Radian install on Ody bench - post install advice

[lizzytra]

So, I hauled my 8 month pregnant self to the back of the van over the weekend w/blustery spring winds freezing my pregnant belly (darn pants were slipping down!) as I, I'm sure to the entertainment of the neighbors, performed contortionist manuevers to get my Radian installed.

I gathered perhaps to much "umph" as I pulled the center lap belt taught and noticed I bent some of the plastic where the center seat belt is routed through the ff facing area on the Radian. I did this when I was tightening the belt at one point, before I realized it was getting caught on the plastic frame.

Is the lap belt supposed to sit this way against the car seat? Did I damage the car seat in a way that would hurt its future function (silly question as I realize the importance is the frame, but I feel like I should double check)?

I got a rock solid install in the end, but not before I damaged the car seat and then noticed that perhaps the seat belt isn't supposed to sit against the seat like it shows in the picture. Your thoughts?

I would really appreciate any in-put as I was nervous about my first install w/o latch.

Thank You!!!

PS I took pics and as soon as I figure out how to post them I will do so to illustrate my questions.

[lizzytra]

Here is the address to the pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/elizabethlicitra/RadianCarSeat

First two photos show how I bent/nicked the frame a bit while applying too much "umph" before realizing seat belt was against plastic frame and not tightening.

Last picture shows how the belt is positioned on the car seat. Again, it is a solid install (doesn't budge), but I've seen where people have been warned to be careful how close buckle is to the seat belt path on car seat.

... hope I'm making sense! Hard to explain!

[o_mom]

That's where mine always ends up when I install it there. You can twist the female buckle stalk to shorten it. That will help a tiny bit. I'm not sure on the bending, though.

[Joolsplus2]

The main thing is that once it's installed, push it pretty hard at the belt path, if it's not going to stay tight, it'll loosen immediately because of the latchplate being tipped into the belt path. If it stays tight you are A-OK.

(carseat yoga, rofl!)

I think the easiest way to get it rock solid is to recline the back bench, then install, then pull the benchback back upright...just for future reference :)

Not sure about bent plastic parts, I *think* it's rather common though, and they don't do anything about it, but you could call them and ask...?