URG8RB8

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.

Darwantae951

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...

dmcampbell

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

URG8RB8

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.

mclarenno9

https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...ferrerid=20449

Greg pretty much sets the standard...

URG8RB8

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.

URG8RB8

Anybody know if the 997 wheels will also work? I like the ones with the flat bottoms.

gregeast

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.

gregeast

I should add that one thing I liked about doing this swap was the 10+ year newer airbag that's now in the wheel.

gregeast

If you really want to get fancy about it, check out my Tiptronic wheel thread with stereo controls.

URG8RB8

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.

URG8RB8

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.

gregeast

I worked with a fellow Rennlister who is a Leatherique dealer, jlturpin, to get the color match perfect on my seats, I'd recommend reaching out to him. I've also worked with Leatherique directly. Basically you send them a swatch that they then color match from. It's really pretty easy to apply, looks great and holds up well.

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.

URG8RB8

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.

URG8RB8

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.