Hey guys / gals!

I just got my first F-Body, 1990 Pontiac Firebird, V-6 3.1L. No modifications (yet). I've wanted one ever since I was a kid, so i'm living out a dream! The powertrain seems to be in great condition, just need all of the fluids flushed out, as well as a myriad of interior body work (bought it from a smoker too.... yuck).

But here's my question: The steering wheel that came with the car seems to be original, however the horn buttons are sticking way out, there's some orange stuff sticking out from where the airbag is, and I'm not all that convinced that it even works anymore. I wanted to replace it with an aftermarket steering wheel. I called my insurance company and they said it shouldn't be a problem at all for me to replace it, however i'm wondering if it will pass inspection. I currently live in Austin, TX (Travis/Williamson County). I've searched the TxDot website but I can't find any information other than the mind-numbingly vague paragraph about rebuilt cars and emissions.

I've searched the forums and I've found a only one vendor suggestion for aftermarket steering wheels (Grant steering wheel). Any more? I've got some money to spend, but i'm not looking to pimp out my ride. I've found plenty of useful threads on how to remove and install the steering wheel. But my main question is if anyone knows if the non-airbag steering wheel will pass texas state inspection requirements.

Just a bit of background for me: My sole purpose for this car is to make it a daily driver, and just enjoy it. I'm interested in modifications that will increase the fuel efficiency, not really to do any street racing. I'm just happy that after all these years I finally get to have a firebird!

Thanks for letting a newbie ask the pros.

~Toast

p.s. I posted in the wrong forum I think, so I created a duplicate in this forum. Please forgive!

 

I just replaced my airbag equipped wheel with my grant formula 1 i've had on every ride I've owned.

http://www.grantproducts.com/default.html, I love my wheel



I'm curious to the state inspection thing though.

 

First off, congratulations on the car ! and welcome to the forums.

As far as I know, there is no single “air bag law” that covers all laws, rules and regulations that apply to air bags. And, for sure, your car shouldn't fail inspection b/c of that.

Here's a MOMO wheel install I did on my Firebird a while back.


https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...r-factory.html

 

Heck, just give the state inspection office a call and ask them. I'd get the name and the time of the person you talk to, just in case

 

If the air bag has "orange stuff" coming out of it it will not pass TX inspection.All safety equipment that comes with a car must be in working order to pass. Also, if you have a knowledgeable inspector he or she is going to know that the airbag was removed.Need to have that air bag checked out by a compentent mechanic or replace it as it may be dangerous. Then again, someone may have spilled orange soda on it. Badman P.S. Welcome to the world of TGO.

 

Not to get off subjet but does anyone know of a nice steering wheel for no more than $225.00? I want a full round wheel no flat bottoms. Thanks in advance for your help!

Mark

 

Chances are what someone else thinks is nice, you won't.

There are a ton of aftermarket wheels out there priced less than $225 -- it's all about what you like. Try a few searches on the Interior forum.

Grant, Momo, and Billet Specialties are popular choices, to name a few.

 

ah I'm not too woried because va doesn't have a smog test so I'm sure the airbag deal isn't that big of one. I'll claim the car must have been wrecked and the wheel was on there when I purchased it.

 

Grant makes a good looking billet aluminum hub that works with most of their wheels and top of the line horn kits. I just installed them on my `88 Iroc and a big improvement over stock. Also works with tilt columns.

 

I've been running a grant wheel for 2 years now, the inspection station hasnt questioned it.