Snugride in an older car HELP!!

[Kallie724]

I'm trying to install my Graco Snugride car seat and I'm having major problems! I have a 95 Geo Prizm and when I go to install the base I can't seem to get it tight enough and keep it tight. We've tried placing a lot of pressure on it and we get it tight but the seat can easily manuver it's way loose. I've even tried it on the side with the shoulder/lap belt and it still doesn't work. My car doesn't have the latch system b/c it's so old. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. THANKS!

[SusanMae]

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If you are installing outboard, you're going to need to use a locking clip to hold the belt tight on a 1995 car. The belt isn't staying locked and that's why it's coming loose. A locking clip came on the back of your snugride. The directions on how to use it are in the manual. You can also refer to this link: http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/lockincss.aspx

Is you're middle seatbelt just a lapbelt with a tail? If so, that makes for a really EASY install.

Post back with more questions and we'll do our best to help you!

Susan

[crunchierthanthou]

How are you checking for movement? An acceptable installation means less than 1" of movement in any direction (front to back or side to side) at the beltpath. You only need to grasp with one hand and tug- no extreme force necessary. The back of the base (closer to the front of the vehicle) will lift off the seat, even when it's tight at the beltpath. That's okay.

Does the shoulder belt lock if you pull it all the way out and let it back in slowly? If not, did you try a locking clip on it?

Is the center a lap-only belt? Those are usually pretty good for installing carseats. One trick is to tighten it before you buckle it. If it is a locking latchplate that isn't staying tight, then you can flip the male end one half turn (180 degrees) to get everything in proper alignment to lock correctly.

Is the latchplate pushing against the shell and preventing it from getting properly tight? If so, you can twist the buckle stalk up to 3 full twists (that's the nylon webbing that connects the female end to the vehicle frame).

Are the bottoms of your seats contoured? If so, you may need a rolled towel or section of pool noodle under the front of the base.

adding: locking latchplates on lap-only belts work like this:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z157/crunchierthanthou/lockinglatchplate.jpg

[ThreeBeans]

With the lap-shoulder belt, you'll need to use a locking plate.

With the center lap belt, try tightening it as far as it will go, unsnapping it, tightening it a leeeeetle bit more, then get your knee in it and wrestle that buckle back together.

[SusanMae]

With the lap-shoulder belt, you'll need to use a locking plate.



uhhh---don't you mean a locking clip

:D

Susan

[joolsplus3]

Right, locking clip. www.carseatsite.com has videos and pictures of how to do that. If you happen to have the box and receipt, you might want to return that seat and get a Graco Safeseat Step 1, which has a built in lockoff so you won't have to use a locking clip. (Snugride is fine, and you can learn to use the locking clip, but the safeseat is just such a dream to install I'd feel bad if I didn't mention it)

:)