Boulevard Install on Hyundai Elantra

[Unregistered]

Hello,
I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. I just bought a Britax Boulevard for my 7 month old son. I have a couple questions about installing the seat.
Would it be safer to install the seat behind the passenger seat using the LATCH or in the middle using the seat belt?
Also, the back seats angle down toward the back on the seat, should I use a pool noodle or is it ok for it to angle down?
Would using the seat belt along with LATCH add extra security too?
One more question, if my son doesn't like the headrest or belly pad, can I take them out without compromising his safety?
Thank you!

[LCMOM]

Hi,
Where to install really depends on where you can get a good tight install. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (preferably LESS) side to side; if it does, it is too loose. If the install is fine in both positions, and the manufacturer allows it, I would install in the middle simply due to reducing side impacts. Whether to use a noodle also depends on how the seat does in your car, and how much recline you need. At 7 months you have a bit of freedom to not be quite 45 degrees. Do NOT use both LATCH and seatbelt; none of the seats are tested that way, nor is that following the directions in the carseat manual. I am glad you are asking these questions!! You may also want to see if there are any upcoming car seat clinics in your area; they are usually free, and you can get the install checked and questions answered by someone who can actually be looking at your car.... we all are also happy to answer questions here, and glad to see parents trying to keep kids safe!

[Dillipop]

I have lots of pictures for you! (I know you didn't ask, but I had them in photobucket, so here they are!) This is a marathon, which has the same shell as the BLVD. It is an 05 elantra, not sure if they are the same body or not.

Untethered Latch
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids020.jpg
Tethered Latch with front seat set back with enough room for a passenger
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids023.jpg

Untethered seatbelt
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids024.jpg
Tethered seatbelt with front seat back enough for a passenger
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids029.jpg

Tethered seatbelt center install
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids030.jpg
Tethered seatbelt center install, tether cranked to get greater angle
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids031.jpg

Center seatbelt, with 3 full twists to keep buckle out of the beltpath. The lockoff is not being used.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids032.jpg

Tether point- outside passenger seat.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids022.jpg
Inner passenger seat for center install
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m43/goodwillie40/Carseats/carseatsandkids027.jpg



As you can see, I had to twist the buckle stalk to get the seatbelt install to work. I think I had to do it with seatbelt, both outboard and center. Instead of using a noodle for recline, just use the tether. THere are great locations to rearface tether. Just make sure you don't move the passenger seat back too far, or you'll run over the tether. Thankfully, with the seat in rfing, you can't move it back enough to run it over, when it's outboard.

Do not use seatbelt and latch together. It hasn't been tested that way and we don't know how the seat would react in a crash being installed with both.

As for the headrest, it can NOT be removed. It is part of the harness system and an integral part of the seat. You can, however, remove the belly pad, the comfort pads (the little black pads on the shoulder straps,) and the infant padding. The hugs (gray or tan rubbery things on the harness) can be removed while rearfacing (sometimes it makes it easier to get a good fit from the harness), but MUST be used when you turn the seat ffing. Make sure to put them somewhere safe, as they will be needed later. I put mine in the little pouch on the back of the cover.

HTH! And let me know if you have any other questions.

[Jeanum]

Just wanted to echo the previous tech's reply, and to also address the headrest and belly pad questions. The Blvd's headwings are not removable - they are designed and intended to provide head and side impact protection and thus are an integral part of the seat. The belly pad (round pad with a slot for the crotch strap and buckle) is optional and can be removed. The belly pad is intended for comfort, and not required for proper crash performance, and so is the padded infant insert/pillow that comes with the Blvd. The infant insert/pillow is primarily designed to make the seat cozier for a younger infant/smaller baby, and can be removed entirely at your discretion. :)