infant seat in '97 chevy extended cab pickup

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brieber

Guest
infant seat in '97 chevy extended cab pickup

We are trying to mount a rear-facing seat in our extended-cab pickup (full-size). Anyone out there have advice on this? There doesn't seem to be enough room unless we put it in the middle, which works ok if we use the metal clip to maintain tension on the belt. Is this a safe position, though?
 
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Caviller

Guest
You may need to see a local technician

The middle seat is the preferred location, as long as the seat fits properly.

Your vehicle is new enough that it should not need a locking clip. I'm guessing you have just a lap belt in the center rear seat. If so, it should have a latchplate (the part that you plug the buckle into) that cinches on the belt to keep it tight. Depending on the carseat, you do sometimes have to flip the latchplate on its back to keep it tight. There are some cases you might need a locking clip, but these are not too common for newer vehicles.

Also see:

www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm

If you still have trouble, it would be best to visit a certified local technician or fitting station. There are some resources to find help in the "FAQ" link under the banner at the top of the page.

Good luck!
 
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brieber

Guest
thanks for the advice!

Yeah, it is the newer type of seatbelt, but it wasn't staying tight... the buckle would sit right on the "corner" of the restraint's seat belt tunnel and would loosen when the seat was jiggled.

You're idea of turning the belt over sounds like it will work well, though. I'll give it a try as soon as I can, as this would be much more convenient than having to rely on the metal clip.

I'm glad to hear that the middle seat is the preferred location. There is very little room behind the front passenger seat, so much so that the passenger would just about be eating the dash board. (Not exactly safe, either!) Is the middle always preferred because of the risk of side-impact collisions?
 
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Caviller

Guest
I hope that helps you!

Flipping the latchplate on its back can solve the exact problem it sounds like you are having. When the latchplate is halfway into the seatbelt path on some carseats, the seatbelt enters at a right angle and won't cinch. Flipping it may help keep it tight, though on some models it wont latch at all that way, or the arm on the latchplate is too stiff to flip it over. In those cases, you will have to use the metal locking clip. The site I linked gives good instructions on their use.

The center rear is the first location we try, exactly for the reason you mention- side impacts. In some cars, a carseat won't fit real well in the center rear, and in that case we prefer an outboard position.

Trucks usually aren't very carseat or kid friendly, but the newer full size extended cab trucks are a lot better than other models. I hope everything works out, please let us know if you have any more questions!
 

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