Radian Install Question

Unregistered · Jul 7, 2007

When I install my Radian in a position with tether anchor this is the install I get:
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/AprilLynn318/?action=view&current=IMG_0641.jpg
You can see that the seatbelt buckle is touching the seat in an awkward angle...and as a result the seat belt has gathered at one end of the buckle. I know this can't be good.

So, I moved it to another spot, where there is no tether anchor and this is the install I get:
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/AprilLynn318/?action=view&current=IMG_0647.jpg
The buckle isn't touching anymore, but the seat belt is still not laying flat, although it isn't bunched up like before. I dont see how it is possible to get a flat seat belt with the angle of the belt path being what it is. This is the other side of the seat:
http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/AprilLynn318/?action=view&current=IMG_0644.jpg

Which install is better...gathered belt but with a tether anchor and safe stop OR no tether, no safe stop, and ungathered, but still not flat, belt?
april

snowbird25ca · Jul 7, 2007

The position of the radian belt path tends to cause this with the belts when the seat is tightened down. As long as you have less than 1" of wiggle room in any direction when the seat is tightened down, either installation is fine.

If you're top tethering the seat - which should be done whenever possible, then you still need to use the safestop. Since you have Lower Anchors in your car, it means you also have a top tether in those seating positions at least. So even if you go with the seatbelt installation in that position, you can still attach the top tether. And if you're using the lower anchors, then you need to also attach the top tether.

So if your ds is under 40lbs, I'd definitely be putting the safestop on and at least top tethering the seat. If you have a tight installation with both ways you've tried it, then it's up to you which one you'd prefer.

Defrost · Jul 7, 2007

Re: the first picture - you could also try twisting the female end to lower it a bit.

What kind of vehicle is this, and what year?

aprillynn318 · Jul 7, 2007

Ok, I had to register to be able to post a reply

Re: first reply...no, I am not using lower anchors...my vehicle is not equipped with that. In the first picture I am using seatbelt and top tether anchor. In the second picture, just seatbelt.
Re: second reply...I can't twist the stalk at all, there is no give to make it twist, it pretty much comes out of the plastic casing and has no webbing to twist. My vehicle is a GMC Safari, 1998.

So, you both think I should do the first installation, using top tether and seatbelt, even though it warps and gathers the seatbelt in the buckle?

April

CDNTech · Jul 7, 2007

The first installation looks great! It is completely normal on a Radian to have the seatbelt bunch like that. As long as you have less than 1" of movement side to side and front to back (at the belt path), it is great. Definitely use the first position and attach the top tether as well.

Radian Install Question

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snowbird25ca

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aprillynn318

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