Lapbelt Conversion Question - Newbie Owner In A Dilemma!

[Janine]

Hi all,

 

I've just searched through the forums and am looking for clarification! (Please be gentle if I'm missing the stupidly obvious - I'm 8.5 months pregnant so do have a touch of baby brain!)

 

We have a 2001(y) 2.3 Ghia with a middle seat lap belt. We need to fit 3 child seats along the back ASAP and don't really want a lap belt. (Even though one of our childseats is designed to fit with a lap belt, in the long term this isn't going to be suitable).

 

We've just realised adjustment/locking buckle isn't holding the belt in place properly so we need to replace this at the very least. But we've looked into a replacement 3 point belt.

 

This company http://www.quickfitsbs.com have quoted £300 to put in a 3 point belt which will be fitted somewhere in the rear/roof/side (I can't remember the term!). With suitable reinforcing anchor plates as needed. 1/2 days labour. They gave me lots of technical information and are highly recommended in the classic car world (we have a VW camper and they will be supplying modern seatbelts in for us)

 

This company http://www.seatbeltservice.co.uk quoted £200 but can only fit the belt onto the seat - 2 hours max. This company is a mobile service (which is handy) and couldn't give me much more information other than they are familiar with the vehicle.

 

My gut feeling is it should be fitted to an anchor point and not onto the seat itself. But am I just being stupid/paranoid/pregnant and irrational?!

 

I know it's a lot of money but we need this done ASAP and I'm really not confident, along with 'time-rich' enough to attempt it myself.

 

Has anyone got any views on this at all?

 

All info is very welcome! :23:

[dlt1617]

My 2002 Galaxy (mk2) has the seat belt mounted into the roof as the height of the seat alone is too low for the height required for an adult.

If you look at vehicle where the belt is mounted on the seat itself the top mounting point for the belt is by the top of the headrest.

Have a look at a Vclass Mercedes from around 2000 and you'll see what I mean.

 

So I would advise against a seat mounted set up as if Fords had been able to do it it would have saved the cost of a new roof lining etc

 

Best wishes

 

Dave

[Janine]

Thank you for your reply. My gut instinct is exactly that - if it was safe for a 3point to be on the seat then they wouldn't have fitted a lap belt in the first place.

 

We want to put the eldest child into the middle with his booster seat so it's got to be right, and eventually for an adult.

 

I've spoken to Quickfit again and they say they now never put a belt on the seat unless there is absolutely no other way, and assure me they have fitted over 200 Galaxies, Sharans etc with no issues.

 

So I think we're going to book it into there. :23:

[Barlidge]

Just a thought but could you ask them if they have any recent customers with similar installs so you could actually see it in situ.

[Janine]

Just thought I'd report back. We now have a lovely new 3 point belt in our middle seat, which my infant carrier fits into perfectly! The garage did a great job, I couldn't fault them (including beige webbing to match the existing belts which I wouldn't have even thought of). It cost £300 but for our peace of mind (and baby due in 8 days time) was money well spent. All kids can now go in the middle row and we have the super large boot back. (which was the whole point of getting the Galaxy in the first place).

 

I can take a picture if anyone wants to see. It's fitted on the nearside quarter behind the middle row and retracts fully when not needed to take the seat out.

 

If anyone is interested the company is http://www.quickfitsbs.com and they also do supply only (I think around £80+VAT)

 

One happy lady! :angry:

[gregers]

thats good news.

and good luck with the little un.

[Janine]

Somebody asked if I could show some photos, so here they are. :)

 

 

 

Clipped away when not in use.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u368/janineb1/galaxy/seat3_zps2fadc4a8.jpg

 

 

How it connects to the seat on the nearside.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u368/janineb1/galaxy/seat2_zpsd5879f3e.jpg

 

 

Going over the shoulder.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u368/janineb1/galaxy/seat1_zps0277a7ae.jpg

 

 

We all fit!

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u368/janineb1/galaxy/seat4_zps5b1f6d72.jpg

[acecard]

Nice motor - , Galaxies are great for families, got used to them so much that I couldn't put up with a smaller car - also useful for carrying old mattresses, washing machines, moving to uni etc etc.

Best of luck with the babby

 

oh by the way - you left your keys on the seat

Edited January 4, 2013 by acecard

[SPIKEYJIMBO]

Was me that asked for the pics, thank you for taking the time to add them on. I think I shall be booking in to have the same thing done on my galaxy, 2 quick questions though.

 

1) Could someone still sit in the seat at the very back or would the new belt positioning get in the way?

 

2) Did they have to fit a new belt socket on the other side of the seat, as my lap belt obviously has only one buckle and one socket

 

Thank you again for your time

James

[dlt1617]

Hi Janine, just thought I'd add my comment to the post Well done for giving an update to your original post I'm probably as bad as anyone in posting a request for information and not updating the information later with the out come so again WELL DONE!

 

Best wishes

 

Dave

[bigdave982]

Looks like a nice conversion but im a bit confused why it was needed

My 2001mk2ghia has a 3point belt on the centre seat ,presumably as standard