Older minivan belt question

In desperate need of a new 2nd vehicle, we bought a 1999 Ford Windstar van. It has 3 doors and a center bench, and tether anchors, but no latch.

My problem is, the belt for the center bench seat nearest the door is where I would like the seat to be for safety (the absolute center of the vehicle) and ease, but the tab for the belt says not for use with carseat and the belt doesn't ratchet like others I have used for install. I am not sure if it is missing a latching cover or was never meant for a carseat.

My question is, would we be able to used a locking clipon this belt and safely install our seat in the center position? I should mention we have both a myride65 and safety 1st guide65 installed forward facing.


Thanks!

No, if the belt is not labeled for car seat use, there is a reason. I have 4 kids. All of my kids ride outboard. It is still very safe in a properly installed seat.

Thinking maybe I should rephrase: In doing more research, I am discovering that there is a good chance the reason the do not use with carseat is visable is that there initially was a locking cinch tongue there that had been lost or removed. I need to look closer in the morning and may stop in at a ford dealership to check.

If that all checks out to be true, can a locking clip take the place of a locking tongue that would normally be on a belt?

To anyone's knowledge are there any seating positions in a 99 Windstar with a bench middle seat that can not accommodate a carseat (obviously not the front). There are tether positions at every spot. Hubby is concerned the reasoning is that the lower anchor of seatbelt isn't attached to the car, instead to the seat so the seats can be removed. I have read the manual cover to cover and can't find anything about positions a seat can't be used it (again, aside from front).

OK, I just read the manual and there is nothing about not using the seat there. It sounds like the locking latchplate is broken. You can always move the bench to the other side of the van and then use the other seat belt until you get it repaired.

I think you might be looking at the little symbols on the belt that are supposed to mean "read the manual before installing a car seat". Can you take a picture? And a picture of the latchplate too? If you're just missing a plastic cover and the latchplate is still in working order, there's nothing unsafe about it. I would get a new cover, though, because they do keep parts in place when the belt is unbuckled. If the latchplate is missing a functional piece, I would install in another location until you can get a new latchplate.

Yes, a locking clip can be used on a slipping latchplate (for example if the locking piece is worn down).

You have 6 tether anchors in your van. You also have locking latchplates. So you can install seats in any location. You can even put a forward-facing harnessed seat in the front seat if necessary (though obviously not the best choice if you can avoid it).

Locking latchplates lock at the buckle, not at the shoulder retractor. You use them the same way you use a lap-only belt. If the belt is sliding through the latchplate after you install, try flipping the male end of the buckle upside-down before you click it in. You can also twist the female end up to 3 times to get it away from the belt path and therefore change the angle.

Here's some locking latchplate info:
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=161343