Defrost
Moderator - CPSTI Emeritus
Sub-titled: The Saga Continues
Okay, this is my last-ditch attempt to finally "fix" the seat belt issue in the rear row of my '07 Mazda5 (chronicled here). (Please forgive my obsessiveness! I'm sure you're all as tired of hearing about this as my dh.)
I'm trying to install the heavy-weight anchor required for using the 86Y harness on children over the vehicle's tether weight limit (which Mazda doesn't comment on, but I'm assuming is 65lbs). I know that EZ-On is probably where I'll get an answer, but they've had to bump me up the ladder straight to the owner, which is understandably taking some time. I'd also like any opinions from other techs in any case.
I pried the cover off the vehicle's tether anchor. Here are before & after shots:
The vehicle tether is on the back of the seat. Looking at the second picture, it is possible to install the heavy-weight anchor through the square hole above the tether hook. This would require cutting off the vehicle tether because otherwise it would be in the way, but other than that it fits fine. Here's what we can feel but not see in the pic: The ends of the vehicle tether hook go through that metal plate and are welded on to the back of it (that appears to be the weakest point). That metal plate is welded to the back of two thick metal bars, which span the width of the seat and are apparently attached to other bars that span the height of the seat. (If anyone knows how I can remove the cover from the back of the seat without destroying it, so we can see the entire system, I'd love to know how.)
Here are my concerns. The problem is, installing it to this piece still doesn't necessarily make it a heavy-weight anchor, right? I mean, the vehicle tether has a weight limit because at some point it fails - is that because of the hook? Or because of the metal plate?
Thoughts? (Try to sell the car? )
Okay, this is my last-ditch attempt to finally "fix" the seat belt issue in the rear row of my '07 Mazda5 (chronicled here). (Please forgive my obsessiveness! I'm sure you're all as tired of hearing about this as my dh.)
I'm trying to install the heavy-weight anchor required for using the 86Y harness on children over the vehicle's tether weight limit (which Mazda doesn't comment on, but I'm assuming is 65lbs). I know that EZ-On is probably where I'll get an answer, but they've had to bump me up the ladder straight to the owner, which is understandably taking some time. I'd also like any opinions from other techs in any case.
I pried the cover off the vehicle's tether anchor. Here are before & after shots:
The vehicle tether is on the back of the seat. Looking at the second picture, it is possible to install the heavy-weight anchor through the square hole above the tether hook. This would require cutting off the vehicle tether because otherwise it would be in the way, but other than that it fits fine. Here's what we can feel but not see in the pic: The ends of the vehicle tether hook go through that metal plate and are welded on to the back of it (that appears to be the weakest point). That metal plate is welded to the back of two thick metal bars, which span the width of the seat and are apparently attached to other bars that span the height of the seat. (If anyone knows how I can remove the cover from the back of the seat without destroying it, so we can see the entire system, I'd love to know how.)
Here are my concerns. The problem is, installing it to this piece still doesn't necessarily make it a heavy-weight anchor, right? I mean, the vehicle tether has a weight limit because at some point it fails - is that because of the hook? Or because of the metal plate?
Thoughts? (Try to sell the car? )