Retrofitting ISOFIX brackets

the_blackstuff

Hi All
I have a 05 hatchback focus that I'm looking to retro fix ISOFIX brackets to. Has anybody any experience of doing this and if so what are the pit falls. I'm assuming they will have to be bolted down to under the seats as I see no mountings in the area. Is it do-able for one person who is would generally do most of their own car maintenance or should I consult a mechanic? I believe I can buy the brackets from a main dealers for around the E25 mark
Thanks

alias no.9

It all depends on how they're supposed to be secured to the body of the car, if they're bolt on to threads that are already there, then it's just a case of torquing them up correctly and using thread loc if necessary. If there's drilling, tapping or welding involved, then best leave well enough alone and use the seatbelt to secure the child seat.

the_blackstuff

Thanks for the reply. There is no screw holds or brackets present as I think ford only started to fit them from 06 so no necessity on the 05 model. I'd prefer to go with the ISOFIX system as its much more secure and safer too.
If anybody else has any views feel free to reply. Thanks

A friend fitted them to a 2006 Focus, holes were already there, if the holes are not there than the only "option" is to drill (tap I should say) them yourself (or get them done), not sure if that's acceptable to be honest. Are you sure the 2005 Focus doesn't have them?

the_blackstuff

OSI wrote: »

Could there not be insurance implications in doing such?

I was wondering the same thing earlier if the wholes weren't pre installed or it wasn't installed by the dealer

the_blackstuff

RoverJames wrote: »

A friend fitted them to a 2006 Focus, holes were already there, if the holes are not there than the only "option" is to drill (tap I should say) them yourself (or get them done), not sure if that's acceptable to be honest. Are you sure the 2005 Focus doesn't have them?

Theyn't definately not there. I'd have no problem carrying out that type of work but i see where your coming from. It really would want to be done correctly

Anan1

the_blackstuff wrote: »

I'd prefer to go with the ISOFIX system as its much more secure and safer too.
If anybody else has any views feel free to reply. Thanks

My understanding was that the big advantage of ISOFIX over the old system is that, unlike with a belted system, it's impossible to make a balls of fitting the seat. Correctly used, I didn't think that there was any appreciable difference between the two systems. Does anyone know for sure?

January

I wouldn't fit anything like that myself... could you imagine the guilt you'd feel if you didn't do it properly and there was an accident while the car seat was in place... you'd never forgive yourself... better to get it done by the dealer or at least someone who has experience of fitting things like that.

Sikie

A set of u bolts might work. We have 2 pairs of Britax Rohmer ISOFIX seats and if you need a third seat in the row you may have to unclip the seats and leave them as a normal booster seat

Tea 1000

Anan1 wrote: »

My understanding was that the big advantage of ISOFIX over the old system is that, unlike with a belted system, it's impossible to make a balls of fitting the seat. Correctly used, I didn't think that there was any appreciable difference between the two systems. Does anyone know for sure?

I did see somewhere that the force distribution was better dispersed with an ISOfix seat, but I can't remember where I read that.
I do see one advantage though, and that's the fact that the seat only rests on the car seat, so leaves no imprint when you take it out. Where as the belted one is pulled in against the car's seat, leaving an imprint after prolonged use. Small problem, but some people are fussy!
I have two car seats, both happen to be the exact same make and model, one ISOfix, the other the belted version, and the ISOfix one has an arm that goes forward of the seat and rests on the floor. Advantage of that would probably be also the distribution of the forces on the seat in an impact, but the disadvantage of that is that the front seat can't be shoved back too far. It's also better secured slightly than the belted one, although I have seen belted ones that were better than my belted one.

the_blackstuff

Ya the stats are out there to say they are safer and main because of the way it distributes the impact away from the child.

January - your after talking me into ringing the maindealers to get a quote, eventhough i hate giving them money witht he prices they charge

Guy:Incognito

If it doesnt have factory isofix, will holes not have to be cut in the seat too?

I can't really see a dealer retro fitting ISOfix to a car not equipped with the holes from the factory.

keithclancy

RoverJames wrote: »

I can't really see a dealer retro fitting ISOfix to a car not equipped with the holes from the factory.

Liability nightmare if it went wrong.

Sikie

Fitting these you are on your own as there is an ISO standard on how it should be done and tested by the car manufacturers before serial production I couldn't see a dealer touching it unless there is a prefitted anchor point without the hooks

Anan1

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

If it doesnt have factory isofix, will holes not have to be cut in the seat too?

To get at the mounts in my car you put your hand in between the seat base and the backrest cushion.

Yep
That aside though it's simply not the sort of work they'd take on, tapping holes etc, awkward and messy on bits of a car behind the seat. Also if it's a Focus hatch there may not be the bits to tap into either.

The lad I know that fitted them to the 06 Focus was actually going to change his car until I told him he could get the bits in the dealer and fit them, he thought it couldn't be retro fitted to the 06 Focus. I was hesitant enough to mention it as I thought perhaps he was just looking to change the car, 'twas the ole lad passed on the info to him

mondeoman2

you can fit them yourself,it's only 2 bolts(if the holes are already there)

Ford part number = 1357238 for bracket (& bolts i think?)

look here - http://cgi.ebay.ie/Ford-Focus-ISOFIX-Kit-/190555319964?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c5dfb6e9c

mondeoman2

mondeoman2 wrote: »

.............(if the holes are already there)..............

They're not though.

mondeoman2

RoverJames wrote: »

They're not though.

ooops,I sholud have read the post properly.Sorry:o

crosstownk

If there are holes there and it's a recommended manufacturer retro-fit then get the genuine parts and fit them. However, if it's not a recommended retro-fit then I'd steer well clear of it for all the liability issues mentioned above.

the magician

I'm assuming it's a Mark II focus? (think there may be some mark I's registered in 2005).

I have fitted the isofix bar to my 2005 mark II focus. it's relatively simple. The holes are already there . you just have to take out the plastic blank plugs.( they have probably been sprayed the same colour as the body.)

There are a few different holes , but once you have the part from ford you can offer it up and you will see which ones line up.

If I get a chance I'll take some pics.

The part was only about €25. took 10 mins to fit. The bolts come with thread lock already applied.

You will need a TOR-X bit for the bolts think it was a T-30 or T-40.

the_blackstuff

the magician wrote: »

I'm assuming it's a Mark II focus? (think there may be some mark I's registered in 2005).

I have fitted the isofix bar to my 2005 mark II focus. it's relatively simple. The holes are already there . you just have to take out the plastic blank plugs.( they have probably been sprayed the same colour as the body.)

There are a few different holes , but once you have the part from ford you can offer it up and you will see which ones line up.

If I get a chance I'll take some pics.

The part was only about €25. took 10 mins to fit. The bolts come with thread lock already applied.

You will need a TOR-X bit for the bolts think it was a T-30 or T-40.

mondeoman2 wrote: »

you can fit them yourself,it's only 2 bolts(if the holes are already there)

Ford part number = 1357238 for bracket (& bolts i think?)

look here - http://cgi.ebay.ie/Ford-Focus-ISOFIX-Kit-/190555319964?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c5dfb6e9c

Thanks all for your replies and sorry! When I looked further into it following these 2 posts above I found the holes described by The Magician. I was looking for 2 sets of holes set closely together under the base of the seat. Where there were actually 2 single holes about 20" apart just level with the bottom of the seat back when it is upright. Both holes are plugged with black plugs as well. Should be a simple enough task now .

Thanks All

jackbetal

Just curious as to whether anyone has fitted isofix to a mk 1 focus? I believe the only difference is the size of the bolts in the retro kit. Mk 2 is 10mm whilst mk 1 is 8mm.

alias no.9

the_blackstuff wrote: »

Thanks all for your replies and sorry! When I looked further into it following these 2 posts above I found the holes described by The Magician. I was looking for 2 sets of holes set closely together under the base of the seat. Where there were actually 2 single holes about 20" apart just level with the bottom of the seat back when it is upright. Both holes are plugged with black plugs as well. Should be a simple enough task now .

Thanks All

This is the only way it makes sense to retrofit them, welding or drilling and tapping leaves you too exposed to potential failure. Make sure you get the correct torque settings for them and use threadloc if recommended.