Looking to upgrade my car with the styling with some subtle changes and currently have a FordEscort 1997 model with airbag in steering wheel. Is there any issues with changing the current steering wheel to a racing steering wheel that does not have an airbag. And is there any problems with the laws and requirements for airbags, though there can%26#039;t be with classic cars and older cars still on the road.|||Your biggest problem will be your insurance company who probably will void your cover if you remove the airbag. Check with them first, or you may end-up with no cover.|||Yes, you can change it out. There is no law requiring that there is supposed to be an airbag in your car. Good luck.|||LEGALLY, i would say maybe not. Not totally sure. Just like seat belts, they are a safety feature.
I don%26#039;t think anyone would notice though, at least in MY state there are no safety inspections. Only emissions checks.|||Yes, it%26#039;s perfectly ok (In the UK at least).
Only problem with sports steering wheels is that they obscure your dash a bit (indicator lights etc), but that%26#039;s just an irritation.|||Check with your local DMV to see if it is legal. Yes it can be done but I am not sure why you would want to. To disable a safety item is not a good idea. If the car is going to be turned in to a racer and not driven on the street you can do it with out having to worry if it is legal. If you plan on driving it on the street and keeping it registered you will have to check with the DMV. The reason why is legal for Classic cars to run with out them is the simple fact they where not installed on classic cars. Often changing or disabling safety features on a car make it so you can not register the car until it is restored to operational status. but again you will need to check with your DMV|||There is one HUGE safety issue with changing the steering wheel. The factory procedure for removal of the airbag must be followed EXACTLY or you risk the airbag deploying while being removed. This is a bad thing if you happen to have your head in the way. You will have to disable the airbag light in the dashboard also.|||You can do what ever you want with your car. when it comes to altering the standard safety items that came with the cat, you might read the fine print in your insurance policy. Also you will have to put the air bag back on when you go for a safety check or try to sell the car|||Do your family a favour and KEEP the air bag.
And if you decide to change the wheel for one without an airbag, beware. I bet you are one of those guys who don%26#039;t tell the insurance company about all those little mods. If you have a frontal impact and end up disabled, eating through a straw for the rest of your life, if you didn%26#039;t inform the insurance company about this change, they won%26#039;t pay out.
I%26#039;m sure you must be able to get fancy new steering wheels with modern airbags fitted also.... ?|||Disabling
A comprehensive strategy has been developed to preserve the benefits of air bags while minimizing the risks. Starting in 1998, the federal government allowed certain car owners to purchase an on-off switch for their air bags. Auto dealers and service outlets install the switches. Only people who fit into the following categories are eligible:
* Those who cannot avoid placing rear-facing infant seats in the front seat
* Those who cannot adjust their driving position to keep back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel
* Those who cannot avoid situations, such as car pools, that require a child age 12 or under to ride in the front seat
* Those who have a medical condition that places them at some specific risk
Removing
You should not remove an airbag. It%26#039;s against the law.
If you remove, change or tamper with an airbag, you can be subject to the Wisconsin Defective Air Bag Law (2001 Wisconsin Act 28). Any person who unlawfully removes or tampers with an airbag can be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year in a county jail or both.
you may want to check your states rules as they are probably close to this.
ford has similar rules that make the modifier of the vehicle get it certified with the federal goverment|||Yes you can change it if you want. The airbag light will flash as it will log a fault. Also, insurance companies may not pay out in an accident in which you are injured if that airbag is found to have been removed.|||The policeman can%26#039;t tell you that you musn%26#039;t remove the airbag from your motor, but if you%26#039;re not confident in handling such a task, leave it to the experts.|||I would not call that an upgrade.|||Oh grow up! Are you going racing in your 97 Escort? Thought not so why do you need a racing steering wheel? Why would you want your car to only LOOK like it can go fast when under all the plastic and stickers its a standard Escort? If you are going to spend your money kevving your car up why not uprate the engine handling and brakes but leave the bodywork standard? A normal looking car that goes like stink, corners like its on rails and stops on a sixpence is far more impressive than a crappy hatchback that looks like its been covered in glue and had bits of fibreglass bodywork chucked at it|||Yes, it%26#039;s perfectly legal and straight-forward enough. Personally, I wouldn%26#039;t drive without an airbag, vanity has a price.|||changing the steering wheel and not putting the air bag back in, if a car comes from the factory with air bags in the steering wheel and someone removes it,they can get a ticket from the police if you ever get checked, plus insurance can be canceled on car, its a law, not to remove safety equipment that%26#039;s installed from the factory
