Buckle/LATCH in/at belt path Regent & EFTA questions

[Synchro246]

I'm not certain I understand the rule about the buckle or the latch connector being at the belt path. I have some pics of the Regent LATCH connectors (SBP) and I'm wondering if they are too close to the belt path opening.
I've included a big pic and some thumbnails of slightly different views in case the picture is decieving.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3284-1.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/th_IMGP3280-1.jpg (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3280-1.jpg)
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/th_IMGP3282-1.jpg (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3282-1.jpg)
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/th_IMGP3283-1.jpg (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3283-1.jpg)




I also have a *VERY CRAPPY* (temporary, unoccupied) install of the EFTA in the third row. I moved the vehicle seat all the way forword to shorten the belt stalk AND I twisted it twice and I'm still not able to tighten the vehicle belt all the way because the buckle hits the beltpath. I think.
What do you think?
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3287-1.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/th_IMGP3285-1.jpg (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3285-1.jpg)
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/th_IMGP3286-1.jpg (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/Synchro369/carseat%20stuff/IMGP3286-1.jpg)

[Defrost]

The LATCH buckle being at the beltpath isn't really an issue, because it's small.

The trouble with having a latchplate at the beltpath is twofold: 1. If it's a locking latchplate, being at the beltpath can prevent it from locking or from staying locked. 2. When the latchplate is at the beltpath, it can create a false sense of a tight install. It *feels* tight, but in reality the latchplate is what's holding it there, and when crash forces are applied, the latchplate with either break or twist.

So, both of those troubles don't really apply to the buckle on a LATCH strap; being tilted doesn't make it loose, and it's small enough that the install doesn't "lean" on it.

As for your second install pics, I wouldn't consider that "at" the beltpath, though it's always hard to tell from pics. But you said it's still not tight?

Hm. I should take pictures. :D

[snowbird25ca]

I also wouldn't consider the EFTA to have the buckle on the edge of the belt path. I might twist the stalk down a 3rd time if possible since it'll likely alleviate the concern you have and get you a tighter install, but from looking at it it isn't particularly worrisome to me.

The concern mainly is if the buckle itself is sitting on the edge - like think metal trying to bend but it can't of course, so there's either pressure on the buckle where it joins, or else the belt isn't laying flat on the belt path right by the buckle.

If you can't twist the stalk again, you could try sliding the seat further away from the buckle before tightening it down. This may or may not work depending on your seat contouring and what the space is between your seatbelt anchor and the buckle stalk.

I've had seats installed where the latchplate is pressed right against the carseat, and it does make it harder to tighten the belt, but it can be done. I'm not sure if I have any pictures off hand... if I find any I'll post them for you.

Also, it's acceptable to have the buckle all the way in the belt path, so if sliding the seat further back and untwisting the buckle stalk would allow that to happen, then that might be the easiest fix of all. :thumbsup:

eta: I just went through all the pic's I have on my computer since last March and I don't have one showing what I wanted. I know the Radian does it in my truck when it's installed with the seatbelt ff'ing. If nobody else comes up with a picture maybe I'll play carseats some time in the next few days. My SS1 did it too, but I don't have any pic's of just the base and a close friend of mine has the seat at the moment. I have metal belt stalks, so twisting isn't an option for me. Thankfully they're not too long.

[Synchro246]

Good to know the LATCH on my Regent is OK.
So I went to battle the EFTA again (more out of determination to succeed than anything since no kids will be using it :rolleyes:) and I got it to work-- I *didn't* have the seat all the way forword, like I thought I did so I pushed it more forword and added another twist to the belt stalk. It didn't get tight enough with just that though. When I got it as tight as I could I reclined the vehicle seat back, let the seatbelt racthet in a few more clicks then put the vehicle seat back compeletly upright. VIOLA! Tight. PITA, though.

[Defrost]

Cool! And even if it won't be used (you think), you've learned a new skill! :thumbsup: