Recycling, boredom and creativity.

[JayP5150]

Ok, this isn't a new idea. Brian Setzer has done it, Levy's makes one (but it's plain, generic, and has no retro-cool-mojo-factor).

I went to the local pull-it-yourself parts yard yesterday and picked up some seatbelts. I am going to be making these into guitar straps.




I'm still working on getting them cleaned up (GM uses this nasty putty stuff around the bolts, and some of it got on the straps on the way out).

I'm also trying to figure out a good way of attaching to the guitar lol. If you have straplocks, you can just hammer the end tabs flat and bolt them on, but I'm going to figure out a way to clip them on to a regular one, too. I think the only way (without having to pay someone to sew leather tabs on the ends) is to replace the strap button with an eyelet bolt, and use a little carabiner clip. Easily reversible if you ditch it.

I just thought I'd share. If anyone wants one, let me know. Right now I've got two tan GM ones (keeping one for me), and I have two black Cadillac ones. I plan on going back in a couple weeks to find more of the same, and maybe some Chrysler/Dodge, Ford ones, too.



Sorry for this pics, they're from my phone. I think my camera's at work. Or in my car. Either way, it was too far away to go get lol.

I just wanted to share. Comments and ideas are welcomed.

[Gibby]

you might could get some money for selling the cadillac symbol guitar straps...

[JayP5150]

you might could get some money for selling the cadillac symbol guitar straps...

I think once I figure out the best method of attachment, I might put them up on ebay just to see.

I know that generic Levy's one is like $45, otherwise I would've bought one years ago. I'm not paying that kind of money for a blank buckle.

I also have to figure out the best way to keep the slack in the back under control. I may use snaps, and just put about four on there so you have plenty of room for adjustment, but that thing's not flapping around.

Those car seat retainer clips would work great, but they're like $4 a piece.

I'll have to make a Home Depot/JoAnn Fabric trip and see what works best.

Oh yeah, I'm man enough to admit the JoAnn fabric is a frequent visit (my wife's an artist lol).

[dingster1]

Isnt it heavy though?

[JayP5150]

Isnt it heavy though?

Not noticeably so. I'd say it's less than a pound all in all.

I'll be using one this weekend at my dad's annual Labor Day Cook Out And Jam-fest. I'll let you know.

[axeman1]

Very cool !! 

Think I'll forward this to Malthumb (bassist). He's a big time car guy.

[Rown]

       Jay,you got too much time on your hands.

[JayP5150]

       Jay,you got too much time on your hands.

That's the problem--I really don't lol.

I've got too much time in my mind, then I start things and take weeks to finish them lol.

Update since it was bumped, though:

Tried these out at a jam, and the Caddy one has too much strap between the buckle and strap lock, so it hits a bit on the collarbone. I'm going to try to either shorten it, or pad the buckle.

The GM on was better (shorter piece there), but it could also use some padding.

Other than that, totally functional, and not heavy at all.

About that time on my hands... they are sitting on my basement floor about 3 feet from me right now, waiting on my to get a day off. Of course, in my career, getting a day off is like catching a unicorn (or waiting on a bank holiday lol).

[Gibby]

That's the problem--I really don't lol.

I've got too much time in my mind, then I start things and take weeks to finish them lol.

Update since it was bumped, though:

Tried these out at a jam, and the Caddy one has too much strap between the buckle and strap lock, so it hits a bit on the collarbone. I'm going to try to either shorten it, or pad the buckle.

The GM on was better (shorter piece there), but it could also use some padding.

Other than that, totally functional, and not heavy at all.

About that time on my hands... they are sitting on my basement floor about 3 feet from me right now, waiting on my to get a day off. Of course, in my career, getting a day off is like catching a unicorn (or waiting on a bank holiday lol).

That's cool tho jay.  You're a real creative brotha!!