Question for a Tech re: 2 Point Seatbelts

[LD92599]

Update:

Just bought a NIB Britax Laptop for $19.99 at the local baby boutique! They have at least one more too. I'll put it in the old car as soon as the weather warms up here!

~~~~~~~~~

I just upgraded to an Apex65 for FIL's van and the Blvd for my car - giving up my RA and 2 Comfortsports (thank goodness - hated the Comfortsports). DH has an MA.

So, there's 2 classic (read: old!) cars that DS rides in with regularity in the warmer months. I had the Comfortsport in one and would use my RA in the other. However, in reading the manual for the Blvd is clearly states that it's not to be used w/ a non-locking 2 point seat belt!

Help! DS just turned 3; he's about 35 pounds and 38", though i'll get exact H/W on Thursday at his next Dr visit!

So, what do i get next?

Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

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[mom2acrew]

Well the BLVD manual also states to go by the vehicle manufacturers instructions, does it (the vehicle owners manual) state you need to use a belt shortening clip? Or were these seat belts retrofitted? Do you have a top tether anchor installed? I strongly recommend you use one as well...unless it is rfing?

Britax may tell you not to use a belt shortening clip, ie don't use the seat in that vehicle I would call them...the CS is questionable sometimes so you might even want a supervisor for a complicated question. As a tech "I" would use one personally on a ELR but it's hard to recommend you go against Britax recommendations as well.

Here is some info on a belt shortening clip, it is not a locking clip, and you will need to get one from a dealer (Ford dealers are good about giving them out usually) Your local Safe Kids should be able to get you one as well as show you how to use it properly. http://cpsafety.com/articles/lockincss.aspx

This question has been debated before so it will be interesting to hear what other techs have to say as well. Good luck!

Jodi, CPST mom to 4 almost 5

[LD92599]

Well, it's a 1958 Chevy, so seatbelts weren't required at that time (til '66). The seatbelts themselves were added a few years ago. I'll try to post a pic later of the type of seatbelt.


Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

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[Joolsplus2]

I think Britax just doesn't want to take up space and paper and time talking about belt shortening clips, but they are the standard fix for ELR lapbelts, so I think it should be ok. Also, since the belts were added, anyway, maybe they could just be replaced with regular lapbelts with locking latchplates (unless you already have that kind? how did you install the other seats?)

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[LD92599]

the latchplates do lock, i think i have my terminology wrong! It's the type of the 70's/80's i think where you press down on the little square button to unlock it.

Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

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[Joolsplus2]

Yeah, I think you're fine, then. What they don't want you to use is the kind of lap belt that just sits there loose until you crash, and there's NO way to keep it tight except for using a belt shortening clip (only because they don't want to include a BSC or describe how to use it, really, lol).

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[strollerfreak]

I'm guessing you have ALR's....the anaconda lap belts. The ones that once you buckle them, if you breathe in wrong they get tighter, and if you wiggle they get tighter, and if you itch your ear they get tighter until you HAVE to unbuckle yourself and start over again.

We had those in our old station wagon, awesome for installing carseats, not so good for real live passengers sitting in them, LOL.

[LD92599]

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32540.jpg
Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

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[strollerfreak]

That is a standard lap belt, the "locking" mechanisim is hidden inside the big plastic buckle, it's the same type mechanisim as what is in today's standard lap belts, only the head on it has changed.

Hopefully this works...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/CSR2001/installImages/Latchpla/backlock.jpg

That bar type dealy is what the big black buckle basically would look like on the inside if you ripped it apart, there is a metal bar that when it's flat and tension is applied the bar locks the webbing. If it's released, or tilted on an angle, it won't lock properly.

Back in the day, the locking mechanisim was inside the female recepticle instead of on the male latchplate head itself IIRC...

But before I make a complete and utter fool of myself, let me make sure that I know what I'm talking about and ask to make sure.

**ETA** I emailed my Dad who has worked at GM since the 60's to get his input into this as well...I'm awaiting his response. ;-)

[LD92599]

Thanks! I'm curious to see what your dad says!

Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
[img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

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[strollerfreak]

Just got an email back from my dad. He said that the seatbelt in the picture came out of a 1970-1972 vehicle (whoa, talk about specific! LOL) and that yes, the locking mechanisim is within that big black female recepticle.

Sounds like you are good to go!

Have fun toolin' around in your cool ride!!