uRizen

iTrader: (2)

We've decided that we're going to start a family sometime in the next 6 months, so I need to make my FC a bit more baby friendly. I don't think that putting a carseat in the front will go over too well with anyone even though I don't have airbags.

Anyways, I'm in the process of deciding wether I'm actually going to replace the bins, or maybe get a cheap beater DD, but I need to get a good look at the seats folded and unfolded to decide. I did a quick search, but nobody has posted folded pictures.

I appreciate any input you guys can give me, thanks!

oakback

From the pics and cars I've seen, the seat bottoms don't lay flat. Plus you might want a different car to toke an infant in. My son is 3 (actually he'll be 3 tomorrow), and I'm still too worried to give him a ride in my FC. I just doesn't seem like a safe car if it were to be involved in a collision.

rotary emotions

the serious problem with those seats is that to carry a small child, you'll need a childrenseat (or whatever they're called iin english) Those things are probable too big to fit, esp. fit safe.
In Europe new laws state that children up to 12 need extra seats (different sizes for different ages, of course) but in RX-7's (whatever generation) most of those things wouldn't fit properly.

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

That was another thought that had crossed my mind. I think I really need to talk it over with the wife and see what we can come up with. Beaters don't really cost all that much, and it would free my FC up for a turbo swap finally.

I know one thing for sure though, I'm not ditching the 7.

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

I just did some reading up on the subject and it looks like it's ok for a child to be riding in the front seat of a vehicle as long as they're in a booster or child designed seat that's secured with the stock restraint system as long as you do not have airbags. It is highly recommended that children ride in the backseat.

I pulled up a pic of the backseats from my RX7 book and I don't think there's any way that a child seat would work or even be safe in those things. The horizontal portion of the sit dips way too far in and the child seat would be resting only on it's corners, which wouldn't be safe, and they only have lap belts.

I'm definatly going to ditch the rear seat idea, but it's good to know that it's ok to move a child around in the front seat with the proper equipment, but it's definatly something I don't plan on making a habit of. I know what you guys mean about the FC being safe for children. It's such a small car compared to the creations roving around on the roads today, and I don't think safety was a huge concern when they built these wonderful machines.

Tiers

Man don't take a chance...Studies have proved that front seat baby seats are extremely dangerous.

It is against the law in Canada to use it for a baby seat.(though some provinces allow it if they are rear facing) I would not do it.

A rear seat in a rex is a good option and have seen babyseats properly installed in them and they fit fine and are pretty safe. The ones you want have straps that secure it in the hatch area too, I have rear seats in my rex and my daughter fits well...though not for much longer, she is 11 now

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

Hmmmm.... you don't happen to have any pics do you? Indecision is killing me. I need to find someone local that has some I can check out in person I think. I don't really use the bins right now, but I'd have to re-design the positioning of my car-puter and amp.

Tiers

I will look if can find any but I wouldnt fool ya about something this serious, a baby seat (the right one) will work great. It is the types that have fastening straps to rear cargo strap holes. And with the back seat in place (which you should be able to find somewhere) it does fit in seat position.

I just have visions of side impact and baby in front seat...scary sorry...

rotarygod

iTrader: (1)

THere was never an issue with baby seats in the front until airbags came out. That's what's dangerous. This was also why some vehicles like trucks had the option of turning off the passenger side airbag. It was in the event that you had a baby seat there. The front seat is no mroe dangerous than the back seat in an accident. The determining factor is the type of wreck. The dangerous part is an airbag hitting the child seat. The RX-7 doesn't have that problem. People had baby seats in the car in every location long before airbags were invented. You can carry a child seat in front. Let your wife ride in the hatch!!!

The rear seats themselves are so small that small children are about the only things that can fit in them. Don't do this though. A friend of mine actually did creatively put his daughter's baby seat in the back of his 2+2 but it made me a little nervous. I don't recommend it. If you insist on boing a baby seat here, the best way to do it would be to fab up a very strong steel bracket that the baby seat attaches to. I still wouldn't do this though. You can find used cars pretty cheap.

Tiers

You are pretty much correct and airbags are a big factor...however it is a touchy subject to al lot of peoples. Just as many studies have shown that a baby seat in the front is more prone to harm from side impact then in the back seat, but then one could argue other safety concerns with a seat back there...I dunno to ME I think a baby seat in the backseat is simply the safer way to go regardless of airbag or not.

I am not trying to argue, this is my opinion based on things I have read and seen.
I have seen a baby seat in a 2+2 Rx-7 and it is the way I would go...besides Mom would want to ride up front too which is another factor one would assume.

No matter what drive extra careful with your baby in your car !

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

I went digging up all the pics I could so far of the backseats, and have noticed one glaring problem that might make them worthless in my situation.

They all seem to have only lap belts. I thought some of them had over-the shoulders, but cannot find a single picture to verify this, and there doesn't seem to be a mounting point for them on the pillar (I pulled mine apart quick to check, no pre-drilled holes really).

Tiers

Use the cargo strap holes or tap a hole of your own...that was the way I saw it done

pretty much all the child seats come with tether straps just for this as most rear seats dont didnt have shoulder straps (funny most peoples actually dont mount the tethers?)

gingenhagen

How hard is it to switch the bins with 2+2 seats? I haven't looked into it, but it seems to me like a lot of work.

Tiers

it is not hard...mounting holes are there already.
I did it to a first gen last year

Dak

I don't think that lap belts are an issue since it is recommended(for infants anyway) that their seat be in the center position which don't have shoulder belts in many or at least older cars. The rears in an Rx7 are small.I don't think I could fit my daughter's seat in one. Also you couldn't put it in the center it would have to be on one side or the other.

Tiers

Jeez ya know this is being totally over analysed ...a child seat will fit, maybe not every one but there are many that will. Tethered down it will be safe. I have in R/L seen one in the backseat of a REX. As well my daughter at 11 fits nicely in the back seat of my first gen several years ago as well as in my 86 today...I cant believe how many people say it is good for nothing. An adult is a different matter but why would I drive 4 adults around in my rex hehehe...

I was/am trying to help but am done with this as too many naysayers.

In the end do what YOU consider safe for your baby cause thats all that matters. I am sure being a parent you will make the right decision regardless

Terry

Dak

I'm just saying I didn't think it would fit but it might have. I do think people have gotten alittle too worked up about the shoulder belts though.

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

I haven't really looked at car seats much, so I don't know how it all fits together.

This is my first time being a parent too, so I'm going nuts figuring stuff out. It's good to know a few other people here on the club manage to lug their kids around in their 7's without too many problems.

felixwankel88

i have some rear seats... urizen aim me felixwankel88 i have all the info u need including pics

uRizen

iTrader: (2)

Cool, I'll bug you tomarrow when I get home hopefully. I don't know if I want to buy any yet (feels like jumping the gun until I see how things roll), but I'd like to see pics.