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Making a Seatbelt Strap

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by thejrace, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. Jul 23, 2009 #1
    thejrace

    thejrace

    Oct 3, 2008
    NYC
    So I've come to realize that I have a virtually limitless supply of seatbelts, mi padre has an auto parts business, Richards Auto Parts in Darlington, SC, so I've decided to make some seatbelt straps for myself. My only concern is how to make the ends. I was thinking about getting leather ends and sandwiching the seatbelt end with them, thus making a reinforced end, lol. I've never worked with leather, so I'm not exactly sure what would be the best way to put them together, glue gun, sewing machine, combo of the two? Anybody ever make their own strap? Any ideas are welcome. Appreciate it guys.
     
  2. Jul 23, 2009 #2
    hover

    hover

    Oct 4, 2008
    Massachusetts
    You're on the right track with the sewing the leather ends on.

    Start by cutting the seatbelt to the right length, or to accomodate a multi-hole strip of leather. Then, you have to "melt" the ends so the weave on the strap doesn't fray apart. You can lightly melt the ends with a cig lighter. Just (obviously) be mindful if it ignites. Then, I'd find a leatherman to make the ends as he'd have suitable hole punches and whatnot. I would think instead of sewing the ends on, hammer-rivet them together. It'd look pretty badass, considering the theme of the strap...

    -Ron
     
  3. Jul 24, 2009 #3
    thejrace

    thejrace

    Oct 3, 2008
    NYC
    Hover,
    You've given me more help thant I would have expected, so much obliged. I do though have a few questions. Should i want to do it all myself, as get the leather ends and piece it together, what would be the best method. I would like to make a couple for myself and some friends at the lowest possible cost. How much do thing a leatherman would charge for doing something like this? Appreciate it.
     
  4. Jul 24, 2009 #4
    hover

    hover

    Oct 4, 2008
    Massachusetts
    It really all depends on how much you want to tool it.

    You could buy cheap / thick leather wallets and cut the tabs out yourself. There's really nothing to it as far as the leather is concerned. Or, you could go to a leather shop and ask for any remnants and cut them yourself. You'll want the leather moderately heavy duty and well cured / dried obviously. Then you need to punch the strap button hole and add a slit.

    That can be done but is easier for someone who already has the punches. I wouldn't imagine a leatherman charging more than 5 bucks a set. The riveting is nothing either, just getting the supplies. 3-4 hammer rivets an end would be pretty sturdy. If you were going to sew the ends on, you need heavy duty needles for the machine.
     
  5. Jul 24, 2009 #5
    Spector_Ray

    Spector_Ray

    Aug 8, 2004
    Texas
    I've got a grommet making set and I was thinking of just folding the ends of the belts up to make them look presentable, stitching them in place, then punching holes in each end and installing brass grommets. Then permanently installing each end on it's perspective pin hole with some wood screws. I'm still working this out in my head though.