Date:         Thu, 19 Aug 1999 08:20:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Subject:      Re: Infant seats and Vanagons...
Comments: To: arbosch@ra.rockwell.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Sorry,

I thought shoulder belts began in the back in 1987 and newer . . . . I'm
wrong again!

Are the outboard lap-only belts the locking reel kind, or the passively
adjustable kind like most "center of the back seats" have?

 I use the locking clip on my center-bench lap-only belt to keep it cinched
tight.  I did buy a new receiver / button latch portion from the dealership
because the old one was worn and the plastic cover was coming off.  I
believe it was <$30 at the dealer$hip.  It was amazing how the DPO's three
kids and two adults destroyed so much of the seat belt hardware in this
van -- because I don't think they ever used them!

Anyway, have you considered changing the outboard seats to shoulder belts?
I have heard in the list that the hard mounting points are there, and it can
be safely done.  It might not be really necessary for the infant seat, but
when your child passes the 40 pound weight limit of the five point harness
of a booster seat, he will have to start using the three point vehicle belt
anyway.  Therefore, it might be a worthy investment.

Good Luck,
Michael Townsend
townsend@rtp.ericsson.se



>
>I think you and I discussed this once before.  Phred, my Wolfy, does not
have
>shoulder belts for the outboard read passengers.  Headrests, yes.  Shoulder
>belts, no.  Regardless, the problem I face is with those little infant
carriers
>with the fold down handles.  The lap belt receivers on the rear will not
allow
>the seat to be hunkered down with any degree of confidence.  That's why I'm
>looking at alternatives.
>
>Alan Bosch
>
>