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Topic: Plastic sleeves for seatbelts? (Read 3550 times) previous topic - next topic

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #15
, these are going to be more popular then I thought. Eric, is there a difference between the 83-86 and the 87-88 ones? All I have is a set of NOS 87-88 style and a few dollars to try and have them re-popped. What are you guys willing to pay for a set?

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #16
There is a difference in seat frames, basically how the seat belts attach:


The 1987-88 buckle assembly has a hook that attaches to the extra tab on the back of the seat frame itself (top).

The 1983-86 style have a metal tang that sticks out of the buckle assembly and that tang feeds into the slot right underneath the mounting hole for the Torx bolt (bottom).

Both are different because I guess Ford tried to keep them from rotating on the seat frame. I really don't see the advantage of one over the other in practical, everyday use.

But as far as the covers go...I think they could probably be the same for both. I'll compare when I get home tonight. Price-wise...if you could keep the cost around the Mustang ones (~$25 US/pair) then I think you'll have a nice response here.

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #17
I highly doubt $25/pair will happen. I could probably get $50 pair and still have very good quality. I don't know about color-matching though, might have to dye them.

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #18
I'd say $50/pr would even be reasonable. That's still probably cheaper than Ford would've charged back in the day...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #19
Painting wouldn't be a problem. The last time I checked, http://www.50resto.com had these colors for the Mustang that are also the same as the Cougar/T-Bird:

Scarlet Red - Vinyl: MET-FV23 Lacquer: MET-FL23
Charcoal Grey - Vinyl: MET-FV19 Lacquer: MET-FL19
Smoke Grey - Vinyl: MET-FV24 Lacquer: MET-FL24
Regatta Blue - Vinyl: MET-FV37 Lacquer: MET-FL37
Sandlewood - Vinyl: MET-FV22 Lacquer: MET-FL22

That would leave some owners to hunt down other paint themselves (Shadow Blue, Cinnabar, Wheat, Oxford Grey, etc.) but there are other manufacturers of interior paint, and I'm sure there's a close enough color out there for nearly all the interiors.

I think it's a good solution, either way.

Plus the paint fumes make me feel good. :hick:

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #20
An un-broken set would be nice to have....
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

 

Plastic sleeves for seatbelts?

Reply #21
There's a pair of red ones locally that are intact if you need a spare set for reproductions. I need to get out there again soon to get more of that red interior before its junked. It has those, along with the panels with lights in the back seat. Very little room to work with though, being surrounded by s cars.
1988 Thunderbird Sport