3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
while I love the performance aspect of my car (pushing it to the limit-whee.), I also have a 15 month kid about to go to daycare, and I needed to put a child car seat in. 1996 did not have LATCH as an option, and the middle seat's lap belt seemed...inadequate. the seat had a top tether, but my car doesn't. So, I called my local Toyota stealership, and they sold me part#: 73709-20010 "bracket sub-assy". It bolts into the rear deck behind the middle seating position and provides a top tether position for the car seat. It's super-easy to install, too. Poke a hole from the underside (there's a nut welded right in the middle), and cut away a little of the covering from the topside, then tighten with a 14mm wrench. Done. Now go get your car seat inspected by the fire dept or someone knowledeable.
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1996 Camry Sport (that's a DX Coupe with decals) with 186k
european cars are just like japanese cars, just heavier and more expensive.
7 ASE's.
very cool! does this only allow a top anchor for the center seat? i have two little ones and ive only put their seats on the two sides using the regular 3-point seat belts.
I was looking into making a set for my car, but then Consumer Reports article (they subcontracted the testing of many child and infant seats) found that the 3 point belt better restrained in most tests, including side impact at much higher speed than required.
Manufacturers challenged the testing to be too stringent, CR had to retract their initial findings of most seats being marginal.
The lower two attachment points could be screwed into the seatbelt buckles on the L and R sides if you make your own. But I would not chance that.
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2004 RX330 Sport
2003 Cam I4 XLE
2000 Cam XLE Gold Edition V6
1998 CamCE I4 Super Commuter!
Last edited by Hajoca; 08-24-2008 at 09:07 PM.
Reason: Incomplete post
Exactly. while I would build a rollcage to risk my own life in, I wouldn't dare make my own set of LATCH points. Unfortunately, the Cam only has 1 welded in nut in the middle seat position, not on either side. Works well for me now, as i only have 1 kid, but when the second one comes, it's gonna be time to sell it as it's a coupe. I was glad to have the top tether made available, though. car seat barely moves now, as opposed to the easy 6" it rocked before.
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1996 Camry Sport (that's a DX Coupe with decals) with 186k
european cars are just like japanese cars, just heavier and more expensive.
7 ASE's.
Uh...you can put that top latch on either side. Mine is on the passenger side in the LE. You dont HAVE to put it in the center. In fact, I think it's safer behind one of the front seats.
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1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
Uh...you can put that top latch on either side. Mine is on the passenger side in the LE. You dont HAVE to put it in the center. In fact, I think it's safer behind one of the front seats.
Why is it safer on one side? I think the "safest" spot is the back middle due to side impacts.
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1993 Camry LE 5SFE AT, 2006 Nissan Armada LE 4x4, 1971 Cadillac Coupe DeVille "pimp juice"
Toys: 2007 Coachmen 19FLB, 2007 Regal 1900 V6
I'm the biggest boss thatchu seen thus far! Baby, that's muh wi'zzard!
good to know, xtremeskier! I gave a cursory look at the sides, but didn't see anything but the speakers. Guess that means I get to keep my car after all! yay!
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1996 Camry Sport (that's a DX Coupe with decals) with 186k
european cars are just like japanese cars, just heavier and more expensive.
7 ASE's.
Why is it safer on one side? I think the "safest" spot is the back middle due to side impacts.
Most accidents are front/back, not side. If you got hit in the front or back with the child seat in the middle, and the seatbelt or carseat belt broke/malfunctioned, atleast your child would be stopped by the seat and not thrown through the front windshield.
That's how I always looked at it anyway...but to each his own. Both my kids are in booster seats now, so this isn't relevant for me anymore (thank GOD! )
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1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
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Parent's modification! LATCH in a '96!
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