Thread: Fitting Anchor Points for Child Restraint in 2008 Defender

Sorry for the hi-jack but what about a 2004 90 with side facing seats?

Originally Posted by kailanayacht

Hi AULRO Members,

I am looking at purchasing a 2008 Defender 110 in Western Australia. I am also the proud father of a newborn child and must consider the ability to safely (and legally) secure an infant/child car seat in the vehicle. I have read some blogs on AULRO regarding the issue of fitting anchor points, however I am still clouded with uncertainty as to weather they can be legally fitted to a 2008 Defender?

I am aware that a 'crab bar' (picture below) can and have been installed to Defenders in the past, however the rules in WA may have changed recently and some engineers are saying that can't install on Defender anymore as not able to install to aluninium and way too difficult to engineer an alternative?


(note that I want to install anchor point on 2008 Defender which has higher back seats and different side panelling).

Also, the only installations I can see on the internet are on older Defenders which have the older rear seats which have seat top height much lower than the current taller rear seats in the 2008 model. This, along with different interior panel moulding on the 2008 at the location where I would expect the 'crab bar' to be installed may cause problems to install on the 2008? If it can be installed, how much damage will this have on the interrior during install?

Has anyone out there any information on this or have installed legal anchor points on a 2008 or more recent Defender 110?

Hi kailanayacht,
I just removed my bar which was installed by Wes??? In Perth in my 2009 Def. PM me if you want it, as it may save you some coin.
Darren

Originally Posted by Samblers

Just re-vitalising this old thread as I was doing some research...

TL Engineering now quote $660 all-up to do the job.

This is the 'official' word from a Perth Land Rover dealer on the process, as per email today... quite a difference hey?...

With regard to child anchor points. They are not fitted to the Defenders in Australia, and we, as a Land Rover dealer, cannot retro fit them.
The process by yourself to have them fitted to Australian standards is as follows.
1/ have the vehicle inspected by an authorised engineer listed with the Dept. of Planning and Infrastructure, (Welshpool Licencing Centre is the Engineers Branch)
2/ The engineer designs the specifications required for the restraint points.
3/ Apply to the Dept. Planning Engineers branch for the modification to be authorised.
4/ on approval, have the modification performed by an engineering company recommended by the design engineer.
5/ take the vehicle back to Dept. of Planning Engineers Dept. for inspection and final approval, at which time they will issue a modified Vehicle Permit.

I understand this all sounds long winded and too hard, but it’s not. The process from start to finish is approximately six weeks, and the overall cost I would think somewhere around $2500, of which the design engineer will be charging $1800 give or take.
I’ve always found the engineers and inspectors at Welshpool friendly and informative, as long as you do it by the book.
With regard to the differing information and options from the Australian Land Rover website compared to the English one, use only the Australian. The English options and accessories are much more wide and varied, due to market demand, compliancing etc etc.

$1800 for design engineer... so, who's in the right...?

By which time your child will no longer need the child restraint system and the costs paid would have probably paid for half his pre university education.

These links to the relevant ADRs may be useful. Note the static test load of 3.4 kN (~350kg) requirement as an alternative to dynamic testing.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 34/00 - Child Restraint Anchorage and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings) 2006

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 34/01 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings) 2005

Cheers

Glenn

all mods must comply with ADR Australian Design rules, i fitted a three hook Crab bar to my 110 staion wagon in Qld, it cost $750 and the bloke who fitted it said he would never do it so cheaply again, as it was the first time he had done it and it took than he quoted for...

there is minimal disturbance or damage inside.

Hi John,

A 2010 110 crew cab/double cab,
I cant find the pics now, but i'll have a scout around and see what i can find.
cheers
muddy

More info on this one, just for reference for people searching in the future.

I have the car booked in at TL Engineering here in Perth, they put me onto their suppliers, Automotive Restraint Fitters Australia. Check out their items 46 and 46a here:

Automotive Restraint Fitters - Seat Belt Accessories - Child Car Seats - Baby Car Seats - TOTLOK - Bracket's and Mounts

I bought item 46 (secondhand) off a 2009 defender owner... but was suprised when i saw the install on his 7-seater that it meant you could no longer sit in the third row of seats (the occupants knees will hit the bar). Item 46a is the item that should be fitted to a defender - the bar is padded and raised up much higher (hence the legs), meaning the third row of seats can be used.

I also spoke to the fella at Automotive Restraint Fitters Australia about anchor points through the floor (which i would prefer), which he says is not an option.

Hope this helps

Sam

p.s. and if anyone wants to buy item 46, for their 5-seater defender, PM me!