Mod For The
KiddiesMod For The
Kiddies
Recently I was in my brothers 1997 blazer and I noticed a part in the rear seat area that looked like it would work on our Caprices/Impalas. First I had to figure out what it was! I eventually figured it out, it was a seat belt guide for children that would redirect the rear seat belt so that it would go across their shoulders at the correct angle and not ride against the side of their neck making them uncomfortable. I have seen children put the seat belt shoulder section behind their back due to the belt irritating their chin or neck.
The part is basically a plastic clip that attaches onto the seat belt and a short four inch bungee cord attached to a push in plastic fastener and holder for the clip part. I have seen other after market accessories that redirect the seat belt but it seems to me that they are a permanent attachment or at least very hard to get off. The best part of these GM guides is that they can be clipped on the seat belt and removed very easily to accommodate for children or adults. When the guide is not in use it can be securely attached on to it’s holder fastened with the same fastener that is holding the bungee cord.
Installation is a snap but should vary according to the size of your children. On my caprice there is a plastic interior piece covering the transition from the back of the seat to the door opening. I drilled down about one inch from the top screw hole and in the center of the plastic piece. Basically you just drill a hole large enough to accommodate the plastic push in fastener. Maybe drill the hole a little smaller for a snug fit and to insure the clip assembly does not move excessively in the hole. Then just put the fastener in the hole and push in the securing pin on the fastener. Wherever you install the clip just make sure there is enough of a empty space behind the area you are drilling into to accommodate for the depth of the fastener. In my brothers Blazer the clip was just installed into the plastic interior trim not into a metal piece. I tried it out on a few kids at a recent car show and the location seemed to work good for a few different sizes of kids.
A few days later I realized that you could also add one of these guides to the front passenger seat by attaching it to the center door pillar interior plastic. I have not tried this so if you do give some feedback.
DISCLAIMER: Perform and use this information at your own risk. I take no responsibility for the safety of your children or any other individual for that matter. I offer this information as a public service only and assume no liability for the use of or installation of any part or procedure described above.
When it comes to kids and safety I though I better cover my butt.
For more safety information for yourself and your family see what GM and National Safe Kids Campaign have teamed up to offer.