Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
09-20-2023, 09:04 PM
#1
Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I'm looking to buy a 3rd gen Camaro but would like to have a steering wheel airbag for safety. From what I have seen, only 1990+ models had them. Can you take an airbag from later models and put them in 82-89's? I know this is a weird question, but I have searched and haven't seen anyone else ask. Thanks guys!
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
09-21-2023, 02:40 AM
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09-21-2023, 07:03 AM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
Really cannot add an airbag....
And here are some additional comments:
1) Who knows if a 34 year old airbag would deploy, anyway?
2) Fun fact: My wife won't ride shotgun in my 91 TA because it only has a driver's side airbag, but she'll drive her 71 Cheyenne Shortbed all over Texas with no airbags. Pretzel logic.
3) Something to ponder: I see where many guys buy airbag cars, then change steering wheels and eliminate the airbag. If you have an accident, an insurance company can deny the claim for removing safety equipment.
And here are some additional comments:
1) Who knows if a 34 year old airbag would deploy, anyway?
2) Fun fact: My wife won't ride shotgun in my 91 TA because it only has a driver's side airbag, but she'll drive her 71 Cheyenne Shortbed all over Texas with no airbags. Pretzel logic.
3) Something to ponder: I see where many guys buy airbag cars, then change steering wheels and eliminate the airbag. If you have an accident, an insurance company can deny the claim for removing safety equipment.
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
09-21-2023, 09:25 AM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
You won't be able find a 91-92 wheel and airbag in good quality anyway, that alone kills this idea.
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AustinF (09-21-2023), Roorancher (09-21-2023)
09-21-2023, 09:30 AM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
I don't know about that, although agreed that it is rare. I till have my old 1990 Steering Wheel and airbag with 30k miles on it. The real reason to not find one is instability. Airbags are not meant to have a life this long and the early bags, such as in our cars, were more crude and violent in nature. Not to mention wiring in all the modules throughout the car which intertwine into the dash harness.
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
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09-21-2023, 09:39 AM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
I don't know about that, although agreed that it is rare. I till have my old 1990 Steering Wheel and airbag with 30k miles on it. The real reason to not find one is instability. Airbags are not meant to have a life this long and the early bags, such as in our cars, were more crude and violent in nature. Not to mention wiring in all the modules throughout the car which intertwine into the dash harness.
Old F bodies' WITH NICE INTERIORS, ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE IN JUNKYARDS, FOR PARTS PICKING.
Plus, the dash structure on many cars was strengthened to handle the force of the airbag VS occupant impact.
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
09-21-2023, 12:09 PM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
I did actually find one, and the horn buttons miraculously worked!!!
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
09-21-2023, 04:59 PM
#11
Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
Man, you guys have pretty well convinced me. I was wondering if you could really rely on a 30+ yr airbag. The idea of me getting in a wreck and my face being smashed against the steering wheel is what scares me. We take a chance walking out the front door every day, don't we? 
09-21-2023, 05:51 PM
#12
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
I'd take the steering wheel over being punched by one of those early airbags, really.
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AustinF (09-21-2023)
09-22-2023, 08:21 AM
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Re: Adding airbag to pre-1990 models?
Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I'm looking to buy a 3rd gen Camaro but would like to have a steering wheel airbag for safety. From what I have seen, only 1990+ models had them. Can you take an airbag from later models and put them in 82-89's? I know this is a weird question, but I have searched and haven't seen anyone else ask. Thanks guys!
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AustinF (09-23-2023)
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