This has come up before. In Dan Poynter's The Parachute Manual he states
that Type I nylon fabric loses 94% of its strength after three weeks
exposure to the summer sun (see chart in section 9.3.1.8.15, first edition).
Of course when you figure that most seat belt webbing is initially rated for
between 3,000 and 8,000 pound break strength it still not a major problem
and webbing is much thicker that Type I (the outer fibers shielding the
inner fibers), but clearly, the safer approach is to replace seat belts and
to do it fairly often. Certainly well before they become badly sun faded.
Ken Gano
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Peter Arakelian
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 6:54 PM
To: Listers
Subject: seat belts
In response to a question about replacing faded belts a lister wrote, "If
the
only problem is they are washed out, I would try that (re-dying them with
RIT
black dye) rather than trying to replace the belts."
My seat belt manufacturer has told me in no uncertain terms that a sure sign
of worn/dangerous belts is severe fading in color. This because it is
evidence of sun/ultraviolet damage and has probably weakened the belt. They
should be replaced. You can take this as a sales ploy if you want, but I
believe these people with whom we have done business for a very long time.
Or
you can play for safety and replace the belts when they are badly faded or
have frayed and ragged edges.
Peter Arakelian - '71 TR6, Daily Driver
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