Package Shelf Strap Restoration

[bikermike]

In my box of parts from the prevoius owner I have the original package shelf straps and hardware. I was looking for a way to secure a speaker box on the package shelf and thought I'd try to use the straps for their original purpose.

I took a 1st pass at cleaning the straps with water and simple green, but they are still a bit rough looking and have some fading. I did extract a lot of dirt.

Has anyone had success in using dye or fabric-compatible paint to restore the black color of the straps?

[Garm]

I would think dye will work, I've never had much luck with paint on flexible parts.

I wish I could afford to send my seat belts off to these guys:
http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[dld]

Wow! Me too. Maybe someday.

[pebbles]

I soak them in hot soapy water overnight. Maybe a couple of times depending on how dirty they are. Hand agitate occasionally until solution is clear. Hang them up to dry for a few days. SEM makes a flex paint/fabric dye in spray cans, works quite well.
http://www.yourautotrim.com/semdye.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (example)

[bikermike]

David,

I was thinking along the same lines as you. I picked up a can of SEM Color Coat a few weeks ago for a different purpose that I was going to try. Thanks for your suggestion.

http://semproducts.com/product-catalog/ ... olor-coat/

[Linda]

I dyed mine. It does help to have them very clean first. Then follow the instructions for dyeing.

Linda

[shifty]

I'd use the SEM dye, not the flex coating.

I've had good luck with it.

[bikermike]

My mounting holes are covered with glued down carpet. Does anyone have an idea exactly where the 2 holes are on each side of the tunnel to mount the front straps. I suspect they are under the carpet behind the seat, but how far down from the shelf? If someone has a pic with their interior ripped out that would be great...or if you could make a measurement.

Also, for the detail oriented...does the strap with the buckle mount towards the front or on the rear bulkhead?

Thanks.

[68DSU]

The ones behind the driver's seat are centered six inches from the "hump" and two inches below the lip. The one behind it on the shelf is eleven inches from the side and maybe ione inch up. I have photos if you need them

[Alvin]

hi mike
i found one!!
click for more pics
this from david's 67.5 srl resto fyi

[bikermike]

68DSU and Alvin,

Thanks for your help and pics. I found the holes with the help of a tape measure and a sharp probe.

[bikermike]

Update:
I polished up the buckles w/ Turtle Chrome polish and after cleaning up the straps as described above I sprayed them with SEM Color Coat flexible paint. I'm pretty happy w/ the results. I should have taken a "before" picture. They were pretty dirty and faded.

strap.JPG

[68DSU]

Those really look good. I'll have to pull mine out of the might-be-useful-someday bin.
As to your other question, I'm not sure of the original orientation but I THINK the piece you show would be the rear piece. You would want them placed so you can pull forward to tighten, instead of pulliing to the rear and fighting the shelf.
Did that make sense?

[notoptoy]

These look good, are they flexible or still stiff and sort of ridgid? I have a set that is pretty crunchy - I don't expect to ever use them for anything serious - just looks. So I appreciate your post as it gives me direction for mine.

[Garm]

^ My seat belts were like that, I just dropped them off for re-webbing. I just don't think they are restoreable and still be easy to adjust.