Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Baby seat info required

Hello all, long time lurker and I think this might be my first post here...

I am expecting my first child in May and since I was brought home from hospital in my Dads 4/4 many years ago, I thought it would be great to do the same for my child in the same car. The car has been owned from new since 1973 and I suggested in passing that it would be great to borrow the car and continue the tradition, which he is all for. Due to the low line 2 seater windscreen which is currently on the car, we will have to put the high line, original one back on in order to fit the hood but that's a simple task. I just hope the hood is in good condition as he hasn't used it for many, many years!
What I am wanting to know is, what modifications, if any would I need to make to the seatbelt in order to accommodate a modern child seat?
The car has fixed 3 point belts in the front which are adjustable but not retracting. When the car was rebuilt in the mid 80's, lap belts were fitted for my sister and I in the rear but times have changed and I would imagine the best place to be will be in the front in any case?

Would I need a special car seat, if so which one as most these days seem to be isofix. I feel I can't have this conversation in the likes of mother are!

I will have to dust off my old 1980's Morgan pedal car for junior too...!😃

Hi and I guess its welcome at last!

I'm all for family tradition but I'd think twice about putting my new born joy in my Morgan. Lets face it , there aren't many safety features! That said the following link might be useful, although of course its not specific to our type of vehicle..

https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/using-a-child-car-seat-or-booster-seat

Think it's a great idea! I know many will try and put you off it but I think the symmetry and symbolism is great! Plus, you're going to be driving 15 under I'm sure...being a new dad and all!
Congrats to you and many happy returns to your upcoming child!

Welcome.....you've lurked for a long time! At least you won't need to worry about deactivating airbags!

And congratulations!

Welcome to the forum and I too think it's a great idea and one that I would be keen to carry on if it were my family

Take some nice photos of the occasion to give to your son or daughter when they are older, I'm hoping you have ones when you were born

I'm not too up on recent baby seats (youngest is now 14) but I would guess that there are still dual isofix and 3 point seat belt fastening carriers around which would work in the front

When my eldest was born we didn't have isofix

Let us know how you get on

Wonderful idea...

What a splendid idea, go for it!
I have driven around with the kids in child seats when I had a 4/4 4str.
The baby is strapped into the seat and the baby seat is fixed by the seat belt. That the seatbelt is not retractable should be a problemnot to asure baby seat is fixed properly by adjusting the seatbelt. Try it first so you know what to do.
My kids (17 & 19 years) always enjoyed driving with me in the Morgan and they still do!

Let us know when you succesfully 'delivered' the project!
Good-luck,
Bert

Yes, go for it. No1 daughter used to travel on the back ledge in a carry cot. But the roads were a different world 41 years ago. Drive home carefully.

I took my first bourn home in a carrier cot on the dickie seat of a Triumph TR3A. The problem is that now there are strict laws about carrying children in cars and I think some organisation like the AA may be a source to tap.

An interesting conundrum!

According to Footman-James Insurance Brokers pre 1966, cars were often made without seat belts. Many manufacturers offered seat belts as extras to the car. Therefore, if you own a classic car and no seat belts are fitted as standard, you have no legal obligation to have them fitted. However you should bare in mind that young children under 3 will not be able to travel in your vehicle.

As to child seats it might be worth talking to these people:
Classic Seat Belts
It might be worth having full seat belts fitted to the rear for when the child is over 3.

But for now I'd look for a rearward facing seat that can go on the front passenger seat: even though most are iso-fix there are ones that work with the seat belts as well: the Britax website says "the baby seat can be fitted in to your vehicle by using three different options. The Britax Baby-Safe belted base, the Britax Baby-Safe Isofix base or using your 3 point seat belt system."

So, go to Halfords and try some....