Nautilus - renovation?

tjham · Oct 12, 2014

Update in case someone just reads this. #6 has best reason NOT to do this.

"the harness would be attached at 4 different points on the bottom portion, which is only approved for use with a harness for 6 years- the crotch buckle, the 2 hip straps, and the adjuster strap all run through the bottom portion."

So I have a Nautilus due to expire in Dec. I figured only the bottom was good for 3 more years - the rest was history. But then I read another thread talking about ordering a new back!

Great idea! The cover is still good so no need for that expense. I looked up the details. Plastic back is $10, plastic head rest is $10, new harness is $12, new chest clip (they call it a harness tie ) $5, shipping for all that is $8.95. $46 unless I missed something?

Pretty good cost for being able to use it for 3 more years! I have a cousin who could use it!

tiggercat · Oct 12, 2014

I'd want Graco's permission before going that route. The crash forces on a backless vs the bottom portion of a harnessed seat will be different. The bottom still has to be strong enough to bear the full force of the harness system, and do we know it can do that after the back's expiry date? No, we don't.

I don't know if that made sense. The bottom is only good now as a backles booster, not as part of a 5pt like you would be using it as with a replacement back.

Baylor · Oct 12, 2014

If you buy a whole new back and harness it is all new parts. The bottom is good for 3 more years. There is no reason not to not use it that way if you want or need to.

I can not imagine any reason why it would not be fine to do so.. But you could ask Graco.

wavegal · Oct 12, 2014

I agree with tiggercat, I would be hesitant to use It besides being a backless because the crash forces on a nbb is different than that of a harnessed bottom. I would definitely contact graco first

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Baylor · Oct 12, 2014

Id call and ask. It has been discussed here before and with no reservations.

IT would be a whole new back assembly and headrest and harness.

Dillipop · Oct 12, 2014

I'd also have reservations about it since the harness would be attached at 4 different points on the bottom portion, which is only approved for use with a harness for 6 years- the crotch buckle, the 2 hip straps, and the adjuster strap all run through the bottom portion.

Evolily · Oct 12, 2014

I wouldn't. The base is good for belt positioning mode, car seats aren't meant to be things you 'renovate' or replace parts on as they become old. If people were to start doing this it would become very confusing and when things become confusing they tend to become unsafe.

It's also not a very good deal if you consider the current lifespan on the Nautilus and the fact that you can get a $25 rebate right now. If you want another nautilus, I would buy another nautilus, then you'll have a combination seat plus a backless booster, and even an extra cover.

tiggercat · Oct 12, 2014

Baylor said:
Id call and ask. It has been discussed here before and with no reservations.

IT would be a whole new back assembly and headrest and harness.

So, what is holding the crotch strap? The hip straps? The adjuster strap/alok?

tjham · Oct 13, 2014

Dillipop said:
I'd also have reservations about it since the harness would be attached at 4 different points on the bottom portion, which is only approved for use with a harness for 6 years- the crotch buckle, the 2 hip straps, and the adjuster strap all run through the bottom portion.

Ok, Ok! All good points... I won't do it!

Ali · Oct 13, 2014

tjham said:
Ok, Ok! All good points... I won't do it!

It was a good idea! When you first posted, I thought it sounded great. I have the GN back in my garage. DD is using it backless in DH's car, but I thought maybe someone could use it for a few more years. Oh well!

Athena · Oct 13, 2014

tjham said:
Ok, Ok! All good points... I won't do it!

I saw the Nautis on sale at target, I think they were $144 plus the $25 Graco rebate plus 5% off with red card.

tjham · Oct 19, 2014

tjham said:
So I have a Nautilus due to expire in Dec. I figured only the bottom was good for 3 more years - the rest was history. But then I read another thread talking about ordering a new back!

Great idea! The cover is still good so no need for that expense. I looked up the details. Plastic back is $10, plastic head rest is $10, new harness is $12, new chest clip (they call it a harness tie ) $5, shipping for all that is $8.95. $46 unless I missed something?

Another thought though -

Why couldn't it still be used as a high back booster with new back and head rest and existing cover? The bottom would not be used for the harness and the bottom is already approved for 3 more years as a booster. It would be using the car's seat belt.

joolsplus3 · Oct 20, 2014

Seems easier to buy a new booster than to create a Frankenseat, though...? Safety wise I'm sure it's not a big deal, but I doubt Graco would approve it if you called to ask. Good thing all the new seats are good for 10 years top to bottom! I wonder what/if they changed much to make them that way?

Baylor · Oct 20, 2014

tiggercat said:
So, what is holding the crotch strap? The hip straps? The adjuster strap/alok?

I would do it without reservation.. especially to gain a few more years.

I am curious now that the seat is a 10 yr expiration what parts were upgraded and what weren't.

The hip strap is really secure in the bottom of the seat. I would not give it a second thought with a new harness. AND as long as Graco okay'd it. If they said no, Then I would not do it..

Baylor · Oct 23, 2014

I contacted Graco. Gave them my dom and model of my 2008 nautilus. They okayed the purchase of a new back piece, harness and head piece to use the remaining 3 years on the bottom portion of the seat.

joolsplus3 · Oct 24, 2014

Baylor said:
I contacted Graco. Gave them my dom and model of my 2008 nautilus. They okayed the purchase of a new back piece, harness and head piece to use the remaining 3 years on the bottom portion of the seat.

Well, that's pretty cool. Thanks for calling!

Nautilus - renovation?

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