Replace airbag Steering Wheel?
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Just trying to get a consensus on why one would want to replace a functioning airbag steering wheel on a primarily street driven car. It should say thought to be functional. Is there an expiry date? I would like to replace mine for mainly looks, but don't want to sacrifice safety for looks. Throw me some opinions.
#2
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't care about airbags. Really no other reason. The system in my car was throwing a fault, so I disconnected the airbag computer, jumpered the pins, and have been happy ever since. I also disconnected each airbag individually.
I tell people who ride in my car that the airbags are disconnected, too. I really want to find a nice condition burgundy non-airbag dashboard and install it...
I tell people who ride in my car that the airbags are disconnected, too. I really want to find a nice condition burgundy non-airbag dashboard and install it...
#3
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am following this as I am struggling with this decision also. Likewise, my airbag system is fully functioning , but I am not fond of the stock wheel. I wonder if our airbag system will operate as designed with a later P-car airbag wheel? Mike
#4
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I was hoping to hear someone with experience doing this. This is what I would like to do as well. I have done a few searches but have not found anything. Appears most have switched to Momo or 968 CS Nonairbag wheels. I would think it is possible.
#5
#6
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Perfect, I was unaware that was an airbag wheel. Looks like the way to go for me. Now just have to find a Navy blue one. I am sure that wont be easy.
Trending Topics
#8
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
While I can't say for certain, I don't think the 997 wheels will work, the airbags are the newer, two stage type and the clockspring is physically different to what's in our wheels as well. That said I hope you try it and make it work!
As for finding a navy wheel, I'd recommend just dying it with Leatherique. You can dye over black but if you could find a lighter colored, say tan, wheel that would be ideal and they are usually cheaper b/c the market for non-black wheels is smaller.
I've redyed several wheels black and my seats and it works great. I also have a detailed thread on dying seats if you want a little light reading.
BTW, I travel to San Jose 3-4 times/year, I'd love to grab a beer and check out your car the next time I'm out.
As for finding a navy wheel, I'd recommend just dying it with Leatherique. You can dye over black but if you could find a lighter colored, say tan, wheel that would be ideal and they are usually cheaper b/c the market for non-black wheels is smaller.
I've redyed several wheels black and my seats and it works great. I also have a detailed thread on dying seats if you want a little light reading.
BTW, I travel to San Jose 3-4 times/year, I'd love to grab a beer and check out your car the next time I'm out.
#11
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Greg:
Thanks, looking into it. I found a crazy nice Ruf wheel on EBay that will fit I think. It is pricey but has that Bling appeal. It would be a shame to have to re-wrap a $1500 wheel though. Have to look into the dye you mentioned. Can they do an exact match? I am pretty ****. The 10 year newer airbag sounds like an improvement as well. Thanks for the info.
Thanks, looking into it. I found a crazy nice Ruf wheel on EBay that will fit I think. It is pricey but has that Bling appeal. It would be a shame to have to re-wrap a $1500 wheel though. Have to look into the dye you mentioned. Can they do an exact match? I am pretty ****. The 10 year newer airbag sounds like an improvement as well. Thanks for the info.
#12
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
By the way, I am back living in Bangkok. I will return to Bay Area sometime soon though. I am not sure when. My CA car is no where near as fancy as my FL car. I would be glad to meet up though. I will let you know when I am back in town. Should be in a month or two.
#13
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'll ping you the next time I'm headed to San Jose (I actually stay in Milpitas half the time) and just see if you're going to be around.
Cheers.
#14
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes, I read through the whole site and it sounds great! I will most likely use this process. Still trying to decide on which wheel to go with. Pretty sure I will go with the same as yours. Looks like the best bang for your buck. I do like the Ruf wheel though and the carbon sport 996, but seems to have a cracking issue. There is a place in San Jose that specializes in these wheels which has some nice options as well. My condo is in Milpitas.
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand, Milpitas, CA & Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
After about a week of searching, I can state that the 3-spoke 996/boxster wheels with airbag have gone way up! Can't find a nice one with bag under $600 and another $75 for the clock spring. Had a couple offers on nice to new looking black wheels on here for $700-750. That is pretty steep, considering sending my original wheel to Robert Budd for a two tone re-wrap in matching Italian leather or possibly Alcantara.