'02 Volvo V70 + Roundabout (Diplomat) RF w/Tether

brittany741

New member
Kid: 15 months, 23lbs, RF
Car: 2002 Volvo V70 T5 (same body as XC70 and V70R)
Seats: Roundabouts to 33lbs RF and Diplomat to 35lbs RF
Position: Center of rear bench using a locking shoulder belt install with tether

Just want to make sure I've done this right. I have tried installing a Boulevard and Roundabout and Diplomat in my car about 1000 times and today's install seems to be the best.

I took the Roundabout out this morning. She was LATCH on the outboard position. I was checking out some side impact crash tests of my vehicle and after seeing how the side curtain works, I feel much more comfortable with her in the center. I hadn't been able to get a real solid install but today I was determined. I know the safest seat is one that is installed correctly so that's why I had her outboard since I got that right in about 15 minutes.

After 45 minutes, this is what I have:

Diplomat in the center- the shoulder belt is routed through both lockoffs. I did the teeter totter method to get it super tight and then I extended the belt until it locked fully. I then secured the entire belt under both lockoffs (I didn't let the shoulder belt separate from the lap belt on the lockoff opposite the buckle). Is that correct?

Next, I read on here about not using the Volvo tether anchor since it was not meant for U.S. seats due to the conflict with the WHIPS system. I created my own tether point on the end of the seat rail and routed the metal piece between the side of the seat and the center console. I fiddled with the front passenger seat until I made sure the tether did not interfere with the passenger seat at all due to WHIPs.

Then I tightened the tether, and I used a level to ensure the seat was level and plum. It will only move about 1/4" if I put all my weight into it (and I'm about 230.

The seat is not braced on the front seats. The solidity of the install is from the belt and the tether.

Is this correct? Does it sound good?

There are a few things that stink about the Volvo but I was able to work around them. First, the rear passenger seat buckle tends to slip under the car seat. I was able to push the car seat towards the front of the car and then as I tightened it I made sure to keep the buckle on the outside of the car seat's base. The other conflict is the adjustment knobs on the Diplomat can interfere with the driver and passenger seats so I kept adjusting both of them until a) I could drive and b) there would be no interference with the seats in case of an accident where WHIPs was utilized. WHIPs is specific to Volvos. If you ever sit in a Volvo, you will notice the seat gives way as you lean back. This is apparantly to help with whiplash. All seats have give to them but the Volvo ones are apparant. When I first bought the car, I thought the seats were broken :D

Anyway, all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!
 
ADS

brittany741

New member
Just wanted to post an update-

I had the seat checked by a tech and she said it was a good, solid install.

She helped me work with the seat belt to get it locked more tightly. She did say sometimes the lockoffs wear out and need to be replaced.

I just check the seatbelt when putting my daughter in to ensure it is locked correctly.
 

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