installation question and check

lourdes · Aug 17, 2012

I try to install a Radian in a 97 Aurora and it was impossible, RF FF center or outboard becuase the buckle was always on the way. So I did the CA 65 in the center with lap belt only RF, it is a good install but to be able to get the buckle out with the way I had to make 4 twist and I know that's not allow. So I wanted opinions from here on that issue, and if the installation looks right.

lourdes · Aug 17, 2012

View attachment 17746

monstah · Aug 18, 2012

If you don't twist the buckle at all does the buckle go all of the way into the belt path?

You can't twist the belt 4 times and that angle doesn't look good IMO for a tilt lock.

ketchupqueen · Aug 18, 2012

I agree. I'd try to get it into the belt path all the way and flat, either with the CA or the Radian.

lourdes · Aug 18, 2012

In the Radian it did went in but it got the Radian too upright and it was without the angle adjuster. In the CA it didn't went in the belt path. How bad can it be in I install the CA FF with lap belt only? I wanted to have her RF until I got the top tether install but I don't know when is going to happen and now she is complaining of getting car sick. She is 4y 4m and weight 31 pounds and her height is 39 inches.

ketchupqueen · Aug 18, 2012

How was it ”too upright?” They don't have a maximum allowed upright angle.

lourdes · Aug 18, 2012

It was almost in a 90 degree angle. Without the angle adjuster. It was like the seat was "eating" the Radian, is difficult to for me to explain.

safeinthecar · Aug 18, 2012

lourdes said:
It was almost in a 90 degree angle. Without the angle adjuster. It was like the seat was "eating" the Radian, is difficult to for me to explain.

You can adjust the angle of the Radian using the rfing tether. Maybe that will get you a tight install with a better angle.

lourdes · Aug 18, 2012

I tried but you can really tell it was a bad install.

lourdes · Aug 18, 2012

What are the risks of having a 4.4 year old FF in a car seat install without top tether? Lap belt only

Patriot201 · Aug 18, 2012

A top tether is always preferred, and in some locations and cases (such as over a certain weight with certain seats) is required. HOWEVER, if you are not in a country in which top tethers are required, you are not required to use one. In fact, the Radian supposedly performed fairly well without a top tether.

Are there any other seats that will install in your vehicle?

Do you have any top tether anchors?

lourdes · Aug 19, 2012

I have a Radian and a CA65 but I was not able to get the Radian installed in any position becuase of the weird buckle. The only seat that I have to work with is the CA. My DD weights 31 pounds on a good day.

lourdes · Aug 19, 2012

I have no top tethers and right now I have a great install but with 4 twits

carseatcoach · Aug 19, 2012

If it has four twists, it is not a great, or even acceptable, install.

lourdes · Aug 19, 2012

carseatcoach said:
If it has four twists, it is not a great, or even acceptable, install.

So that means that it is better to have her FF without top tether with lap belt only than having her RF with 4 twits?

ketchupqueen · Aug 19, 2012

Can you get an acceptable install FF? If so, I guess that's your option. Though I'd revisit the rear-facing install without twists and see if you can't make that work (even if outboard?)

lourdes · Aug 19, 2012

ketchupqueen said:
Can you get an acceptable install FF? If so, I guess that's your option. Though I'd revisit the rear-facing install without twists and see if you can't make that work (even if outboard?)

Outboard the buckle won't twist. I haven't try the FF but I think it will be fine becuase the CA has a higher profile. I will retry the installations later today. I don't have to use the car until tomorrow.

ketchupqueen · Aug 19, 2012

The outboard buckle doesn't twist and is... long and rigid? Or what?

carseatcoach · Aug 19, 2012

lourdes said:
So that means that it is better to have her FF without top tether with lap belt only than having her RF with 4 twits?

Yes, proper use trumps everything. If you cannot get an acceptable install rear-facing, and four twists is not acceptable, then the child is better off forward-facing if the install is acceptable. She is of an appropriate age and size to forward-face. It would be best if you could get a top tether installed.

monstah · Aug 19, 2012

ketchupqueen said:
The outboard buckle doesn't twist and is... long and rigid? Or what?

I just looked on Cars.com and that looks like the case. (Pic attached)

OP, can you recline the CA to the max 45 degrees rear facing center using noodles or rolled towels? That might get the belt path high enough so the buckle only needs three twists.
And remember it only has to be installed with less than 1" of movement at the belt path. If you go for rock the car solid, that will compress the vehicle seat even more and bring the belt path too low.
I hope that helps!

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