1966 shelby seat belts opinions please

[shelbyhertz66]

Morning all,
So my 66 GT350 is pretty well restored but the leather fobs on the belts
are looking a little tattered  , I have been a little reluctant to touch them as they are
the originals but have thought about restoring the leather what would you do?
Thanks

[deathsled]

What about the webbing?  There is a shelf life on the efficacy of the fabric from tearing in an accident.  I had my belts restored by Shelby Parts and Restoration and they did a great job.  They replaced the worn out leather.  You might be able to recondition the leather with a reconditioner.

[jk66gt350]

I just bought the new leather pads from Shelby Parts & Restoration a few years ago.  They also sent me the correct rivets.  Easy to change yourself if the old ones are too deteriorated for what you want for the car.

[Bob Gaines]

Morning all,
So my 66 GT350 is pretty well restored but the leather fobs on the belts
are looking a little tattered  , I have been a little reluctant to touch them as they are
the originals but have thought about restoring the leather what would you do?
Thanks

First try a leather conditioner like Lexol or similar product . I like the look of distressed leather  but if they are torn then it is time to replace . If the conditioner use doesn't satisfy your expectations then you can buy the leather at better craft stores and the rivets are available online . It sounds like Shelby parts has a kit of parts .

[shelbyhertz66]

thanks much for your thoughts.
Because the edge of the leather was a little ragged.
I already had found the leather, rivets, rivet tool, black dye and will simulate the metal thickness of the buckle,
then try a trial run to see how they would turn out.  I want them to look nice and still original but not new.
since the rest of the car is restored maybe changing the leather out would be best. Not going to disturb the
belts untill my trial run is acceptable.