Top Tether Anchor install instructions - 1997 Civic

[nbs2]

I am trying to install a BV into my 1997 Civc EX sedan, but am having a bit of an issue. There are no upper anchors for the Versa-Tether™, and I'd like to have them installed.

I called my Honda dealer, and they refuse to do it - liability. I called Honda, and they confirmed that stance. So, if anybody has information on what the part number would be for that anchor and installation instructions for the anchor, I'd appreciate it. - Nevermind this

Thanks!

Massive Edit:

Well, I checked the Owner's Manual and it noted that Honda would supply the parts and labor. Well, I called the dealer again, and before I could get angry, they expressed surprise anybody told me they wouldn't install it.

So, they have the parts in stock for ~$23, labor would be ~$113. Is it worth my having them install the part or does anybody have instructions on installing the anchors into a 1997 sedan?

[mburks26]

I am trying to install a BV into my 1997 Civc EX sedan, but am having a bit of an issue. There are no upper anchors for the Versa-Tether™, and I'd like to have them installed.

I called my Honda dealer, and they refuse to do it - liability. I called Honda, and they confirmed that stance. So, if anybody has information on what the part number would be for that anchor and installation instructions for the anchor, I'd appreciate it. - Nevermind this

Thanks!

Massive Edit:

Well, I checked the Owner's Manual and it noted that Honda would supply the parts and labor. Well, I called the dealer again, and before I could get angry, they expressed surprise anybody told me they wouldn't install it.

So, they have the parts in stock for ~$23, labor would be ~$113. Is it worth my having them install the part or does anybody have instructions on installing the anchors into a 1997 sedan?


I installed my tether anchors myself in my 95 2 door civic humm let me see if I can find that instructions I found online for a 97. There should be 3 prdrilled holes you have to see them from the trunk I belive there are 3 covers on your back dash board that pops off. you may have to cut the fabric that is on the back dash that is what I had to do but I cant recall about the 97. When I was looking for directions for mine I came accross all other yrs but mine. I got my anchors from an online place instead of the dealer since they didnt know what I was talking about. I'll post the link. here in a few aftere I find the 97 instructions. All I had to do was find the holes then I put a pin through the holes so the pin would show on the back dash cut the fabric and screwed them in and had dh tighen them.

[Jeanum]

According to the LATCH manual, the instructions for retrofitting top tether anchors in a Honda should be in the owner's manual for the vehicle, not with the retrofit anchor part. I'd check your manual out before proceeding, because you might find it's a do it yourself kind of project. :) The Honda top tether anchor part number is 82410-SE3-C01, called a "plate assembly," and there are three 8mm weld nuts in the rear filler panel/package shelf in the Civic sedan model. Doing a Google search online for the part number might find you a less expensive source for the part, too.

Good luck, and hope this helps you out.

[mburks26]

http://www.bernardiparts.com/ here is the link where I got my tethers from.

[Jeanum]

Thanks for digging up the part source's main page, mburks, I was trying to find it again, too. :) Here's their direct link to Honda refrofit anchor part/plate assembly: http://www.bernardiparts.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=82410-SE3-C01

[nbs2]

Thanks for the part numbers and link, but I failed to start working on this ahead of time, and so I'll probably have to buy from the dealer - the seat arrives in a couple of days. If Britax didn't suggest using the tether RF, I could have waited. I feel so behind. The triple cost is my own fault.

I tried to understand the above instructions, and I think I get it. All I need to do is pop the covers off, and use a torque wrench to tighten the assembly into the nut at 16 lb/ft. Right? Shouldn't take more than a couple of min. I may even be able to stop at the Pep Boys on my way back from the dealer to borrow their torque wrench.

[Jeanum]

If you're installing the Blvd. RF, then the top tether anchor retrofit need not be a rush job. This is because those top tether anchors would be used for a FF installation, not for rear facing. :)

For rear facing, you'll use the the Blvd's D-ring top tether connector strap that comes with the Blvd. to create a RF anchor point toward the front of the vehicle, like a front seat leg or front seatbelt buckle stalk anchored directly to the floor. For a visual, there are online install videos showing how to top tether RF Britax convertible seats at www.britaxusa.com and also at www.carseatsite.com.

Save your money and pace yourself, lol, and do the top tether anchor retrofitting by the time you'll be using the Blvd. forward facing.

[nbs2]

If you're installing the Blvd. RF, then the top tether anchor retrofit need not be a rush job. This is because those top tether anchors would be used for a FF installation, not for rear facing. :)

For rear facing, you'll use the the Blvd's D-ring top tether connector strap that comes with the Blvd. to create a RF anchor point toward the front of the vehicle, like a front seat leg or front seatbelt buckle stalk anchored directly to the floor. For a visual, there are online install videos showing how to top tether RF Britax convertible seats at www.britaxusa.com and also at www.carseatsite.com.

Save your money and pace yourself, lol, and do the top tether anchor retrofitting by the time you'll be using the Blvd. forward facing.

Those videos explain a lot. According to the online BV manual, I can connect the tether either to the anchor or to the ground (as shown in the video). What the manual didn't make so clear was what that connector strap was. I didn't realize I can use the floor option for now, and then once the assembly arrives, install and use that (or take my sweet time since I think the kid's on pace to hit 35 lbs around her 4th birthday). I just hope that I have enough space in my little Civic to install the BV with that tether dropping. I know that the KF that we currently use comes pretty far forward.

One question though - you mentioned the seatbelt stalk. Is that strong enough?

[mburks26]

ur welcome. If you are using the seat rf order from that site its cheeper then the dealer I think and it only took a few days for shipping. I can not for the sake of my life find the install page for them. Hondahookup.com has manuals but you have to register to download them. and then when you download them you have to open one page at a time and I cant remember what page number it was.
If you can see the covers on the back dash then pop them off and then screw in the part is all you should have to do if not youll have to cut the fabric to get to the covers and to find the holes you can see them from the trunk. It took me all ove 5 mins to install 1 in the rain. the hardest part for me was finding the pre drilled holes I didnt know what I was looking for.

[Jeanum]

One question though - you mentioned the seatbelt stalk. Is that strong enough?


Only if the front seatbelt stalk is connected directly to the vehicle's floor. I don't know specifically if that's the case in your Civic because I'm not familiar enough with that model. At any rate, in most cars it's possible to use a front seat leg to create the RF top tether point with the D-ring connector strap to top tether a Britax convertible, and that's what I would suggest trying first. :)

[nbs2]

Only if the front seatbelt stalk is connected directly to the vehicle's floor. I don't know specifically if that's the case in your Civic because I'm not familiar enough with that model. At any rate, in most cars it's possible to use a front seat leg to create the RF top tether point with the D-ring connector strap to top tether a Britax convertible, and that's what I would suggest trying first. :)
I'm pretty sure that it is connected to the floor. Floor or not, though, my concern is with the stress being placed on the stalk that is not the intended vertical from the buckle, but at a severe angle.

Yeah, I think the seat track for the passenger seat may be the better bet, since it is adjusted less often than the driver's seat.