Regent install- cannot get the seat belt tight enough

[heidi6692]

Well I finally was able to get the regent for DS and hopefully he can use it for a long time!!

My question with trying to install it with the seat belt is that I cannot seem to get it "tight". We are putting it in the middle in a 05 grand prix GXP or an 06 impala. We have lap and shoulder belts and when I put it through the seat belt does not "lock" so the seat is easy to move.. the top tether attaches well but is this normal???

How do I know if I need the locking thing on the seatbelt??

We had a boulevard and it was set up with latch so that was easy, I feel so confused!!!

TIA

Heidi

[skaterbabscpst]

You probably have locking latchplates. Many domestic vehicles use these instead of locking retractors. With locking latchplates, the shoulder portion of the belt will slide freely until there is a sudden stop or crash, but the lap portion of the belt locks to secure a child seat.

To get the seat in tightly, pull the shoulder belt parallel to the lap belt as you tighten it.

[heidi6692]

Ok so technically it "can move" until it is in an impact? We were able to move it pretty freely so that is why I was concerned.. I will have to try it again tonight :)

Thanks!

[skaterbabscpst]

If you have locking latchplates, yes. The shoulder belt will slide freely, but the seat should be secure with just the lap portion of the belt. It takes my about 3 minutes to install my Regent in vehicles with locking latchplates.

[heidi6692]

Thanks! I agree it is real easy I was just afraid about the movement... I will recheck it tonight as it is in my DHs car right now :)

[_Jessica_]

We have an '05 wide track grand prix.
The seat belts are on switchable retractors. Pull the shoulder belt out and let it ratchet back slowly to engage the locking mechanism.
I have always gotten a GREAT rock the car install in either outboard positions(long belt path + recline bar), so if middle fails, give it a try.

HTH

[heidi6692]

Thanks Jessica-- I hope the middle works out because it will take convincing DH to put him on an end :)

DH installed it yesterday and said it was fine so I am sure it is tight- DH is neurotic about safety so he wouldnt have taken him out if it wasnt, I never got a chance to look last night as I got home late.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

[Mom to a few]

Ok so technically it "can move" until it is in an impact? We were able to move it pretty freely so that is why I was concerned.. I will have to try it again tonight :)

Thanks!

No, I think there's some confusion about what you are asking. If you are saying that the shoulder portion of the belt moves freely, but the lap belt portion is locked tight--that's ok. If you are saying that the Regent itself is moving more than 1" in any direction when you check at the belt path--that's not ok. Retractors are made to automatically lock when a crash happens, but that's not good enough for keeping a carseat secure. If the seat isn't locked in tightly before the crash happens, then it will loosen over time (during normal driving), and will allow too much movement when a crash happens.

If you have have a switchable retractor, then the seatbelt should become "lockable" after you pull it all the way out. That's great if your husband was able to get it tight, just make sure that the seatbelt stays locked tight when you try to move it.

[skaterbabscpst]

:yeahthat:

[heidi6692]

Thank you for the clarification-- I was moving the seat from the top not from the lap belt section... I checked it out last night and it is very solid so thank you all for the help..

Scary part is I am an engineer and I should know how to do this :) HAHA!

Heidi