1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle

[OneStopRestoration]

Im fortunate to have a dad that comes from a tool maker career. We both learned as we both started working on our 66 chevelles that the door panel screws are pretty unique. Its a very large washer that is used. Im assuming earlier years like 64 and 65 used them as well. I sent my originals off for chrome plating and thus to date they got lost. My dad set out to make a die and machine down SS screws to recreate the originals. Seen here is the outcome of his work efforts. They came REALLY nice. First picture is an original off my car when I took it apart.

[OneStopRestoration]

This project I really went out on a limb and decided to purchase a Consew 206RB-5 sewing machine. There commonly found in upholstery shops. My first task for the new shop tool was to resew the 66 Deluxe seat belts. I had a few hours of trial and error with the correct box and straight stitch that GM used on there original belts. Seen here below is the process I finally worked out where you used sewing grade double stick tape to hold the fold over together before you lay down the stitching. Final picture is a finished Buckle assembly with box stitch.

[Too Many Projects]

Wow, REALLY nice. Be ready for requests to make more...

[OneStopRestoration]

I found an original set of 66/67 deluxe seat belts and tore them down. I had the top plates and rear main housings sent of and the proper chrome finishes redone. I merely cleaned up the stagecoach features and repainted the back button press. All the other internals were sent off to be zinc plated. I found there was a mix of clear zinc and yellow zinc so i stuck with the clear. Once the pieces are assembled to the belts I cover the buckles and finish the sewing. These are original 3 panel belts that have been very lightly dyed. The finished set of belts is in the last picture. It was extremely hard to find 4 decent deluxe belt covers which are a 66 one year only thing. I wanted to ask other 66 chevelle experts I see a mix of straight and somewhat larger triangular belt covers on various 66 cars. Is it correct that Atlanta cars got the triangular style belt covers? I need to know for my dads 66 L78.

[OneStopRestoration]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

Wow, REALLY nice. Be ready for requests to make more...

Ha! Im sure Mitch that can be arranged but its actually quite a process to make them so if anyone is interested PM and we will have to come up with a price.

[markinnaples]

WOW, your attention to detail is unbelievable. Great job, and thanks for sharing.

[Mr70]

Very nice attention to Detail.
Can you hem my 1970 bell bottoms too?

[67since67]

I have observed an ATL '66 L78 with the straight covers, don't recall the TT date.

Attached is my 10C ATL '66, far too early to be L78. Early '66's have several unique features. - Bill W

[OneStopRestoration]

Thanks Bill. I think dads car is a mid to late April build. So it sounds like the tear drop style vs the straight may have been more of an early vs late? BTW I love the picture of the seat bottom highlighting the seat colored pipping. I have to wonder sometimes if the knowledge has been lost that they are suppose to be color and not chrome.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

My Marina Blue 66 SS L-78 04C Atlanta with Deluxe Belts