TR2/3/3A Seat belts, what style?

[mallard]

What was the original style belt used in the TR3 line of cars? I know the big venders sell them but I don't like any of the colors available from them. I'm going to have to have them made. My 1956 never had any belts installed, and I want them to look period for the time.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

As far as I know, the cars didn't come with belts (I don't think my 66 4A did, either). Personally, I think the buckle style where you lift the top cover of the buckle (like aircraft belts have) look more appropriate than push-button type.

 

[Andrew Mace]

There are any number of suppliers of "vintage" style belts in a wide range of colors. This is one of them: https://andoauto.com/AR5.htm.

NFI, just a satisfied customer! They have great hardware as well as belts.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I have never used them but have heard good things about Ssnake-Oyl.

 

[HerronScott]

As far as I know, the cars didn't come with belts (I don't think my 66 4A did, either). Personally, I think the buckle style where you lift the top cover of the buckle (like aircraft belts have) look more appropriate than push-button type.

My original 66 4A did come with them (and yes they have the lift cover buckle). I'll see if I can get a picture this weekend.

Scott

 

[trglory]

No such thing as original style belts .... they never had them. The folks in the '50s that fitted seat belts in sports cars used the 3 inch wide racing belts with the quick release clasp similar to those available from Moss (p/n 222-221). You could get them in any color you wanted as long as you wanted black. If you are looking for a period correct accessory, that is what you should install.

Joe

 

[mallard]

Andrew and George thanks for the links, some how I missed them in my searches. I'll contact both of them. Joe I was thinking about the 3" quick release belts. I contacted a company in Canada that may make them in any color.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

The first belt I had on my TR4A was the 3" quick-release. I wanted to autocross, and needed a belt, so my dad took one out of some piece of machinery (a front loader, I think). Made me feel like a real racer!

 

[HerronScott]

Probably not relevant to the question on seat belts for a TR3, but here's a picture of the ones in my first TR4A. A bit rusty from sitting for 25+ years. American Safety is the name on the back.



My second 4A has the eyebolts for seat belts but there aren't any in the car now and I didn't see a label on any of the pulled-parts boxes indicating I'd pulled them already.

Scott

 

[mallard]

Scott thanks for the picture. All the hardware could be re-plated, it's a shame the Logo could not be salvaged.

 

[sammyb]

I usually buy the aircraft style ones for my cars. Last year I replaced ones in my father's 29 Franklin with dead-on match burgundy ones off eBay. They were like $15 each. I can't find the name of the company, but they make the metal buckle (lift-up type) in like 25 colors of webbing and two lengths. I'm sure they are still on eBay and online.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...All the hardware could be re-plated, it's a shame the Logo could not be salvaged.

Joe Curry sells them on the SpitList (scroll down).

 

[martx-5]

No such thing as original style belts .... they never had them. The folks in the '50s that fitted seat belts in sports cars used the 3 inch wide racing belts with the quick release clasp similar to those available from Moss (p/n 222-221). You could get them in any color you wanted as long as you wanted black. If you are looking for a period correct accessory, that is what you should install.

Joe

That's the type that I have. Forgot where i got them though. BTW, the Moss part number is 222-211, not 222-221...an obvious typo.

 

[mallard]

Are the 3" belts comfortable, or do they cut into you after awhile? The wife is very small and the belt would cover half her belly. I'm thinking of the 3"belt but only if I could get them made in a light tan.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I suppose my TR3A seat belts are period correct -- they say Sears Roebuck. I recall in the 50s and 60s our local Sears store also had an automotive service center -- mostly tires, batteries & shocks but also did a good business in retrofitting seat belts.

On topic -- I would think that a 3" belt might be a bit much for my wife and possibly for yours. Mine would possibly ask 'Just what are you planning on doing?'.

 

[mallard]

It seems the only 3" belt available is in black, so I'll stick with the tradition style with the aircraft style latch.

 

[TR4nut]

Scott thanks for the picture. All the hardware could be re-plated, it's a shame the Logo could not be salvaged.

I think Joe Curry's decals would work well for those seatbelts:
https://spitlist.info/centercaps.html

1.5" square:


EDIT: Oops, I need to hit page 2 before I respond, Geo beat me to it!

 

[mallard]

Randy and George thanks for Joe's link, I think they would look good also. I found somebody that has the buckle in a brushed satin that I like.