Ideas on removing seatbelts modeled into racing seats

[Modelcrafters.GP]

Hi guys,

I suddenly became a newbie again and I need recommendations on how to remove seat belts that are molded into racing seats.

I'm working on Tamiya's Mazda 787B and other Gr.C racers, and those who have worked on older Tamiya kits, know that these are often sculpted into the seat. I have tried using files, chisels, and other supplies from my shop, but i've yet to try using curved riffler files. A nice set of riffler files aren't cheap and i'm not about to meet an order minimum from my distributor just to get a set of files in.

Has anybody had experience using these kinds of files? Does anybody have any suggestions on how to remove these belts? Should I just use a saw to remove the seat center and use plasticard to rebuild it? I could use a seat from another kit, but then I would like to have it as close to the real design if I could.

This is frustrating me a bit, not only because I couldn't remove the seat belts, but also as a shop owner, I should know more techniques and have an arsenal of tools to deal with this.

Thanks in advance to all those responding.

Happy modeling,
Vince, MGP Owner.

[JTRACING]

just use course sandpaper to remove the belts, then use some filler to smooth it out

[Modelcrafters.GP]

Thanks JT for responding. I tried it just now on our coffee break and the seat is starting to look real crappy. It did take off portions of the belt though so it worked there. Hopefully the filler will help. I'll try that later on tonight.

Cheers and happy modeling,
Vince

[RallyRaider]

Well if there is a quick and easy way I'd like to know too! In the past I've done it the hard way with modelling knives, course sandpaper and putty, to fill in the mess afterwards. A tedious process to be sure.

[Big Kahuna]

Gents,
I grind it out with a Dremel. Then use coarse sandpaper, and work up to a finer sandpaper. Smooth with some putty, prime and paint and et voila' there you have it!

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

... et voila' there you have it!

I wish it will be that easy!! )) LOL

If it doesnt work, I will PM for a refund j/k

[Big Kahuna]

oh sorry.
Insert "and slave your guts out for two hours doing all the above!..."

[Scale-Master]

I made my own purpose specific chisels from those cheap blade screwdrivers that come in a set of 6 to 8 in a plastic case for about a buck. Too soft use as screwdrivers, but great to make into chisels for plastic. Discount stores always seem to have them... - Mark

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

oh sorry.
Insert "and slave your guts out for two hours doing all the above!..."

I hope you dont think that bit of "fine print" gets you off the hook!

Scale-Master - 10-15-2005 at 08:12 PM
I made my own purpose specific chisels from those cheap blade screwdrivers

That is a really cool idea!

[ED59]

Hi,

Rifflers are expensive, and not for this kind of use; You can use them (I do) for a smooth finish in some misplaced areas, not to remove huge plastic, or it could take long time.

I'm also usually making tools from old X-acto blades...