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DeVertible
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 85
Location: Sequim, Washington
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 Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:53 pm Post subject: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| I have a set of 1967 convertible seatbelts that are in great condition but missing the covers. I am wondering if anyone has removed covers from one set to install on another. I have no covers at the moment to examine to guide me and I don't want to buy a set of belts just for the covers if they can not be removed and re-installed successfully. Thanks |
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Sharp64
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015
Posts: 5304
Location: Central Florida
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 5:01 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| DeVertible wrote: |
| I have a set of 1967 convertible seatbelts that are in great condition but missing the covers. I am wondering if anyone has removed covers from one set to install on another. I have no covers at the moment to examine to guide me and I don't want to buy a set of belts just for the covers if they can not be removed and re-installed successfully. Thanks |
Can you post a pic of what you need? I just pulled the two front seat belts to replace them and they sound like I may have what you need. |
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DeVertible
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 85
Location: Sequim, Washington
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| Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| Will post picture tomorrow. I need to know if black plastic covers of spring loaded claws can be removed and reinstalled without bresking. |
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DeVertible
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 85
Location: Sequim, Washington
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| Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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Here is photo of one of the seat belts. Looking to find out if covers from another set could be removed and placed on my belts before I invest in another set of belts |
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briansandiego
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2012
Posts: 135
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| Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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I need those covers too! Subscribed...
_________________
Stock'ish 1968 Beetle |
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Sharp64
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015
Posts: 5304
Location: Central Florida
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 6:20 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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Don't think they are the same. Concept is similar, but mine are black and the covers don't seem removable.
They do seem to be original VW though. Part number is : KL-1-500/3.3/1968. I'm guessing they came off a 68 of some sort.
I have two of these. One, the belt portion is pretty much toast, the other is great. I have two much shorter lengths of belt that maybe were supposed to be used kids or something? Anybody wants them, LMK. |
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DeVertible
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 85
Location: Sequim, Washington
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 7:51 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| Those are the correct covers and look to be in good shape. It seems to me there has to be a way to disassemble but who knows. Do you have photos of complete belt. I might be interested in the lot just to explore the idea if the price is right. The others you have might be the rears. I need the center receiver loop as well as well as a ring that mounts behind the rear seat center. |
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Sharp64
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015
Posts: 5304
Location: Central Florida
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 7:54 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| DeVertible wrote: |
| Those are the correct covers and look to be in good shape. It seems to me there has to be a way to disassemble but who knows. Do you have photos of complete belt. I might be interested in the lot just to explore the idea if the price is right. The others you have might be the rears. I need the center receiver loop as well as well as a ring that mounts behind the rear seat center. |
lets take it to PM. I'll get more pics in a bit. |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11055
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 8:49 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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Tap the rivet thru, and the cover slides off the claw..
I've swapped good for bad covers several times.
The biggest issue is the ability to reuse the original rivet or not.. or just use a replacement rivet...(not a pop rivet a real rivet).
.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited
Last edited by VOLKSWAGNUT on Tue Nov 24, 2015 9:23 am; edited 1 time in total |
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gt1953
Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2002
Posts: 13848
Location: White Mountains Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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I sorta had the same issue and decide upon something like this. Sure glad I did.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Hummer-Retractable-Fr...mp;vxp=mtr
_________________
Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.
72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold}) |
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DeVertible
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2013
Posts: 85
Location: Sequim, Washington
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| Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| Thanks volkwagnut. I have a set coming with good covers and will soon be giving it a shot |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11055
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 9:27 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| DeVertible wrote: |
| Thanks volkwagnut. I have a set coming with good covers and will soon be giving it a shot |
Easy peezy repair..
I've found.. its best to be prepared to use new rivets, but sometimes if you are patient, you can gently fold the old hollow peened rivet back straight with a pair of sharp side cutter like pliers (and a punch) , tap it back through and reuse it.. ..
Once you realize how easy the swap over is.. you will....  ... (duh)
No... I dont know the exact size of the original rivet. .. 
Most hardware stores have..... something that will work..
I've used rivets and/or solid bar peened (both sides) over to secure.. but Im not picky either.
Just be sure to make whatever you use as a smooth as possible.
Maybe you make this a tutorial for replacing the covers ... 
Oh yeah.. dont forget.. ...with pictures.. cause we all know VW people just gotta have pictures..
.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
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Bdaniello
Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2011
Posts: 2
Location: New Jersey
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| Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 8:50 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| Where can I find new lobster claw covers to replace what I have on my 67 ? |
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EverettB 
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69809
Location: Phoenix Metro
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67conv
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2005
Posts: 385
Location: Simi Valley, California
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| Posted: Mon May 31, 2021 9:11 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| DeVertible wrote: |
Here is photo of one of the seat belts. Looking to find out if covers from another set could be removed and placed on my belts before I invest in another set of belts |
That is a 67 convertible or Ghia "only" seat belt assy pictured above. (Klippan VW) The missing plastic claw covering likely might be different in mounting and function configuration than the later black "American Safety" (made for VW in USA) plastic claw covering shown below. Note additional chromed metal component, w/ engraved arrow and much thicker grip ribbing...
Original plastic cover on '67 vert belt from gallery:
....and fitment within the casing. The newer, bulkier "American Safety" covers might not work as well as an original Klippan cover 'scalped' from a 67 sedan or type3..
_________________
1967 VW Convertible, owned /driven /pampered for 34 years.
1957 DKW 3=6, owned /driven /risen from the dead for 20 years.
Previously owned: 72 "Baja Champion SE" Spec. Edition Super Beetle bought NEW; 79 Convertible bought NEW; 67 type 1 savanna beige; 67 2.0 911S; 73 2.4 911T; 63 356 T6 B Cabriolet; 64 356 SC sunroof coupe; 72 Type-3 Squareback; 68 + 69 Type-3 Fastbacks; 87 Vanagon GL Wasserboxer |
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harrymarlin
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 722
Location: Washington, DC
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| Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:07 am Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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| DeVertible wrote: |
Here is photo of one of the seat belts. Looking to find out if covers from another set could be removed and placed on my belts before I invest in another set of belts |
As a note, I believe that seat belt has been installed on the wrong side. The "bump" should face inwards, so the seat belt mechanism can be better shifted out of the way.
Someone can correct me if I am wrong.
_________________
-Harry
--------------------------
1967 Ruby Red Convertible Beetle ("Becky")
ISO Albuquerque "Imported Motors" dealership paraphernalia |
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67conv
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2005
Posts: 385
Location: Simi Valley, California
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| Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:15 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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Ooops...  I didn't realize this was an OLD post to begin with, and 2 of the photos apparantly didn't appear in my previous post - making nonsense out of what I was trying to say... 
So, to better 'illustrate' what I was trying to say, here are the two missing photos of the plastic covers for comparison:
American Safety black lobster claw:
...and the Klippan as used in 1967's:
And, Harry - you are correct! The OP's photo with the missing cover is installed on the wrong side. The roll bulge should be facing inboard, not out. At this point, I'm curious to know whatever the outcome might've been 6 years ago for the attempt at putting the 'beefier' American Safety black covers on the Klippan mechanism..
_________________
1967 VW Convertible, owned /driven /pampered for 34 years.
1957 DKW 3=6, owned /driven /risen from the dead for 20 years.
Previously owned: 72 "Baja Champion SE" Spec. Edition Super Beetle bought NEW; 79 Convertible bought NEW; 67 type 1 savanna beige; 67 2.0 911S; 73 2.4 911T; 63 356 T6 B Cabriolet; 64 356 SC sunroof coupe; 72 Type-3 Squareback; 68 + 69 Type-3 Fastbacks; 87 Vanagon GL Wasserboxer |
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greenwalt
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2021
Posts: 1
Location: OR
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| Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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I know this is a long shot, but I am looking for the same plastic cover being discussed in this thread. We have a 1967 Beetle that needs a new cover for the driver's side. The mechanism that clips still works.
If anyone has any idea where I could get one (or maybe get plans for a 3D printed version?) - please let me know:
[email protected]
| 67conv wrote: |
Ooops... I didn't realize this was an OLD post to begin with, and 2 of the photos apparantly didn't appear in my previous post - making nonsense out of what I was trying to say...
So, to better 'illustrate' what I was trying to say, here are the two missing photos of the plastic covers for comparison:
American Safety black lobster claw:
...and the Klippan as used in 1967's:
And, Harry - you are correct! The OP's photo with the missing cover is installed on the wrong side. The roll bulge should be facing inboard, not out. At this point, I'm curious to know whatever the outcome might've been 6 years ago for the attempt at putting the 'beefier' American Safety black covers on the Klippan mechanism.. |
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harrymarlin
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018
Posts: 722
Location: Washington, DC
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| Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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They are not reproduced, and 3-D printers are not at the level they can accurately build it, with the pebble pattern (as I understand). Breaking at the ends is the most common, as that area is under the largest amount of stress.
As far as I know, the only solution is to buy a used set with good ends and use them as donors for yours (that's what I had to do). They come up, periodically, in the classifieds here, on ebay, and on 1967beetle.com.
Note, similar seat belt mechanisms were produced for ghias and (I think) type 3s. So, if you aren't a purist, and are ok with it being *close*, you could use those.
Then, again, if you weren't a purist, you would probably just replace them with something modern.
Good luck!
_________________
-Harry
--------------------------
1967 Ruby Red Convertible Beetle ("Becky")
ISO Albuquerque "Imported Motors" dealership paraphernalia |
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Jos.Hall
Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2011
Posts: 336
Location: Sunny So Cal.
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| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Replacing Lobster Claw Covers on Seat Belts |
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I’ll add to what Harry said that Klippan belts were commonly used on a lot of European cars especially BMWs so you could always find some donors on eBay and use those as well.
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