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Hi, I was curious if anyone has run into the problem I have. My 3 year old now has been begging me to take her for a ride in the convertible. I am nervous about the passenger side airbag deploying , should something happen on the ride. What are you guys doing when your children want to go for a ride? Thanks for your answers! Jay
GM does have a switch (at least they do for the 96 model)
If I remember correctly you have to sign a waiver and get permission to have it installed. Then you have to find a dealer that will install it.
I couldn't find anybody that would touch the airbag system. After looking at the service manuel I just pulled the
fuse. If your kid is belted firmly far enough from the dash it is not a problem anyway.
Go to http://www.nhtsa.gov and click on "Airbags". They have a list of approved dealers and installers, a list of manufacturer-produced airbag cut-off switches (C4 Vettes are included), and the waiver form that must be signed by you and the shop to limit their liability in a lawsuit. I think someone said before that our kit is around $300. Might ask 18carfan (Jeff Kopp) at Superior Chevrolet what his cost is. This is the way I will go once my 18 month old daughter gets a bit older.
I'm also interested in this since I just bought a 96. I need to disable the passenger airbag. I saw where there is a kit for the C5's. Any kit like this for a 96?
Another fine reason for owning a pre-90 Vette. When I'm concerned about safety I'll add a harness bar, not an air bag. Hmm, wonder why NHRA doesn't use air bags....
For those "lucky" enough to have an air bag I'd suggest a GM shop manual, find out how it's armed and disarm it.
Although I agree.....I am certain it is illegal to knowingly disarm 1 or more airbags yourself. Kansas requires a document from State highway patrol authorizing a shop to disable your airbag(s). The typical reasons allowed are either due to child or adult of short stature. The shop I found charges about $450 including labor to install a switch (with status led) in my 95 vette.
I'll keep my child out of the Vette until he can come up the $450 :lol:
The NHTSA site has great information about the pros/cons of airbag cutoff switches. After you give it a look, follow the links to the cutoff switch request form or go directly to: http://www.nhtsa.gov/airbags/brochure/Req_Form.html
Print, complete and mail in this form to NHTSA. I got my authorization reply in approx. 3-4 weeks. I followed up with one of the recommended installers on the NHTSA site since I could not find a dealer to do the work because of liability concerns. I recommend Airbag Accessories out of Keller, TX (888-903-0004). They make regional trips throughout the country and performed the work right in my driveway. The keyed and lighted cutoff switch was installed under the passenger side kick panel in about an hour on my '95 at a cost of $375. Now my seven-year-old rides around with a :) on her face.