Steering Wheel "fix" or replace?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln NH
Steering Wheel "fix" or replace?
I've purchased a 91 and the airbag had deployed. (not a serious crash, but you know how it goes). I've no intention of replacing the airbag, can I just purchase a new cover where it blew open, or do I have to replace the whole wheel???
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
I do have one I removed for an aftermarket wheel But I will be honest and say it wont be dirt cheap. Airbags are pretty expensive stuff and in case I need to get it back on (if I ever get stopped by the law and they ask) instead of selling cheap I'd feel better having in the garage.
having said that if I were you here's what I would think.
1. Have it reupholstered right on top of the tear so it's smooth again. stuff it if you have to.
2. replace it with an aftermarket steering wheel and hub.
Just used airbag in 'search' in the c4 parts for sale/wanted and there's a few in there. A recent one for $100 i believe check it out.
having said that if I were you here's what I would think.
1. Have it reupholstered right on top of the tear so it's smooth again. stuff it if you have to.
2. replace it with an aftermarket steering wheel and hub.
Just used airbag in 'search' in the c4 parts for sale/wanted and there's a few in there. A recent one for $100 i believe check it out.
Last edited by 5abivt; Apr 13, 2009 at 12:11 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
Bad idea!
You really want to replace the air bag! It's there for a reason.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 13
From: Wallingford Vermont
You really want to replace the air bag! It's there for a reason.
Bottom line:
I've never heard of any vehicle inspection laws (at least in NH or VT) that fail you for AirBag inop.
I wouldn't try to "hide" a inoperative airbag steering wheel. Remove the damn thing and get a nice looking Momo.
My only concern would be if you ever sold the vehicle with an inop airbag. Otherwise it's your car, do what you want
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
We remove them from our cruisers because it's a safety issue.
On a passenger vehicle, if restrained with a seatbelt a air bag can help.
If you are not wearing a seatbelt, you usually get just far enough over the wheel for it to deploy and break your neck.
Based on the seating position of a corvette, it could be useful. It could also break your face.
-- Joe
On a passenger vehicle, if restrained with a seatbelt a air bag can help.
If you are not wearing a seatbelt, you usually get just far enough over the wheel for it to deploy and break your neck.
Based on the seating position of a corvette, it could be useful. It could also break your face.
-- Joe
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
Airbags work, but I have plenty of cars that are to old to have them. If you don't have a problem with people driving these older cars, you shouldn't have a problem with a guy that decides to go with an aftermarket wheel. I personally would replace the airbag.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
Don't
Pre air bag I know vehicles had a collapsible steering column (well maybe not always but modern post war) to absorb impact in a collision.
That would be a bad thing (to have a non collapsible steering column meet your body in a collision).
