How to make seat belts from masking tape

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hello All,

I am detailing a cockpit and would like to make seat belts, I have heard modelers that use masking tape to make them. Can anyone break down the steps needed to create them.

Cheers

Thom[:)]

2

Thom;

I make straps for my armour kits to “tie” equipment down. What I do is this.

  1. Roll the tape out on a piece of tempered glass (I use a drink coaster I picked up somewhere)

  2. With a new No. 11 blade in my X-acto and a metal ruler I cut the tape into strips.

  3. I use fine gauge wire to make buckles and other fittings. Some I flatten with a small hammer and anvil.

  4. I then place the finished belt or strap and secure it with superglue or liquid cement.

That’s about it. There are full articles in back issues of FSM you could look up as well for more ideas.

Cheers;

Gregory

3

Hello Gregory,

Thank you for that information, do you leave one side sticky or double the tape over to have no sticky sides?

Cheers,

Thom

4

Thom;

Sorry forgot to mention that bit. After I am done cutting the strip to length etc. I remove the adhesive backing with a bit of lighter fluid. Once the fluid evaporates I test for any residual tack, if there is any I just re-apply the fluid. When it is finely gone I wipe the tape down with a Q-tip of water and let it dry. The next day it is already for painting etc.

Cheers;

Gregory

5

I tried using cigarette box foil yesterday on my ejection seat. I found the foil has better raised detail than masking tape. (I’m sure I read this tip in FSM, but I can’t remember when.)

6

I found that the bandage tape the stuff made by Johnson&Johnson or 3M makes great belts it has the the texture and cloth look. now I just have to fasion the dern buckles.

Scott

7

Scott;

You can fashion the buckles fairly easily with fine gauge wire or flattened solder.

To make square buckles:

Use a piece of hollow brass (preferably for strength) or styrene (Plastruct) square tubing and cut a notch in the centre of the end equal on both sides. Take your piece of fine gauge wire and place it in the notch. Wrap around over the top and come back to your notch and feed it back across the centre. Wrap around the bottom and come back to the centre and cut the wire. Press the wire against all the edges and make your corners square. Slip the completed buckle off the pattern and start over.

To make round buckles:

Follow the above using a hollow brass or styrene round tubing

To make triangular buckles:

Follow the above using a piece of brass ‘L’ bracket or styrene ‘L’

Once you have the necessary buckles made you can feed the strap through like the real thing.

I hope this helps.

Cheers;

Gregory

8

Awesome Gregory I was thinking some kind of template and you answered it gonna try that tonight Thanks

Scott

9

Scott;

Glad I could help. That’s what the forum is for. Post some pic’s when you’re done.

Cheers;

Gregory

10

Hi Gregory,

I was just browsing the forum and came upon your advice. I’ve been wondering how to make a jig for this purpose without real success. Your method is beautiful in its simplicity. I will surely make use of it.

Thanks,

Mike

11

[bow] Yup, truly excellent advice[bow] I know what I’m doing next! Trying another new tip from right here!

Thanks again

Drew

12

Drew;

Your welcome…although the idea is an old one. I modified an idea from Sheperd Paine’s book Modeling Tanks. I recommend to anyone if you have the ability locate older reference books from the 1960’s, 1970’s and so on. As you flip through you will these you will find some great ideas and techniques that have unfortunately been lost or overlooked since the arrival of aftermarket “done for you” kit items.

Cheers;

Gregory

13

Mike;

Your wlecome. That’s what the forum is about. I have numerous reference books that I gleen little tidbits from and I pass them on. If I can locate the answer I post it.

Cheers;

Gregory