Can You Retrofit Classic Cars With Airbags?

Can You Retrofit Classic Cars With Airbags?

Modern airbags have become a standard feature in many cars and help to reduce the number of injuries and deaths in car crashes.aftermarket airbags However, older vehicles often lack this safety feature, and some enthusiasts want to add them to their classic cars. But can you retrofit these cars with airbags, and is it safe to do so?

The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you should know that car manufacturers go through a lot of effort to make sure the airbags in their cars are properly configured and will work as intended. Third party aftermarket airbags, on the other hand, may not be configured the same way and could be less effective in a crash. This is why it's best to only use OEM airbags or aftermarket airbags that have been certified by the ARA Product Services.

In addition, aftermarket airbags may not always be compatible with your vehicle's steering wheel. The reason is that the clock spring, which controls the airbag's deployment, needs to be able to move freely and independently of the rest of the steering wheel in order to deploy. Many aftermarket steering wheels have a fixed design that cannot accommodate the movement of the clock spring during an airbag deployment. This can result in the airbag deploying incorrectly or not at all.

Furthermore, aftermarket airbags are often made with different gauges of steel than stock bumpers. This can cause them to be stiffer and not crumple as easily, which may affect the force of an impact. It can also cause the airbag to deploy a fraction of a second faster than a stock bumper because the more rigid steel absorbs less energy during an impact. This should have no effect on the overall effectiveness of the airbag to prevent injury but is something that you should be aware of if you are considering using aftermarket components.

Another issue with aftermarket airbags is that they are prone to leakage. This is because they are often recycled from junked vehicles where they were originally deployed and can be exposed to moisture or temperature changes before they're sold to customers. This can lead to damage that renders the airbag ineffective and unsafe.

Finally, it's important to avoid aftermarket dash or seat covers that can block or redirect a deploying airbag. In addition, drivers should sit with their chests at least 10 inches away from the center of the steering wheel. If this is not possible, a pedal extender or an airbag on-off switch can be used to control the amount of pressure applied to the driver during airbag deployment. Additionally, children should never ride in the front seat of a car, and they should always wear lap/shoulder belts if they do ride in the front seat. This is because the initial force of a side airbag can be harmful for young children. In some cases, a child's head can even be crushed by the door latch when the side airbag is deployed.