Date:         Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:07:33 -0900
Reply-To:     Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear 3 point belts
Comments: To: Dan Winget <william.winget@VERIZON.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <45BB726B.2070404@verizon.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Dan,

There are a couple of options for you to consider.  Rear shoulder belts are available and should be installed for use by anyone that uses the back seat.  You can find new belts available from online vendors, used belts from fellow list members  Chris Jordan probably has some(for example), or eBay, thesamba.com, craigslist, etc.

As for your sons safety you may want to consider a different option until he is older, assuming he is of average size for his age.  A booster seat using the stock 3pt shoulder belt is legal in the US but is not as safe for the child as a safety seat with 5pt harness.  There are a couple of safety seats on the market that are rated for weights up to about 80lbs, they will provide a higher degree of safety than the 3pt belt as they keep the child from squirming out of proper position.  These seats cost more and are larger and more bulky but our little ones depend on us to protect them the best that we can.  Check out Britax as one source for safety seats that handle the larger children.  If you have any questions on this feel free to pmail me.  My wife is a great resource for this subject she is NHTSA certified on safety seats and owns a children store.

Mark in AK


----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Winget <william.winget@VERIZON.NET>
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2007 6:53 am
Subject: rear 3 point belts
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Hi,
>
> I need to put a 3 pt belt in te rear of my 87 westy.  my son 4 yr
> old is
> in a booster seat an requires a shoulder belt.  What are others doing
>
> thanks
>
> Dan
>