Hello! White late model coupe from the bay

[bangn]

I really love the work youve done on this car and I don't know your background.. BUT..

Playing with seatbelts is not something I would be doing unless you have experience repairing belts in a shop/trained to do so..

Would there not be some sort of a special thread that needs to be used as well?

[Toodaloo]

how hard was it taking off the rock-guard on the lower valences? wood chisel was the best to use?

It takes time, and is quite tedious. Basically just play with different tools and find what works best. Many like to use a grinder, but I didn't have one at the time so I opted for a chisel. Came off quite nicely. Then in the tighter spots I used a dremel with a wire wheel attachment to clean up the coating.

The seat belts turned out awesome. You should sell a few sets. Also sell me your zender side skirts. Keep up the good work.

I don't plan to/ want to sell the belts. Too much of a liability issue. While profits could be high due to the demand, the reason I'm not posting a DIY is the same reason I won't sell any. I don't want someone who ghetto rigged some seatbelts have their lawyer come at me causing issues.

I really love the work youve done on this car and I don't know your background.. BUT..

Playing with seatbelts is not something I would be doing unless you have experience repairing belts in a shop/trained to do so..

Would there not be some sort of a special thread that needs to be used as well?

I'm no seatbelt professional, but almost any upholstery shop can handle seatbelt jobs, and I've done my research. I met a local auto upholsterer a while back and asked him a few questions about seatbelts. The thread standard is bonded nylon, which is the strongest thread available. When I was ordering thread, I got both bonded polyester and bonded nylon.

I used #92 bonded nylon thread for these which is quite thick. I think the original is a little thicker; maybe 110 or so. However keep in mind that I sewed in an extra two lines of stitching compared to the factory belts (12 instead of 10), which will easily compensate for the micrometers difference between the two threads.

Nylon is slightly stronger, and has more elasticity than polyester: great for seatbelts. For rest of my upholstery, I'll be using bonded polyester which is similar in strength, but has added UV resistant properties: great for seats.

As far as sewing them, it's really not difficult or different to any other sewing process. I'm using a singer model 99 from the early 60's. It was passed down from a family friend who passed a few years ago. It's really an incredible machine. These old machines can really sew through anything as long as you have a fresh enough motor, correct needle, and thread. Compared to the new models, they're pure tanks. I had no trouble sewing the seatbelts after I found the right tension on the thread.

As far as the reeling mechanisms, they're a piece of cake. There's no rocket science behind them, and I reeled them just as the old ones were installed without disturbing or dismantling the reels at all.

I trust my life in these just as I would my stock seatbelts. Maybe even a little more considering the old ones are 27 years old and the thread seemed to be a little crusty when I was ripping the seams...

Earlier today my friend asked if we could do this in his car (late model civic) and I refused to help, recommending he take it to a shop if he wants something similar done. Safety standards are much higher now than they were 27 years ago. My car lacks airbags, and e30's in general aren't exactly the safest cars on the block; however I'm very confident in my work and feel safe with the end result in my car. If this were a newer car, I wouldn't even touch the belts. But considering all the factors, this was the best option for me and my project. I'll have my auto upholstery friend take a look at them and get his confirmation soon.

Anyway, I guess my point is if you have limited experience with sewing, and a lack of knowledge about the different materials involved; really the best option is to either get real evo 3 seatbelts or have a shop do the belts.

Hope this answered your questions.

[KrautnotRice]

Looking AWESOME. I love the red seatbelts!

[bangn]

Great reply, looks like you have really thought about it and done your research down to the last detail. Well done

look forward to more updates :)

[alas]

Looking good man!


-E

[JEMichaels]

When you have a half dozen plans for your build and you see them all played out in 5 minutes of clicking through a build thread.. D: Great work!

[Toodaloo]

Looking AWESOME. I love the red seatbelts!

Thank you!!! Love your username!

Great reply, looks like you have really thought about it and done your research down to the last detail. Well done

look forward to more updates :)

I did my best to research it before I bought all the materials! Got a little carried away with some things and ordered too much thread, but oh well!

Looking good man!


-E

Thanks Ericson!

When you have a half dozen plans for your build and you see them all played out in 5 minutes of clicking through a build thread.. D: Great work!

Thanks! That's just further inspiration, now you've got to take the initiative and make those plans happen! I would love too see what you have in store!




Here's a little sneak preview of the first door panel I got started on today. I'll finish the rest of the interior after finals!

(Mind that it isn't clean, has a crease I'll steam out, and isn't completed)

[rzerob]

Holy crap, that door panel looks awesome.

[mr.]

That door panel is incredible. Good job dude!

The way it came out looks almost as if it could have came offered from the factory

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[dillon7]

Those door panels look incredible!

I wrapped my rear parcel shelf in suede as well and it was much more difficult than I anticipated so I feel your pain. I'm interested to see in the future if a stretchy material makes it any easier.

[mlor]

These latest updates are phenomenal. I hope you don't mind when I steal some of your ideas for my seat belts and door panels. :)

[Toodaloo]

Hello! White late model coupe from the bay

Holy crap, that door panel looks awesome.

Thank you man! I love how it came out!

That door panel is incredible. Good job dude!

The way it came out looks almost as if it could have came offered from the factory

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Thanks! That's really awesome to hear. I want it to look OEM plus! Like a super wild factory option

Those door panels look incredible!

I wrapped my rear parcel shelf in suede as well and it was much more difficult than I anticipated so I feel your pain. I'm interested to see in the future if a stretchy material makes it any easier.

Thanks! Haha, yeah it was a pain. I actually plan to redo it with an early parcel shelf and delete the third brake light and replace it with something a little... Umm "different". Think formula drift and tesla ;)

These latest updates are phenomenal. I hope you don't mind when I steal some of your ideas for my seat belts and door panels. :)

Thanks man! I've really been putting in work on this interior. It's starting to show little by little! By all means go ahead, I got the OK from my upholstery guy on the belts so if you're interested I can help you over PM.

Sorry for the very brief replies guys. Finals are almost over, my last two exams are tonight at 6pm and tomorrow at 8am. Stressing out!

I'll give you guys a few little hits as to what I've been up to in the past week. One of which I'll be picking up tomorrow night ;)

Here are some hints!








Once I finish up with finals I'll have a proper update :)

So ready for summer! I'll have the car finished aesthetically (for now), and might start adding some power mods if my wallet allows :D

[mr.]

My oh my am I I'm excited

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[alas]

Ooh, I know the answer!! (At least I hope) :)


-E

[Trev]

Great build man! I have a strong desire to find a late model e30 now..