Stocker airbag removal?

FrankM · 05-15-2016, 11:48 AM

Is it legal to remove the airbags and controller from a stocker, more specific a pure stocker? Assuming the dash cover can be reinstalled to make it appear original. If yes, does anyone have steps for a 4th gen Firebird?
Thanks,
Frank

Greg Reimer 7376 · 05-16-2016, 10:43 AM

Be VERY careful regarding any kind of airbag service. Those things can explode in your face like a large cherry bomb or M-80.There are definite specific instructions for first disabling the system so service work,such as the removal of components , can be achieved. The controller has capacitors that store enough voltage to deploy the system even if the car's battery has been removed. There's people who have had their nose broken, stitches in their chin, etc. just from the steering wheel pad deploying in a crash, and the right side dash bag always seems to break the windshield when it goes off. That system is nothing to disregard. On the GM cars, the air bag wiring is equipped with large gauge bright yellow wiring harnesses and connectors. Make sure you download or obtain factory service information before you do anything.

kansas stocker · 05-16-2016, 11:19 AM

Some body shops will remove them for the airbag if it is a popular model.

FrankM · 05-16-2016, 07:45 PM

Appreciate the feedback and will definitely take precaution if I remove them. Is it ok to remove them for Stock or if the car had them they need to stay?

ss3011 · 05-16-2016, 08:17 PM

It's OK to remove them, Interestingly I was able to use a 1970 TA steering wheel and collar on my 1997 Formula, the collar even matched the diameter of the column, and the splines were the same, so air bag gone !

GUMP · 05-18-2016, 09:52 AM

It is legal to remove them on a race car. I am not sure on a car that is street driven.

For my 1999 Camaro I was able to locate an airbag delete for the stock steering wheel. On my Firebirds I used a grant wheel and adapter.

The passenger air bag is pretty heavy.

05-15-2016, 11:48 AM	#1
FrankM Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 97 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 1 Post	Driver and passenger airbag removal? Is it legal to remove the airbags and controller from a stocker, more specific a pure stocker? Assuming the dash cover can be reinstalled to make it appear original. If yes, does anyone have steps for a 4th gen Firebird? Thanks, Frank Last edited by FrankM; 05-15-2016 at 05:32 PM.

05-16-2016, 10:43 AM	#2
Greg Reimer 7376 VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora,Calif. Posts: 1,111 Likes: 164 Liked 649 Times in 208 Posts	Re: Stocker airbag removal? Be VERY careful regarding any kind of airbag service. Those things can explode in your face like a large cherry bomb or M-80.There are definite specific instructions for first disabling the system so service work,such as the removal of components , can be achieved. The controller has capacitors that store enough voltage to deploy the system even if the car's battery has been removed. There's people who have had their nose broken, stitches in their chin, etc. just from the steering wheel pad deploying in a crash, and the right side dash bag always seems to break the windshield when it goes off. That system is nothing to disregard. On the GM cars, the air bag wiring is equipped with large gauge bright yellow wiring harnesses and connectors. Make sure you download or obtain factory service information before you do anything.

05-16-2016, 11:19 AM	#3
kansas stocker Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: kansas Posts: 230 Likes: 419 Liked 225 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Stocker airbag removal? Some body shops will remove them for the airbag if it is a popular model.

05-16-2016, 07:45 PM	#4
FrankM Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 97 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Stocker airbag removal? Appreciate the feedback and will definitely take precaution if I remove them. Is it ok to remove them for Stock or if the car had them they need to stay?

05-16-2016, 08:17 PM	#5
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 885 Likes: 63 Liked 221 Times in 102 Posts	Re: Stocker airbag removal? It's OK to remove them, Interestingly I was able to use a 1970 TA steering wheel and collar on my 1997 Formula, the collar even matched the diameter of the column, and the splines were the same, so air bag gone !

05-18-2016, 09:52 AM	#6
GUMP VIP Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shelby, NC Posts: 1,665 Likes: 1,707 Liked 1,732 Times in 418 Posts	Re: Stocker airbag removal? It is legal to remove them on a race car. I am not sure on a car that is street driven. For my 1999 Camaro I was able to locate an airbag delete for the stock steering wheel. On my Firebirds I used a grant wheel and adapter. The passenger air bag is pretty heavy.