Child seat tether anchors

[SpyderCS]

I have already asked this in my introduction post, but I thought I would put it here as well.

How would a person go about getting anchor bolts installed in a delica? could I install two of them behind the rear bench seats? Would they bolt to the floor? Would I have to do it myself or would a dealership do it? I am also wondering if I could install one for the middle center bench seat just to keep my options open, just thinking that the safest place in the whole van is right in the center.

[TardisDeli]

Hi SpyderCS, I think I read on the website here that the later 1992 deli's have the 3 point seat belts, so try to buy that model then you know it is properly installed, as it probably is not an easy project. Your profile does not list your location so don't know who to suggest to you. Cheers, Christine.

[torchard]

It's pretty easy to install the tether mounts. Drill a hole (or holes if you're mounting two), use the provided washers and bolt them down. Even if you had your mechanic do it, the time would be minimal so it shouldn't cost too much. You may want to make sure the spare tire isn't in the way underneath the vehicle, but otherwise there should be lots of floor space to accomodate a bolt or two. I used another method I found on this site which involved a loop of braided cable which is mounted around the seat frame and the tether clips to this loop. IMO This isn't as secure, because if the seat were to unlatch during a collision the seat with baby could flip forward. Because of this I'm thinking about mounting directly into the floor.

--Todd

[delicat]

3 points seat belts are from Aug '91...

Seat belts anchor points can be modified to accommodate infant car seats, (as described by torchard who was a little bit quicker than me to respond... had to modify my reply!) or you can do as Jungle Jon:

"For daily use, I put the car seat in the middle of the rear bench, and used the locking clip that comes with the car seat to hold the belt from slipping. I found that reclining the seat back made clipping the seatbelt in easier, and when the seat was straightened up, the car seat was quite held in place very snug. For the over-the-seat anchor I took a length of 3/8" Spectra core rope (higher tensile strength than steel, used for climbing anchors/accessories, etc.) and looped it over the internal frame of the rear bench, on the bar that runs front to back. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOOP IT AROUND THE SEAT RELEASE BAR! The internal frame is not visible when looking at the back, and the rope would need to be fished through the spot where the upholstery meets the material on the underside of the bench seat to go over the frame. I used a double-fisherman's knot to join the ends, then clipped the anchor to the rope and tightened."

Please refer to complete post for more details AND disclaimer...
http://www.delica.ca/forum/middle-seatbelts-124.html

I wouldn't let this issue stopping you from purchasing a Delica. Lot's of us here have kids and care about them just as much as you do. There is a way to go about it, keep searching in details this forum and you'll find more options.

Good luck!

[Adam]

I've had to installed tether anchor bolts in just about every vehicle I've own, it is not very difficult. I have one installed behind the passenger side mid-row captian's chair and one installed passenger side behind the rear bench seat. Only one of my kids still needs the tether, but it is nice to have seating options.

Both of my bolts go through the floor. Drop the spare out of the way before drilling, and drill a small pilot hole first to see where the drill bit comes out underneath. Other than that I needed two wrenches to install the bolts and was able to reach both by myself, although it would have been easier if I'd asked my wife to hold one of the wrenches. I can take some pictures of the locations tomorrow if you'd like.

There was a posted picture on here where someone placed the anchor bolt on the metal base of a captains chair so that you could slide the seats forward/back without having to readjust the tether strap. I thought it was pretty slick, but I only saw the posting after both my bolts were installed.

[SpyderCS]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

TardisDeli I changed my profile location, I am in Maple Ridge.

Adam I really would like to see pictures of your installations, If you have the time. If all I need is a drill and a few wrenches then I may do it myself.

This is just one of the things that I needed to know before I purchased a Delica. Now I need to take a few for a test drive.

I am also thinking about changing the steering wheel right away, I don't really like the one that comes in the van. And if there is an easy way to set up a skid plate over the hole where the air is forced through the rad like in this post http://www.delica.ca/forum/is-something ... skid+plate

I've been looking at "The Global Garage" site in parksville. I think I'm going to the island at the beginning of March so I may drop in there for a test drive. So excited!!

Or maybe I'll call Kuan about his, if it isn't sold by then!!

[Adam]

My wife just took the van to go get groceries, but I'll take a few pics when she gets back. If you are coming over to the Island to shop I'd recommend stopping by Five Star Auto to see what they have in stock. That's where I got mine and CC Auto did a nice job getting everything road ready.

[TardisDeli]

Hi SpyderCS, since you're local-ish, Try to come to this Friday's Show & Tell, at MacDonalds Boundary Road at Lougheed, border of Vancouver Burnaby 6:30 to 7:3Opm . See full details on the posting. You can drive my Tardis around the parking lot, and poke at everyone's seat belts. Ideas, Ideas. Cheers, Christine.

[Sailing Deli]

I'd recommend stopping by Five Star Auto to see what they have in stock.

X2

[SpyderCS]

I think I may come to the show and tell. I will have to see if I can fit it in! I'll bring my list of questions :)

[loki]

I would love it if some people would post pics of their child seat anchor installs. I have a couple possible ideas but would like to see others. I would "like" to be able to move the seats around with the seats in but not required.

[double-0-newb]

Ditto and bump.

[Adam]

Here are pics of the two anchor bolts I installed top and bottom. Rear row anchor:


Mid-row chair anchor:


All I did was take a very thin drill bit and made a pilot hole to make sure that the bolts were going to come out someplace that I could get a hold of them. I placed the mid-row bolt just beyond the farthest back position of the chair on the track, although I think the chair would actually slide over the bolt (just not with the tether attached). As I mentioned before if I was doing this again I'd look at attaching the bolt to the black metal base of the chair so that I could move the chair back/forth and spin it without have to take off the tether strap. There is a picture of someone doing this somewhere on this forum, I just can't seem to find it.

The rear row bolt was easy too, just make sure you drill the pilot hole so you don't have you bolt exiting into the metal beam where it is unreachable.

[SpyderCS]

Great pictures Adam! Thanks so much!! I'm going to get some bolts from Canadian Tire today.

[Fishtank]

Spyder, I will try to get some pictures as to how I've attached mine. A little different and more versatile for the captains chairs, you are able to swivel and slide without worry. And the back ones are well hidden and don't interfere with any cargo that is packed in the back.

Give me a couple of hours and I will get them up for you.