| Exploding Seatbelt Buckles [message #351895] |
Mon, 03 February 2020 20:59  |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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This is a Public Service Announcement.
While working on my dinette reconfiguration one of the seatbelts dropped the 18" from the seat to the floor. The plastic buckle cover broke, only it wasn't just a plastic cover, it's the retaining mechanism and holds the seatbelt buckle together. 😖
Apparently this is a thing for certain era GM seatbelt buckles. Google "exploding seatbelt buckle".
Steve Southworth posted about his similar experience 3 years ago:
http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=316588&rid=0&srch=Seat+belt+broken+plastic#msg_316588
Steve had the issue with his cockpit seatbelt, mine was with the Birchaven dinette seatbelt. A 45 year old piece of plastic shouldn't be relied on for such a critical part. Please take the opportunity to examine your seatbelt buckles closely.
I went to a Pick A Part and got two nice, all-metal stainless steel GM buckles, circa 1988, for $15. It'sa very simple procedure to replace the buckles - remove the stitching from the hemmed ends of the seatbelt webbing, slide off old buckle, slide on new buckle, re-stitch hems.
Be careful out there.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: Exploding Seatbelt Buckles [message #351906 is a reply to message #351899] |
Tue, 04 February 2020 09:40  |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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Bruce,
Anytime you touch something on a GMC you're raising safety concerns. Stitching seatbelt webbing has to be one of the least fraught operations. Compare it with changing braking systems or installing a one ton front end.
I'm just mentioning this because I think it's a common problem with potentially serious outcomes, and it's apparently not been adequately addressed on the forum.
Stitching the webbing should be done with either a stitching awl
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yNFMzAEW0V0
or a double needle technique commonly used with leather.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1064/4168/files/Hide-_-Home-Saddle-Stitching?7865133235896992580
A high quality UV-stable polyester thread, as commonly used in outdoor cushions and awnings should be used. When in doubt go to https://www.sailrite.com or pick up the phone and call them. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable people.
If there's a question about stitch strength just add fifty percent to the number of stitches. With the more robust thread it'll be stronger than before. Just make sure to pull the stitches _tight_.
Thanks for raising the question. I should have referenced acceptable sewing practice for this operation and I didn't.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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