BHPian siddharthkalra recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
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). Sewing Bias Tape
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.
Here's what BHPian ex-innova-guy had to say on the matter:
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.
Here's what BHPian fueledbyfury had to say on the matter:
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.
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
Polyester webbing Keep yourself tuned in to the Indian automotive scene via Twitter, Youtube or RSS feeds.