Want to share an idea I had re: using up an unused seatbelt

Pixels · Sep 2, 2009

I just installed my Radian outboard in my Civic, on the same side as the unused belt for the center seat. Thinking about the dangers of unused belts and automatic retractors, I buckled the center seatbelt and locked it. But the center seating position is narrow, combined with the size of the sweet spot, the belt won't stay locked when buckled unoccupied.

So I used a locking clip to use up some of the belt.

It leaves some slack in the lap portion of the belt, but nowhere near enough for a child to get in trouble with it. I put the clip on the wrong side, away from the buckle. That used up the right amount of belt and allows the shoulder portion to go straight up the seat back, mostly behind the Radian. Out of sight, out of mind. I did make sure that the belt is not on the edge of the sweet spot, so it won't be locked now but not later when a child may play with it.

shorty393 · Sep 2, 2009

wow, that's crazy. in all the cars i've ever had you have to put the belt almost all the way back in to release it. i have my belts locked cuz ds was forever playing with them. he is not very happy with me for doing that! LOL

Jonah Baby · Sep 2, 2009

After installing a MR RFing in our car, I noticed that DS can indeed play with the leftover belt (I tried LATCH this time...actually installed better than the belt in this car.) So, I took the belt and tucked the lap portion just under the front of the shell and buckled it. After pulling out any extra slack, I was still able to lock the retractor.
He gets mad that his toes can play with the shoulder belt and he can loop his foot behind it, but no matter what he does he just can't REACH it!
Its amusing to watch.