Unfair Advantage

Being the proud new owner of a 94 FD, I was thinking all about how hawt the car looked, how smooth it felt, how sweet it was...

...and then my wife says, "you know you can't drive that thing with your daughter in it with that airbag. If you can't turn it off (the passenger airbag) you can't pick her up with it (which I do everyday) or you can't drive it."

DOH!

So...my saga begins. I apologize for this not being a flashy topic, but it is one that is well-intentioned.

I talk to some mechs about shutting off the passenger airbag. Liability is the issue, won't touch it. A friend tells me the fuse will cut it off, but that's not really a good solution. I should look into a switch. I post in the parts forum, no avail (except some dood asking if I'm trying to put a small child in there...well, yes..I am.)

I'm posting this in here to hopefully help some other parent think about and if interested, take action on dealing with the airbag issue.

Since my daughter is 3, and studies show that children under 12 are at great risk from airbags, (and my wife won't let me drive it if I don't ), I needed to get this taken care of pronto.

I went on the web and looked around for a switch. I found a site http://www.airbagonoff.com/ which is the only one that I found that sold them. I got to the NHSTA via a link from that site, and had to print up a form which I need to fax in to the NHSTA for approval to have a switch installed. The NHSTA maintains a database of all autos that have had either the passenger, driver or both airbags switched on/off. It's online, and might be something interested car-buyers might want to check out before buying if that's something you are concerned with.

Further, from there I found a database of shops in my state (PA) that will install the switch. Due to liability issues, as I stated earlier, most shops/dealers won't touch it. These shops will, apparently. I assume a waiver will need to be signed, but I'd rather sign than not drive the car...I haven't gotten that far yet.

So, the good: Switches can be had if you can justify to the NHSTA that you have a need for the switch. The reasons they accept for passengers are akin to Infant passenger w/ no rear seat, medical condition, etc....child under 12 w/ no rear seat, etc. and so on.

Also good, the switches can be mounted inside the glovebox, or in other inconspicuous places so as to not make the appearance of your phat-mobile less phat.

I didn't really go into the drivers airbag because I am not going to switch it. I did find out, interestingly, that the NHSTA distance from the steering wheel said to be safe is 10", but a chief researcher on airbags (Dr. Smock) states 12". I've never measured the distance I sit from an airbag, but I'm 5'9", and I would guess I'm ok. For those shorter ppl, I'd wonder about that...seeing as airbags pop at over 200mph, and even guys 6' have been left paralyzed...might be worth a thought or 2. FYI, the passenger distance is 32-38" (I think, I'm trying to remember...I read alot).

For the NHSTA brochure on on/off switches (which you must state you have read on the form request) go here http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/airbags/brochure/ . There is alot of good info on airbags and safety for those interested.

However, like I said, I'm not switching off the drivers side. I don't necessarily think airbags are good or bad. There's plenty of evidence of them saving ppl's butts alot, as well as evidence that they are potentially fatal in and of themselves. You make the call...

I just want to make sure my child isn't being put in harms way, and according to the experts (and my wife), that airbag has got to go. The good thing is, at least when my wife is in the car, she can switch the thing back on again