malihoochie said:
This is from the turbobuick website, but may help someone here.
I read this information in one of my Pontiac Enthusiast magazines. I do not have any information on what color of dye to use or where to get new release buttons. You may want to contact Kirban or gbodyparts.com for this information. I believe gbodyparts.com has the correct paint for the latch covers though.
1. Start with giving them a good cleaning with soap and water using a scrub brush. rinse with cold water.
2. Check belts for frays thin spots and mold. Replace with a good used belt if needed.
3. If they need to be dyed, use 8 ounces of dye in a roast pan bringing it to a simmer. Fully extend the belts and DO NOT submerge retractors. Let the belts simmer for about a half hour. Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Let dry.
4. Wash belts again in WARM water and mild detergent to get rid of the dye residue. Rinse in cold water and let dry.
I've been using a variation of this method in my shop for 40 years, using Rit dye. Won't work very well if you already tried spray dye usually, though.
I usually soak the belts, retractors and all in a heavy mix of dish washing liquid and water, overnight, then scrub everything with a brush, use fine steel wool on the chrome then let everything dry real good. then follow the directions above,
but don't boil them it makes the webbing weak and they can fail in accident! After everything is done and the belts are dry, I put some spray silicone lube in the retractors and buckles.
