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i've got an 86 245. can one convert the car to use a driver's airbag?
i know that the control box & backup is in a recessed compartment below the driver's seat.
but aside from securing them,
i only know about the following:
airbag,
steering wheel,
control unit & backup
orange wiring
contact plate & housing in the steering wheel
& the contact wiring to the airbag.
anything else i need to know?
Thanks again brixsters!
byron Golden
bc1_2002
86 245, 1 owner, 240k+ mi
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I thought about doing the same thing with my '86 sedan, but was going to have MIDAS install the air bag. About 5 or 6 years ago, MIDAS was installing driver side air bags with a new steering wheel. It look real sharp. I had seen one installed in an early '90's Jeep Cherokee. When I asked about one for my Volvo, they said they were no longer offering them for any vehicle. I don't know what happened that the program was dropped, but it may have been a legal issue. I then decided to leave well enough alone.
Happy bricking........
'86 240DL sedan 292,688 miles with auto trans
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Seeing how Midas couldn't even install mufflers correctly, which is their specialty, I have many doubts that they could install aftermarket airbags correctly.
-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40
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Noticed you were missing one part:
The entire dash (out of an airbag equipped 240)
The later dash with knee bolsters was designed for use with the airbag. Exactly what would happen if you used an airbag with the earlier dash is beyond me, but I thought I would let you know they are very different.
--
1981 242 GLTi 1967.5 122S
Seattle, WA
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My 90 240 had the knee bolster but no air bag.
The boster was developed to stop "submaring" by the driver in a frontal crash and to lessen knee/leg injuries.
It was a part of the moderniztion of the drivers dash area and was a basic part of the driver protection package but was not directly related to the air bag.
Air bags became stock in 92.
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In Fact...
It's directly related to the addition of airbags. Imagine yourself submarining slightly, let's say 3-4 inches, in the 1/4 second or so before the airbag system decides to do it's thing . Instead of you falling into the bag face-first, you slip down enough for it to clip you on your forehead and snap your head back rather abruptly. I think you'd have a sore neck if you could feel it...
--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!
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Make that stock in 1990.
Its been a long day...
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Thanks for the reply. However, i have already exchanged out my tan, cracked 86 dash with a excellent, black 93 dash with knee bolsters, metal frame, and center console.
wasn't that hard to do, and it sure does look better!
regards,
byron
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Hello,
An airbag is about the last thing in the world that I would fudge around with. Any mechanic I have known has handled them with huge amounts of respect. The slightest static spark or amount of current accidentally applied to one will detonate it. Let's just say they make a big bang...
You'd be better off finding a 240 with an airbag rather than retrofit one. I'd even be leary of a 240 with an airbag at this point. Airbags generally have a service life of 10 years. After that, they are generally replaced or serviced in some manner to guarantee their protection qualities.
--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!
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Had a frontal impact with an out of control Caprice going 45 (+ my 55) and my 10 year old airbag deployed perfectly.
Combined impact speed of 90-100 mph and I walked away with a skinned arm and
a bruised chest from the seat belt.
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Hello,
I don't doubt it - the first widespread use of airbags was actually in some early 1970's GM fullsize products with very surprised customers some 15 and 20 years later 'finding out' their old cars have airbags as they walk away from seemingly severe-injury causing collisions.
However, having spent 8 years working in car dealerships I have come to know what makes them tick. My point is that an older airbag system is more likely to operate normally than not, however with many years of the propellant chemicals sitting idle, combined with dust build up and something small such as a scratch on the steering wheel will change how an airbag deploys. That's why most car manufacturers (including Volvo) generally recommend some type inspection on the system periodically. Mercedes even suggests outright replacement of the bags after 12 years.
BTW - Like a 240, occupants of a Caprice vs. pretty much anything short of a freight train always stand a better chance of walking away... AIRBAGS OR NOT!!!
--
Happy Bricking!!! - Richard - '87 245 DL , '82 242 GLT - Half a million km between them!!!
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Hi Rich, and thanks very much for your reply. i think maybe i shouldn't after several replies.
these replies i need and appreciate.
regards & thanks for the volvo wisdom of the brixsters,
byron
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I'm not going to encourage or discourage you -- it's a free world. But please just remember that you're working with an explosive device, and it is triggered electronically, so any mistake with the wiring could result in it blowing up and causing you harm, if not damage to your vehicle.
If you're not sure what you're doing, I'd be very wary of this do-it-yourself project.
Good luck, in any case.
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thanks ken for your reply. i think i won't be pursuing this project. your comments are much appreciated and probably saved a lot of problems for me.
i certainly don't need more work on the car!
regards,
byron
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I think this would end up being way more trouble then it's worth, and I'm not sure that it can be 100% safely retrofitted to an older 240.
If it can, I'd be interested in seeing how you do it. If you have a digital camera, please take pictures!
If you are really concerned about not having an air bag, why not look for a '90-'93 240? Maybe the one you are pulling the parts from?
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i've heard from another person that it might be problematic.
but, i'll try it as a project and take pics; i'll post when it's done or i give it up.
problem is, there might be only one way to test it 100% jesus christ. well, if it doesn't work, i didn't have one before.
i've been looking for a 92-93 volvo around in texas, but i haven't been able to budget it yet bec of all of the parts & money i've spent putting my ol' wagon in combat condition again.
regards,
byron
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