TimDarrah Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 In several reviews/articles, I see that the builder has used either Tamiya tape or masking tape for the seatbelts. How do you keep them in position? After awhile, doesn't the "sticky" on the tape reduce it's hold? I have a few kits on hold right now ( Fujimi Porsche 911GT3R Flying Lizard and Revell Mustang Folger's GTO) that are up to the seatbelt stage and have gone no further. Thanks, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghodges Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 I've only used tape belts on aircraft, but the only true difference in application should be scale and size. This is one area where money matters, as (in my experience) the cheaper the tape, the cheaper the adhesive, and the more likely you'll have problems down the road. Tamiya tape seems to be VERY good, and I've not had any problems with belts made from them. I have had some tape belts lose there adhesion after a few years and"curl" up off of the seat. However, this has literally taken years. The belts were quite fine for "campaigning", and now that they're retired to my shelf; so what? Oddly enough, even "cloth" tape belts (medical tape) have done this! However, you can also use tape belts by folding them over on themselves while trapping PE buckles, which is actually a very convenient way to build them up. When you do it this way, you don't have a "sticky" side left exposed, and you can either rely on their weight and folding/bending to hold them in place, or simply glue them in position with a dot of superglue. In my experience, gluing all belts of any kind into position eliminates any worries down the road. GIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickH Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Thanks, Gil. That was just what I needed to hear. I have just been trying to get the nerve up to start some seatbelts. You airoplane guys make it look so good, I hope it doesn't take too long to get the technique. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ipmsusa2 Posted August 18, 2014 Report Share Posted August 18, 2014 Tim, I second Gil. I used masking tape belts on aircraft for years and still do from time to time. Believe it or not, I actually prefer tape belts to photoetch. Combined with photoetch buckles, you can get a more realistic lie. But like Gil says, glue'em down. That eliminates any problems down the road. Incidentally, you might want to try Gator's Grip to glue'em down instead of CA. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimDarrah Posted August 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2014 Richard, Thanks for the tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelsmith Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 As another alternative, try using the thick metal seal material from wine bottles, some of which is made from a very soft metal and feels like very thin lead sheet. Aluminium foil wine seals and food containers can also be used. They can be cut into strips, and as they are very malleable enable shaping around seat contours etc to be done easily. Fitting photo etched seat belt buckles and harness to them is very easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClareWentzel Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 I was going to suggest the same thing as Noel. The material is easily painted and stays in place readily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimDarrah Posted June 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 I have several "pads" of wine bottle foil but to me they are too thick for seat belts. That's why I haven't tried them yet. Of course, I still add to that collection . Thank you the suggestions. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Bell Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 If you overcoat the interior with a dull and/or gloss coat, that also seals the tape slowing down it drying out and also helps hold it in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66Foxtrot Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 Of course, I still add to that collection . That's the best part!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyKing Posted June 26, 2016 Report Share Posted June 26, 2016 Ideal tape for seat belts: Available in the following sizes: 0.4mm x 8m 0.7mm x 8m 1.0mm x 5m 1.5mm x 5m 2.0mm x 5m 2.5mm x 5m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Nardone Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 Another alternative: Thermal receipt paper. You know, the paper your receipts are printed on at the "Pay at the Pump" gas stations and many other places. It is thin, takes paint well, and is surprisingly strong. It threads through PE buckles in a snap... If I had known this back in the day, I would have kept the boxes of the old fax paper we threw into the garbage when we upgraded to plain paper fax machines at work. Ralph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyKing Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 (edited) So now my question is: What's a good source for photoetch seatbelts of various styles? I once had a bunch, but they seem to have been lost in several moves over the years. Edited June 27, 2016 by SkyKing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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