Need help with Photo Etch seatbelts

[schwack]

Hi guys,

As some of you may know, I've been working on a custom 2001 Subaru Impreza WRC for a family member. Not only did I pick up the P/E kit for this Tamiya model (#24240), but I also purchased the P/E seat harness / seat-belt kit (both kits are from Scale Motorsport). I've opted to go the seat belt route even though I'm making this a stock / rally mash up. My problem is the buckles. I have three options, a shoulder harness, a shoulder belt, or a racing harness assembly. I was going to go the with the shoulder belt assembly but I've hit a wall. The assembly of the buckle calls for 3 pins to be inserted into the holes on the buckle. Of course, the pins aren't included and they don't document the gauge required. I've attached a few pictures for reference. In the first image, you can see the 3 holes on each side of the buckle. That's what I have to have the pins glue to, then the idea is you thread the belt through that. The 2nd two images are the instructions, and I'm wondering if I shouldn't do the shoulder harness assembly style one instead of style two which requires the 3 pins. Let's add to the mix that this is my first full P/E project. So I'm probably going to make mistakes, and style one looks easier to do.

My question is, which style should I choose of the two? And if the answer is the easier one, just out of curiosity, how would some of you address the pins? I tried finding the smallest gauge wire I could at my local hobby shop but it was still a tad too big. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I am thankful for any input!

- schwack

[JunkPile]

Try a strand from stranded wire. Various sizes available. Good luck.

[Chief Joseph]

Tim, you may need to ream out the holes in the buckle pieces to insert the pins. I'd recommend using 28 gauge craft wire and select an appropriate micro drill bit to open the hole enough to fit the wire. You could go with smaller 32 gauge wire, but the smaller wire is not as stiff and would be harder to work with. The craft wire is easy to straighten off the spool by slightly stretching the wire with pliers. You may just want to use the first style of adjusters since they seem much easier to assemble and look good.

Hope this helps!

Edited September 14, 2013 by Chief Joseph

[schwack]

Thanks for the suggestions Chuck and Joseph! This gives me a good starting point.