Riddle Me This: Replacing Lap Belt

[ihpj]

Dear All,

Something I have been toying with as I decide if our Ex. will be a keeper (or not) is the issue of the rear centre seat coming with a lap only belt. I want to replace this with a traditional 3 point harness system and even though I have searched our venerable site and Google, there does not appear to be a definitive answer or record of someone having completed the process.

So I was wondering:

1. Do Ford offer a retrofit kit (even if it's Ford USA)?
2. Do our trucks have tethering anchors?
3. If yes, then where are they located?
4. Has anyone n the forum successfully completed this process?
5. Looking at the seat backs, would it be advisable to drill into them and install an inertia reel if I went down the retrofit route?
6. Any other thoughts invited ...

I currently have 3 boys and my youngest is in a forward facing car seat. But secured only with lap belt the seat isn't actually snug but it holds. With an eye on the future, I need to tackle this conundrum so that no matter which child sits where, they are safe and properly secure.

So, anyone got any bright ideas ?

 

[Goseba]

Maybe somewhere like this could help.

http://www.seatbeltservice.co.uk/

 

[Richiejh]

Did you sort out your centre belt as I am thinking about doing the same. I have 3 kids, one in a booster type seat, one in a forward facing seat and one in a rear facing seat. Fairly soon they will all be front facing so it's something I need to think about.

 

[ihpj]

Short answer: no. There doesn't appear to be any sort of conversion available.

It's either fndng someone competent to retrofit three-point seatbelt to middle seat or weld ISOFIX anchor points. I think the latter is an option given how big the seats are and how (relatively) easy it would be to bolt on anchors.

Project has come to halt for now.

 

[Richiejh]

Take a look at this site i found whilst searching tinternet last night.

http://www.securon.co.uk/fitting/extras/seat_belts_centrefitting.htm

Securon appear to supply exactly what we need. It's basically a lap belt with a diagonal belt with retractor which can be legally retrofitted because it retains the lap belt idea with an extra bit. It just needs a suitable mounting point.

 

[ihpj]

I saw that, but the way I'm reading that is the retractor belt would need to be fitted into roofline or boot - and in doing so you would loose load space (the inside is pretty square and allows easy transport of many items) because where and how the retractor would be affixed. For me that's a no-no as it'd compromise utility.

Right now ISOFIX anchors are my preferred option because they could be welded onto the bench for easy use.