you when they are looking at your car anyway.

 

[IanIrving]

Hi Bill
You can definitely get them ex the UK from quickfitsbs.com. in a range of colours to suit your car and with the correct double bolted rear wing fitting for the BJ8. However compared to what you'd pay in the USA you'll find them very expensive. I just bought a pair, made in the same red as my BJ8 interior and heavilly chromed. Very well made but cost was around 450 USD the pair. I have nothing to do with the company but can recommend their service. My contact there was called Pawel. Have a look at their website by all means.

Ian Irving
66 BJ8
90 XJS V12 Convertible
83 Mercedes 450SL
Porsche 944

 

[Legal Bill]

Thanks Ian. I looked at the site. Seems fine, but that premium in price is hard to justify. I'll report on the quality of the S&C belts when they come in.

 

[Cutlass]

I think the Concours Guide indicates that no points will be deducted for non-"original" seat belts, as long as those installed are apparently safe.