Date:         Mon, 8 Feb 1999 22:49:53 NST
Reply-To:     Han-Sang Lee <han_sang@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Han-Sang Lee <han_sang@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Child seat anchor question
Comments: To: bauman@ICAN.NET
Content-type: text/plain

Here in the States, tethers have not become compulsory yet, but as far
as I can see, the centre row seat is well anchored to the floor by means
of a rail and a bolt as a secondary means.  If the frame of the seat can
hold several thousand pounds of force for a short time in an accident it
may be okey, but bear in mind, this has not been tested.
A better option may be to explore the idea of tethering to the floor
itself.  If you peel back the carpet and insulation you will see several
holes with treads in them,they may have rubber plugs, but VAG put them
there for different configurations (e.g. right hand drive in UK and AUS)
With the same type of bolt that holes the centre row seat in place you
should be able to fit the anchoring hardware for your tether.  This may
be one of those rare times I would seek the advice of VWoA or my local
dealer, they are obligated to help you with safety issues. (at least by
US law they are, and VWoA is in the US after all).  Good luck, and drive
safely and enjoy.

Another option may be to come into the US, purchase a seat the has been
tested without the tether, fit the seat and re-enter Canada (with the
child in the seat.)  One seat that I have found to fit perfectly is the
Century STE Series.  I have been using this series (not the same seat
mind you) for five different kids and had one accident in New Jersey
where the seat has proven its worth. I of course renewed it with another
of the same.  To install this type of seat, you need to place it in the
outboard position (left for North American models), place your knee
centre mass in the base of the seat and fasten the belt whilst using the
locking clip.  The right position can also be used but you must first
refit the female anchor with a non rigid type as the current one has the
seat crease to its aft, a big no-go as far as
seatbelt-anchored-car-seats go.


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>Date:         Mon, 8 Feb 1999 11:34:42 -0800
>Reply-To: Kelly Bauman <bauman@ICAN.NET>
>Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>From: Kelly Bauman <bauman@ICAN.NET>
>Subject:      Child seat anchor question
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>X-UIDL: 507eba22fc078b10a4d5fc02d4748013
>
>I have an anchor for my 2 year old's car seat.  We place him in the
back
>row and the anchor is behind that seat.  There have been some occasions
>where we have wanted to place him in the optional middle row when
>installed.  The tether strap won't reach the regular anchor but we have
>found a good attachment spot on the frame of the spare seat itself
(strap
>goes behind and attaches beneath seat).
>
>Does anyone know if anchoring a car seat to the seat frame is
acceptable
>from a safety perspective?  Any thoughts on this problem are welcome.
Thanks.
>
>Kelly Bauman
>Delta, BC
>'91 Westy
>


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