Making Luggage straps

[TomoHawk]

I'm not too happy with the original style luggage straps, especially since you can only get them used on eBay, so I'd like to make up a couple new ones, with metal buckles and longer, adjustable straps. Has anyone done this before?

You can get metal or heavy plastic quick-release buckles at army surplus stores. Plastic buckles and straps are readily available at crafts, hardware, surplus, or sewing stores. The strap ends should probably be sewn by an upholsterer. The length you'd have to decide on the length yourself, but they would be adjustable anyway.

Would plastic buckles work, as long as you use the straps to hold down "luggage?" You might even use buckles from seatbelts?

You would attach them to the deck with 4 plates that resemble D-rings, after sewing the straps to them.

thxZ

[Datsun240Z71]

I have these in my 71 240Z.

http://www.atkenco.com/store/630%21RIVES/15%27+TWIN+PACK+UTILITY+STRAPS

[TomoHawk]

I like the cam-lock buckles. Can you get those somewhere? Another trip to the hardware store....

Would you rather have permanently mounted cleats or something that's easily removed? You could make a plate with a keyhole slot for easy connection, or maybe something else. Either way, it should lay flat or be removable.

[Captain Obvious]

I like the cam-lock buckles.

Would you rather have permanently mounted cleats or something that's easily removed? You could make a plate with a keyhole slot for easy connection, or maybe something else. Either way, it should lay flat or be removable.

I've got a Z32 as well, and one of the things that I've always disliked on that car is the ability to pop the stap off at once without having to mess with the tightening buckle. I don't know if you use that feature on your 1G Z, but if it were me I would absolutely do the keyhole mount on the end.

Also, just me, but I don't like the sound of cam-lock buckles back there. I very rarely use the cargo straps at all, and the top priority for me would be flat. Strength and ease of tightening is second order.

Flat and quick release without having to unwind the whole strap to lift the platform below.

[TomoHawk]

The S30s have a plate on each end with a slot the strap goes through, screwed to the deck, and a jam-type slider in the middle (like they use on PFDs.)

A two-piece design would be good, like the kind with the quick-release buckle, that would attach in the middle. Otherwise, you'd have to double one end over to tighten the strap, which means a very long strap. The detachable mounting plate is the mystery part. the kind of clip like those used for suspenders comes to mind; they attach securely, and don't come off unless you detach them, but don't seem too strong.

Edited July 11, 2012 by TomoHawk

[SteveJ]

This is in a different direction, but I think the seat belts on either of these links could be modified to work.

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/ll60.html

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/lb60.html - You can get these from 4 foot long to 9 foot long

[TomoHawk]

I thought of using seat belt latches for attaching the ends to the deck. You can get them from a JY for much less than $20 each (pair) They are strong, accept straps easily, and come apart easily. You'd need to screw them to the deck somehow, and they are loose enough so you can get the tongue in, and you can aim them up, probably. All you would need is something to take up the excess for tension; some kind of slider plate.

Which cars had narrow seat belts?

[TomoHawk]

How tall would you say the average luggage or box/tub is? The deck (on a 280Z) is 42 inches from the front lip to the rear finisher, so you'll need to figure in that dimension. If you figure a 12 inch height then you need 42+24 or 66 inches of material, plus a little for the ends.

[SteveJ]

I thought of using seat belt latches for attaching the ends to the deck. You can get them from a JY for much less than $20 each (pair) They are strong, accept straps easily, and come apart easily. You'd need to screw them to the deck somehow, and they are loose enough so you can get the tongue in, and you can aim them up, probably. All you would need is something to take up the excess for tension; some kind of slider plate.

Which cars had narrow seat belts?

Meh. Why put in old dried out belts that will break or be difficult to work with when for a few dollars more you can get brand new? IMHO that's penny wise and pound foolish. Plus, you don't have to spend the time looking around the junkyards, unless you just like roaming around for parts. I can understand that.

[Datsun240Z71]

The ones I linked to above fit the original mounting points, are 15' long and 1" wide, have secure buckles and work great for me. I use them often to secure my tool bag with jumper cables, etc., lawn chairs, duffle bag when travelling, etc. Plus, they were inexpensive.

[TomoHawk]

The local PullAPart is very cool. It's clean, the wall-to-wall gravel is nice & flat, and there are no rats or bees! There are a bunch of wheelbarrows you can just grab & go "shopping." The only thing they don't have is trees & flowers by the cars. They even have a sink so you can wash your hands before going in to pay for your stuff.

Besides, the last time I was there, I made a profit! It's just $1 to get in, and I found $4 in change in the cars.

As for the seat belts: You just have to find a car with nice new ones. As long as it's not 97+ degrees (BTDT), it's nice at the PullAPart. I took a list of stuff I wanted to look for, and got it all in one trip

www.Pullapart.com

Edited July 11, 2012 by TomoHawk

[TomoHawk]

The ones I linked to above fit the original mounting points,

You mean they fit through the slot of the factory mounting plates? Then you just loop each end over and cinch it up...

I don't see why you couldn't get those at the local Auto parts store. All I've found so far are heavy Cargo Straps with heavy hooks and the ratcheting things.