Can't get Nautilus super-tight with lap belt.

livsmum · Jul 11, 2009

I'm trying to install a Nautilus in the centre seat, middle row of a 2002 Pontiac Montana. It has a lap only belt, the kind that rachets back on its own. I can't get it as tight as I'd like but really want it in the middle.

Any tips that might help??

Thanks,

Shannon.

An Aurora · Jul 11, 2009

Hi there

The trick is to kneel in the seat, and rock it back and forth while pushing the belt into the retractor.

Usually you can unbuckle the ALR lap belt, let it click in once or twice, and then rebuckle, but if your car is like my 2001 Venture (same car), the buckle stalk is fixed at a funky angle, and that doesn't work

Luckily, I can get a very solid install using the squishing down and rocking technique

livsmum · Jul 11, 2009

I've always put my full weight in the seat to ensure it's tight but it's just not working this time. The seat was previously installed in a 2000 GMC Jimmy (lap/shoulder belt) and I was able to get it tight every time.

I'll just keep playing around with it I guess, as I like it being in the middle as opposed to the side.

An Aurora · Jul 11, 2009

The trick is the bouncing/rocking motion

momtoirs · Jul 12, 2009

We have a 00 Subaru Impreza with a Nautilus in the center with lap belt and top tether.

For us, the main Nautilus installation trick was/is to adjust the recline on the Nautilus. I can't remember for sure, but I think it has to be on maximum recline in our vehicle -- anything more or less and its not tight.

We do have the buckle stalk twisted 3 full turns, but we need to do that for just about every other seat on the market.

Tina

BeachMama86 · Jul 13, 2009

Also, try taking the tail of the belt (you know - the part you pull on), and run it back through the belt path, and PULLL parallell to the ground/sideways.

Also, I find that if you put all your weight on the buckle side of the seat, so it looks like it's tipping to the buckle side, and PULLL, thaat helps too.

Good luck!

snowbird25ca · Jul 13, 2009

BeachMama86 said:
Also, try taking the tail of the belt (you know - the part you pull on), and run it back through the belt path, and PULLL parallell to the ground/sideways.

Also, I find that if you put all your weight on the buckle side of the seat, so it looks like it's tipping to the buckle side, and PULLL, thaat helps too.

Good luck!

ALR lap belts don't have tails - they are on a retractor just like a lap/shoulder belt except they lock if you pull them out and allow a little to feed back in. The latchplate is sewn on to the end of the webbing.

Did the Montana have the ability to have the seatbelt stalk replaced by GM with a more child restraint friendly one? I believe one of the CDN techs on this board has the updated stalk in her venture, and it's made a huge difference for her. I have checked a nautilus in the center of a venture with the fixed stalk though, and it was in there tight. In that van each seat was able to be reclined independently and they reclined it, rocked/bounced, then forced the vehicle seat back upright and got it in tight.

It's a sucky vehicle for carseats though - that's for sure.

BeachMama86 · Jul 13, 2009

snowbird25ca said:
ALR lap belts don't have tails - they are on a retractor just like a lap/shoulder belt except they lock if you pull them out and allow a little to feed back in. The latchplate is sewn on to the end of the webbing.

Oh, how do you tighten it then? Sorry, I'm not familiar with that type of belt I guess. Any pics?

Can't get Nautilus super-tight with lap belt.

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