Can I put carseats in this car?

[michelle3802]

We were recently given a 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight and I'm considering the idea of using it for a few months. It has retractable lap belts in the backseat and I can't tell if they are ELR or ALR. I would probably put the Blvd's in it, one RF one FF. Is it even possible to install car seats with retractable lap belts?

[TerisBoys]

As long as they lock, yes.

I would be concerned about the age of the seatbelts though. 30 year old belts?

[michelle3802]

I've tried pulling them out all the way and sometimes they lock, sometimes they don't. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong, like pulling harder sometimes than others, or the locking mechanism is getting old. Is there any way to look up if the seatbelts are supposed to lock or not?

Do seat belts wear out? If the car has always been parked in a carport, would that make a difference?

[SusanMae]

Does it still have the manual? I would look there first for info on installing carseats. It would say there if the belts lock or not.

Belts are made of fabric--all be it synthetic--but still fabric dry rots over time. And it wouldn't matter where you kept it.

Susan

[TerisBoys]

If they don't lock, they will need a belt shortening clip.

Honestly, I'd find a local tech and see if they can help in any way.

But I'd be very leery of those belts. My dad had a 72 Ford that he showed and it's belts were pretty stiff from age.