Changing the colour of my car's seatbelts

siddharthkalra · 7th October 2023, 05:04

Hello!

I bought a blue Jeep Compass last year. This is my first self earned car, and in the past I've never been very open to getting custom aftermarket work done (my previous car was given to me by my father).

But overtime, my perspective has evolved and I feel I'm more open to doing minor custom tweaks to my car's interiors. While exploring ideas, I stumbled across the thought of having custom color seatbelt webbing in my car - something you dont see often in the mass car segment. I have been looking for resources and articles about doing this - but nothing seems credible.

I haven't been able to find credible people to do it (people who have actually done this before); and also there is a dearth of custom colored seatbelts in Delhi/India. While I have managed to find some options of buying the webbing overseas, I also have safety concerns.

I'll sum up my questions below:
1. Are there legitimate people out there who can install custom seatbelt webbing?
2. Should I be worried about any compromise on safety and/or does this bother insurance companies?

I'm looking for some guidance. Would be grateful for the help.

ex-innova-guy · 7th October 2023, 23:08

While customising your car gives you joy and a sense of uniqueness, I would strongly suggest against Seat Belt Webbing.

While in today's generation there are Airbags, the chances of it deploying varies on the situation and this is where Seat Belts save you. Seat and Seat Belts are one of the most essential part of your car and it can do wonders in case of accidents. The seats are bolstered tightly to the chassis and this is why in cases of accidents too you will see minimal damage to the seat. I have been saved by seat belt once. Additionally, you would not know the quality of the new belt if it is similar to the OEM one or not.

AFAIK there should not be a problem wrt the Insurance company but surely a compromise on safety.

There are many other ways in which you can customise your car and I hope you make the most out of it.

FueledbyFury · 8th October 2023, 06:18

Quote:

While customising your car gives you joy and a sense of uniqueness, I would strongly suggest against Seat Belt Webbing

Absolutely agreed to this. The seat belt webbing gets tightened by the retractor upon impact during an accident. So the materials in the seat belt have a majour role protecting the passenger. Seat belt webbing is made from polyester, nylon and it must have the strength to support more than 28 kNw or 6,000 lbs. If getting a custom seat belt webbing make sure to to meet the OEM quality and other safety standards.

The Rationalist · 9th October 2023, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by siddharthkalra

While exploring ideas, I stumbled across the thought of having custom color seatbelt webbing in my car - something you dont see often in the mass car segment.

Hi Siddharth,

It's possible to change the colours, I had completely coloured my Ford's beige interiors to black. It's been 7 years, touchwood. No issues. I think the paint used was from Montana or similar one from Spain.

architect_santo · 15th October 2023, 08:13

Rather than replacing the webbing, which I understand needs to meet the safety norms for its functioning, could you consider adding a snap-on cover to the existing belt webbing?

I understand it's just a snap-on with Velcro and may not hinder its functioning. It's usually available with a brand logo of standard size; however, you can also easily customise it with a good lining material and length and designs of your choice.

Something like the one in this image?

7th October 2023, 05:04	#1
siddharthkalra Newbie Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Delhi Posts: 1 Thanked: 3 Times	Changing the colour of my car's seatbelts Hello! I bought a blue Jeep Compass last year. This is my first self earned car, and in the past I've never been very open to getting custom aftermarket work done (my previous car was given to me by my father). But overtime, my perspective has evolved and I feel I'm more open to doing minor custom tweaks to my car's interiors. While exploring ideas, I stumbled across the thought of having custom color seatbelt webbing in my car - something you dont see often in the mass car segment. I have been looking for resources and articles about doing this - but nothing seems credible. I haven't been able to find credible people to do it (people who have actually done this before); and also there is a dearth of custom colored seatbelts in Delhi/India. While I have managed to find some options of buying the webbing overseas, I also have safety concerns. I'll sum up my questions below: 1. Are there legitimate people out there who can install custom seatbelt webbing? 2. Should I be worried about any compromise on safety and/or does this bother insurance companies? I'm looking for some guidance. Would be grateful for the help.
	(3) Thanks

7th October 2023, 23:08	#2
ex-innova-guy BHPian Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Mumbai Posts: 739 Thanked: 3,377 Times	Re: Changing the colour of my car's seatbelts While customising your car gives you joy and a sense of uniqueness, I would strongly suggest against Seat Belt Webbing. While in today's generation there are Airbags, the chances of it deploying varies on the situation and this is where Seat Belts save you. Seat and Seat Belts are one of the most essential part of your car and it can do wonders in case of accidents. The seats are bolstered tightly to the chassis and this is why in cases of accidents too you will see minimal damage to the seat. I have been saved by seat belt once. Additionally, you would not know the quality of the new belt if it is similar to the OEM one or not. AFAIK there should not be a problem wrt the Insurance company but surely a compromise on safety. There are many other ways in which you can customise your car and I hope you make the most out of it.
	(1) Thanks

15th October 2023, 08:13	#5
architect_santo BHPian Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Chennai Posts: 57 Thanked: 137 Times	Re: Changing the colour of my car's seatbelts Rather than replacing the webbing, which I understand needs to meet the safety norms for its functioning, could you consider adding a snap-on cover to the existing belt webbing? I understand it's just a snap-on with Velcro and may not hinder its functioning. It's usually available with a brand logo of standard size; however, you can also easily customise it with a good lining material and length and designs of your choice. Something like the one in this image? Last edited by architect_santo : 15th October 2023 at 08:15.
	(2) Thanks