[JenMidwife]

I just tried to install our new Regent & have run in to trouble... believe it or not, it looks like it fits okay in our '98 Honda Civic (2 door). It doesn't have LATCH, so we're doing the "long" seat belt install for my 34lb, super tall 2.5yo.

Here's the problem- the seat belts are too short, w/ both the shoulder belt on the outboard position & the lap belt in middle. Am I doing something wrong on the install? It is one big honkin' car seat, but I don't think the seat belts are unusually short.

TIA

 

[goodheartedmama]

I tried to install our Regent in my sister's honda and the straps were most definitely too short for the long belt path, which I believe is required under 40 lbs. Your best bet may be getting anchors retrofitted so you can use LATCH. I do find it helpful to have 2 people installing it when using the seatbelt and LBP. Have one person retract the belt all the way and hold it while the other person hooks it through.

 

[an_aurora]

You can't get lower anchors retrofitted.

Sometimes the belt seems to short but might actually be *just* long enough. Try climbing in the seat and pressing down with your knees while you thread the belt. It might help to have someone else buckle it while you bounce up and down in it. Also, make sure it's back up against the vehicle seat as much as the recline bar allows.

 

[Ceili]

Yeah, we can't do the long belt install in my husband's prius either. The belts are just too short.

 

[goodheartedmama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by an_aurora You can't get lower anchors retrofitted. Sometimes the belt seems to short but might actually be *just* long enough. Try climbing in the seat and pressing down with your knees while you thread the belt. It might help to have someone else buckle it while you bounce up and down in it. Also, make sure it's back up against the vehicle seat as much as the recline bar allows.

oops. I figured you could since you can get the others done.

 

[an_aurora]

Nope, just top tethers.

Two vehicle manufacturers (Audi and VW) do retrofit lower anchors, but they are the only ones.

 

[SaraLe6]

In my Regent manual it says you may need to get a seatbelt extender for it to fit. In my '91 Chevy Cavalier, my belts are just long enough.. I have to get in the seat and bounce up and down a bit while pulling the belt clip pieces together as hard as I can.

 

[JenMidwife]

thanks for all of your suggestions!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaraLe6 In my Regent manual it says you may need to get a seatbelt extender for it to fit.

ah! I missed that. good to know I'm not the only one.