Installing a car seat
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
Installing a car seat
Alright guys. Crazy stupid question here. Anybody ever put a car seat in a C3, most specifically a forward facing booster style seat for a 4-5 year old that is smaller. The car seat has a 5 point, so basically anchoring down the seat with the seatbelt if that makes sense.
The 68 in question has over the shoulder belts albeit they are newish aftermarket replacements. I know a lot of car seats have provisions for standard lap belts and technically as long as the lap belt portion locks once the whole shooting match is installed it should be AOK but figured I’d see if anybody ever got any grief from the authorities over it.
The 68 in question has over the shoulder belts albeit they are newish aftermarket replacements. I know a lot of car seats have provisions for standard lap belts and technically as long as the lap belt portion locks once the whole shooting match is installed it should be AOK but figured I’d see if anybody ever got any grief from the authorities over it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Myself and my Ex put car seats in both our C3's and our C4's back in the day. Boys are in university now. Over the top anchor strap can be attached to TTop retaining strap loop in back of car on the right. Even drove 2 Corvettes to the Corvette museum from Wisconsin with 2 small boys.
Never had an issue with the law. Just make certain the seat is installed to meet code. No airbags in a C3 so no problem.
Never had an issue with the law. Just make certain the seat is installed to meet code. No airbags in a C3 so no problem.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
There is no chance that the T-Top straps mounts meet code for an actual car seat anchor. Car manufacturers were only required to add anchors in 2002, and they are reinforced like seatbelt anchors.
But for a front-facing booster seat, you just need a working seatbelt. Just follow the manufacturers installation instructions, and you should be GTG.
But for a front-facing booster seat, you just need a working seatbelt. Just follow the manufacturers installation instructions, and you should be GTG.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
There is no chance that the T-Top straps mounts meet code for an actual car seat anchor. Car manufacturers were only required to add anchors in 2002, and they are reinforced like seatbelt anchors.
But for a front-facing booster seat, you just need a working seatbelt. Just follow the manufacturers installation instructions, and you should be GTG.
But for a front-facing booster seat, you just need a working seatbelt. Just follow the manufacturers installation instructions, and you should be GTG.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,682
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From: WI
I'm sure something could be rigged up. IDK what the laws are in your area, but here there are age/weight/height regulations where the child is supposed to be in the back seat. The problem I fear, is, if one were to get into an accident, or heavens forbid, a fatality, ...my fear would be some group or prosecutor coming after the owner and even possibly end up going to jail (besides the obvious tragedy it would be). And I fully understand (and have seen many times) bonehead parents who carelessly pack several little kids in the front seat area unbuckled. I understand the temptation but personally, I would stick to the back seat of the sedan or SUV. Kids don't know any better, why subject them to possible harm over a couple sunday drives?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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I have a car seat in my 66 Chevelle back seat with only the lap belt holding it in. I also used the same car seat in my dad's 65 and 67 Corvettes only using the lap belt. I am not fooling my self in thinking these cars are any where as being safe as any of my newer cars. But I don't live in fear when driving old cars. I live to have fun in them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: MA/NH Seacoast
I have a car seat in my 66 Chevelle back seat with only the lap belt holding it in. I also used the same car seat in my dad's 65 and 67 Corvettes only using the lap belt. I am not fooling my self in thinking these cars are any where as being safe as any of my newer cars. But I don't live in fear when driving old cars. I live to have fun in them.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 24
From: Indiana
I remember from twenty years back that there was a metal clip that we used to keep the shoulder section of the seat belt from loosening the lap section. With the clip in place the belt became, in function, just a lap belt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
I would think any booster seat is designed to put a small body in correct contact with regular seat belt at waist and shoulder area with head protection from rear should work and a non slip rubber or floor mat to hold from sliding.
i would not put an infant in the c3 unless only car i had or emergency. I guess i would say the age minimum is ..does the child appreciate the pleasure of the trip for fun? and booster up sizing only.
i would not put an infant in the c3 unless only car i had or emergency. I guess i would say the age minimum is ..does the child appreciate the pleasure of the trip for fun? and booster up sizing only.