repair a lap seat belt for NCT

Our man in Havana

I got my NCT on Tuesday and I have a problem with the lap belt for the middle passenger in the rear. The end of the belt is damaged and has become frayed. Can it be repaired good enough to pass? I was told to cut off the frayed end and sew up the end.

Here is a pic.

Any chance I can fix it enough to pass on Tuesday?

Rowley Birkin QC

I got a replacement front passengers one from a scrapyard for free, took 10 minutes to install. Just 3 big bolts to the chassis.

I'd imagine a lap belt would be just as easy to replace.

EDIT: Just realised from the picture that it's the bit of extra blet beyond the buckle thats frayed, I'd say you are right, cut it clean and sew it up.

DonJose

How about cutting off the frayed part and running a cigarette lighter close to it to melt the end of the material together.

crosstownk

Cut off the frayed end. Make a few folds and then stitch the folds (with suitable thread) to avoid further unravelling. Take a look at another lap belt so you'll know what result you're after.

If you're in any doubt then just replace the belt - it shouldn't be all that expensive.

Our man in Havana

If you're in any doubt then just replace the belt - it shouldn't be all that expensive

Are they an off the shelf item at the local motor factors?

crosstownk

That I don't know. But I reckon there's a good chance - if you do come across one in a motor factors be sure it engages in the receiver before you buy it. Some of those buckles are different - for example, a Toyota inertia reel belt buckle will not engage into the lap belt receiver - something we've probably all come across while half pissed in a taxi

EDIT : Check the main dealer price first - I'm not sure of your make and model, but you may find that the stealer price is reasonable. After all, it's only a belt and a buckle without any mechanical parts.

Our man in Havana

Ford Escort 2000 model. Thanks for the assistance so far folks.

Max_Damage

Scrapyard definitely. Plenty of Escort's of that vintage in them.

Mailman

cut, melt with cigarette lighter and then flatten on a hard surface to get a nice squared off end on the belt.
As it is a visual inspection fail you shouldn't be charged at NCT centre for a re-check.

Our man in Havana

I went to a scrapyard today, and found none! I looked in a 2000 Mondeo and a 96 escort and they are all different to the 2000 escort. I think I will need to try the cut and melt method.

Max_Damage

Did you try a Fiesta?

Halfdog

Brothers dog chewed up the end of his safety belt, it failed the NCT, he just cut off the bad bit. , Just hope the next person who buys the car is not too fat!

Our man in Havana

Update: Car was tested an hour ago and It flew thru first time. He even commented on my sewing skills.

DonJose

Bond-007 wrote: »

Update: Car was tested an hour ago and It flew thru first time. He even commented on my sewing skills.

Congrats. Photos or it didn't happen!!!

unkel

DonJose wrote: »

Congrats. Photos or it didn't happen!!!

+1

My first guess of a solution was a lighter too. Reminds me of my windsurfing days

Our man in Havana

DonJose wrote: »

Congrats. Photos or it didn't happen!!!

As requested.