I have several Alfas and FIATs from the early 1970's which used Robbins as
the OEM seatbelt manufacturer. Over the years, the plastic cover
over the release button gets brittle, and the buckle end requires
repair. The plastic trim isn't a structural part of the seatbelt, it
has nothing to do with forces on the buckle or tongue, it just
holds the spring tension on the release button when the belt is
unbuckled ( it acts as a keeper for the release, has prongs that hold
it in place). These belts were
used by many car manufacturers, and here is a photo from a GM application
http://www.nastyz28.com/faq/interior/explode73.jpg
( the Alfa and FIAT buckles are identical, with FIAT or Alfa logo decal
on the release buttons)
Anybody have experience finding these buckles, or any source on new
plastic cover clips? I need some, and it looks like they are not availble.
One path is to have a company re-web the existing retractors with new
webbing, use a more modern buckle and tongue. Another is to buy new
manufactured seatbelts and try to find a version that would fit into the
existing mounting points.
Anyon with experience, I am grateful for advice. Also if anybody has
converted older lap belts on Alfa spiders to more modern lap/shoulder
belts ( how did you do the mounting?)
Thanks, John Fox
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