My 86Y install!! (pic heavy)

[WhatAboutPuppy]

It went really smoothly. Turned out to be a 1989 Chrysler Lebaron Coupe. I decided on '89 because it showed to have the dimples and reenforced metal framing. In the first picture I've marked the dimples for positioning of all 3 top tethers. The driver's side I've already retrofitted with the 100H high weight tether anchor that came with the 86Y.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/120/l_8010072bab9f2388820e1df6ebeb150c.jpg

My retrofit handy work close up... I used a power drill... the weaker ones with a rechargable battery. I moved slow and drilled a pilot hole (1/4 inch) and then the 7/16th inch needed for the bolt.

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_f995aeab4792539bccb26c023b5aee9e.jpg

My fiance had to really work at the top tether hook to get it clipped over the anchor. This IS the angle. There really was no other option.

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/l_a6bec28e3dc0651f46766565d88e0a5a.jpg

Ok, the fun pictures!!
So, the shoulder harnesses look a little uneven. This is because the anchor is actually not exactly center behind his seat. Per manual we used the vehicles premarked spot as it wasn't more than 20 degrees off of center.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/71/l_0d3a2f5cd4d359ec02a0ca20a49532c8.jpg

Another picture, side view. The 86Y is only supposed to be snug, it can not change the angle of the belt and should keep it over the child's upper thighs or hips (just like every other belt).

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/88/l_bfb7a3a1892625dfb5d03b627ccbefbd.jpg

Side note: it felt great drilling a hole in her car! lol

[Defrost]

Looks like you did a fantastic job! :thumbsup:

[WhatAboutPuppy]

Looks like you did a fantastic job! :thumbsup:

Thanks!! I had fun. lol

[JerseyGirl'sMama]

Bout time girl! :p

Looks great, and I am impressed with your mechanical language (pilot hole.) :love:

[Judi]

Gav is lookin' mighty dashing there!

Oh, and rep for you!

[Maedze]

it looks great!!!

[WhatAboutPuppy]

Bout time girl! :p

Looks great, and I am impressed with your mechanical language (pilot hole.) :love:

I blame my dad for my michanical language and abilities!! hahaha :cool:

[WhatAboutPuppy]

I wanted to add a couple things that I don't think I mentioned that aren't stated in the manual but that I learned through here and from Schetky NW in Portland, Oregon where I bought the 86Y.

Graco does not condone the use of their seat with this product, I made the parental decision (ok stepmom decision) of using this seat because it had the skinniest "neck" of all the seats Judi and I measured, Cosco, Evenflo, Recaro... any others Judi??
Also Schetky mentioned if installing in a van rather than attach to the seat of install that it needs to be behind the seat at a 45 degree angle to the gound.

If you plan to order one I will say that Schetky NW was wonderful to work with and very helpful!! They do the retrofitting of Portland's bus system for their handicap accessable busses and such. The harness and tether was $52 and if I'd had it delivered to me she wanted $9 for shipping. I inquired about extra tethers incase another car was bought or something like that, you can buy the 100H tether anchor separate for $20.

Also the harness had a DOM of January 2009 and the manual stated that this harness has an expiration of 5 years... the short time I'm taking to be maybe because the harness webbing sits in the direct sun for most of its life??

[joolsplus3]

Hey, nifty! Bummer that anchor doesn't come with a 'spacer' so it's easier to hook but I trust they know what they are doing. And it sure as heck looks like YOU know what you are doing <high five>.

:)

[WhatAboutPuppy]

Hey, nifty! Bummer that anchor doesn't come with a 'spacer' so it's easier to hook but I trust they know what they are doing. And it sure as heck looks like YOU know what you are doing <high five>.

:)

Thanks!
I tried to do as much research as possible before installing it. All I needed would have been to have to tell "mom" I messed up and really made her son LESS safe! So yeah, I made sure to dot ever "i" and so on. And yet when it came down to telling her how to work it, she was in a "mood" and wouldn't make eye contact. Sigh...
She's concerned now and asking questions so I'm going to show her again tomorrow morning. YAY! I was worried for a moment that she wouldn't use it correctly.

[Judi]

Wow, she is being, um, nice? I was trying so hard NOT to say anything to her that night!