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View Full Version : Is this (Radian) installation okay?

sanctareparata
05-21-2008, 02:56 PM
We just installed our third Radian and put it FF in the bucket seat behind the passenger seat. We have a Pontiac Montana, with rigid buckle stalks in the bucket seats, so twisting isn't an option. Also, the seats are contoured a bit (the sides of the seat are higher than the middle of the seat).

Anyway, the Radian is installed and using one hand it is rock solid, front to back, side to side. There is no movement at all. However, if I use two hands I can move it a bit - less than an inch. But if I move it enough , and keep wiggling it, eventually the sides of the bucket seat give way and then boom! The Radian slides all over the place.

It's like I'm getting a perfect install on the SEAT, but if I force it just enough, the Radian slips onto the contours of the seat and then the install is no longer tight.

And we can't get it any tighter because the buckle is pressed up against the belt path and cannot feed into it anymore.
canadianmom2three
05-21-2008, 04:21 PM
Not sure about the install, but my sympathies on the montana, that was our previous vehicle, and it just doesn't get along well with the radian:rolleyes:.
An Aurora
05-21-2008, 04:28 PM
It should move less than an inch at the belt path, using one hand and not much force at all. It's fine :)
sanctareparata
05-21-2008, 05:07 PM
Not sure about the install, but my sympathies on the montana, that was our previous vehicle, and it just doesn't get along well with the radian:rolleyes:.

Other than this install, the Radian has installed perfectly and rock solid RF in the third row and FF in the third row center. It's just the FF bench outboard positions and the FF bucket seat positions that are tricky. I can't wait till we get another vehicle though, I want more tether anchors.
CDNTech
05-21-2008, 05:13 PM
It sounds okay to me too... what you're describing with the continued moving is generally referred to as reefing. If it's not coming loose with the initial 2 - 3 tugs, then it should be fine. You should not be "forcing" the seat when checking for movement... I can make any seat move if I force it. ;) Got any pics? That would help a bit. :)
Mommy2Marcus
05-21-2008, 09:08 PM
I to agree it sounds fine! You should only be checking at the belt path with your non-dominant hand with a gentle tug. It does not require alot of force to check the seat. As the PP said I can MAKE any seat I install move if I keep at it!
sanctareparata
05-22-2008, 10:34 AM
It sounds okay to me too... what you're describing with the continued moving is generally referred to as reefing. If it's not coming loose with the initial 2 - 3 tugs, then it should be fine. You should not be "forcing" the seat when checking for movement... I can make any seat move if I force it. ;) Got any pics? That would help a bit. :)

No pics yet, but I can do it in a bit.

Yes, the seat is tethered (you asked in your PM). I also used a trick from someone else here - I reclined the seat, installed the Radian, then pushed the seat upright. Now it's really, really tight.
crunchierthanthou
05-22-2008, 10:50 AM
what you're describing with the continued moving is generally referred to as reefing.

only by you (http://www.car-seat.org/search.php?searchid=1045979&pp=25), Jen. ;)

but yeah, no extreme force necessary. Make sure you have less than 1" of movement at the beltpath before you tighten the tether.
CDNTech
05-22-2008, 11:10 AM
only by you (http://www.car-seat.org/search.php?searchid=1045979&pp=25), Jen. ;)

but yeah, no extreme force necessary. Make sure you have less than 1" of movement at the beltpath before you tighten the tether.

:p :D People use different terms for it, but it all comes down to the fact that you are pushing/pulling excessively on the seat and it's not needed or recommended. :D