Convertible Top Down and Car Seat

[contourrob217]

Hi everyone - just joined the site after purchasing a GT Premium Convertible this past week. After installing my son's car seat, I was wondering if it was safe to lower the convertible top, given the tether attachment to the vehicle in what appears to be the same space occupied by the top when lowered. Does anyone know if it is safe to lower the top while the tether is being used to restrain the car seat?

Thanks,

Rob

Sponsored

 

[SDEcoBoost]

I would suggest you check the manual. If that doesn't give you an answer, call Ford. This is obviously an important safety question and you would think the manual would address it.

 

[contourrob217]

Thanks. I did read the manual (a few times!) and I could not find where this was addressed. The tether would remain secure - my main concern would be tearing the fabric top due to the "clip" from the car seat being attached to the tether.

 

[SDEcoBoost]

Sorry, I was misreading your note. Looks like a call to Ford may be in order.

 

[toplessfun]

My understanding according to my brother who has had his car seat installed by OPP during and instruction session is that the connection at the back of the seat is not the right place anymore.

There are connections right in the lower seat back from the front that can be accessed. This apparently provides the safest connection for the seats and will guarantee they will not move at all.

I know they existed on my 2008 Mustang GT... I'm sure they exist for the 2015 as well.

 

[contourrob217]

@toplessfun: I am using those front connections (called Latch), however in addition, per the manufacturer guidelines, I am also using the behind-the-seat tether to reduce any forward motion of the headrest section of the car seat during an accident. There are 2 anchor points for this additional tether in the area where the top is located when folding (they are covered by removable plastic caps). It is unclear to me whether the tether can be utilized when the top is down and was looking to see if anyone here had come across this in the past. Thanks for your input.

 

[Rhys]

I've seen videos where the top only keeps going down if you hold the switch down. Maybe check that so if so, you can easily stop the top from going down if you notice it gets close!

 

[Rob00GT]

Can you post a link to the type of child seat you're using? You might have better luck with one that uses the LATCH system in concert with the seat belt and does not attempt to tether to the back of the seat. Sounds like yours was not designed to work with a convertible.

 

[peetucket]

I am also interesting in learning about this if anyone finds out. I don't have the car yet, but it will be an issue when I get it. Any forward facing toddler seat should be attached with a top tether as well as the lower latches to keep the seat from tipping forward at the top in an accident. More information on tethers here: http://thecarseatlady.com/latch-weight-limits/ (scroll down a bit)

 

[contourrob217]

It seems my car seats (I have both a Britax and a Recaro) are not capable of using the latch connectors and the seat belt to prevent the seat from tipping forward. The tether must be utilized. I tried putting the top down to see if there would be interference (I did not connect the tether while doing this). It seems the latch for the tether would not disrupt the top folding, however the fit of the top against the rear seat is fairly tight and may interfere with the tether belt.

Sponsored