LATCH in an antique car...

Here's one for you: I own a 1940 LaSalle (can you tell? ) in which I've recently installed seat belts to accommodate my granddaughter's rear-facing car seat (among other reasons). Now: I'd like to provide anchor points for the LATCH straps that come as part of this car seat; however, due to the design/construction of a vehicle that rolled off the assembly line sixty-seven years ago, a conventional LATCH system is out of the question. Therefore, I'd like to know if anyone knows of some vendor that sells anchor hardware and straps that (in effect) provide extensions of LATCH system straps.

Thanks.

[Starlight]

Nope, can't happen. LATCH cannot be retrofitted. It simply isn't safe. The seatbelt will be a fine way to install the seat.

What kind of car-seat do you have for your grand daughter?

[annamc]

My dad has a 1929 Model A Ford. He put in lap belts, but could not find shoulder belts for the back seat. We use a BRITAX LAPTOP for my older son and a BRITAX HUSKY/REGENT for my younger daughter (she's below the weight limit where the Husky/Regent NEEDS to have a top tether).

Perhaps one of those would work for your car?

[Momto2whosews]

Welcome!

My dad is the proud owner of a 1927 Model T Ford and as of yet, my children haven't been allwed to ride in it because of the lack of seat belts.

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The Lower Anchors portion of LATCH are the two metal "loops" in the bight of the seat (where back and bottom come together). These cannot be retrofitted. Well, maybe there was one model that could have these done by a dealer, but most dealers were affraid of liability so they wouldn't do the work.

However, the lower anchors should NOT be used in conjunction with the vehicle's seat belt to install a carseat. So, if you've already installed lap belts, you don't need the lower anchors. They were designed to make it easier for parents to install seats properly, they are not safer than a seat belt.

The Tether portion of LATCH can be used with the lower anchors or with a seat belt. It is a third "loop" that is located somewhere behind a forward-facing passenger's head. Either on the rear shelf behind the back seat or in the roof or cargo area of SUV's & wagons. These can be retrofitted in many cars. So if you've done any research on "LATCH retrofit" that is likely the information you will find.

Most dealers will provide the part - a bolt and "loop" (I can't think of what that thing is called right now, sorry) and it has to be bolted to part of the car's frame.

So, to make my long answer even longer... if you granddaughter is riding forward-facing (and if she's under two and 30 lbs. we strongly recommend she ride rear-facing - but that's another thread) you could possibly buy a tether anchor hardware kit from a vehicle manufacturer and install the tether point. This would obviously be against the manufacturers instructions and boil down to a "parental decision".

Tethers improve safety of forward-facing children because they reduce the distance their head can move from vertical. All child seats are allowed a maximum of 32" of movement without a tether, and 26" with a tether.