Date:         Fri, 26 Jan 2001 22:02:24 EST
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Seat belt button
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 1/26/01 6:02:03 PM, FHerzig@SWRI.EDU writes:

<< The plastic seat belt buttons on the shoulder
belts disintegrated with age (15 years). Anyone
have a source for these  >>

Frank,
I do not know of a source for the button stops, but you could treat your van
to a newer seat belt from, say, a 14 year old van.  On the other hand, if you
are like me you may want to find out if you can make it to a half million
miles cinched into the original belts.  I would sew appropriately sized
clothing buttons near the needed location on opposite sides of the belt.  I
suggest sewing through the belt, rather than to it, with the holes in the
buttons aligned.  Also, flip the buttons so that their backs face outward,
that way they can be drawn tightly to the belt.  One more thing, it would be
better to use nylon or buttonhole twist thread rather than polyester or
polyester-covered thread.  If you are not married, one trip to the sewing
supply shop will yield all you need for a couple of bucks.  You can even colo
r coordinate your buttons.  Black would look very handsome.

Rich