airbag installlation

[kamikaze259]

I really want a muscle car and there's no way i'm going to be able to get one without airbags (parents). I was wondering how much it would cost to get airbags put into a ford mustang (1968) or a chevelle (1972). thanks

[samandiar]

Um......don't. Even if anybody knew how, it's very complex and dangerous. You have to put sensors in the bumper, which probably wouldn't work through the huge steel bumpers on old muscle cars, not to mention that it's fairly easy to accidently set it off and take off your head. Just get a Crown Victoria...lol

[kamikaze259]

are muscle cars still safe if you get into an accident

[samandiar]

Depends on the accident. They are big, solid cars that can take a lot of damage, so slow-moving collisions aren't too bad, but large cars have a tendency to transmit the force of the impact to the passengers, because the car doesn't absorb much damage, unlike today's cars, which crumple. A good example of this is a NASCAR car, they fall apart easily, transmitting little impact to the driver. Of course, you can put a roll cage and 5-point harness in your muscle car, and it would be pretty safe.

[MagicRat]

All cars, including muscle cars made in 1968 and later enjoy many safety refinements that make them much safer than most pre-1968 cars.

These include collapsible steering columns, dual circuit braking systems, safer dashboards, which include padding, anti-submarine panels (for your knees) reduced glare materials, no protruding knobs or keys from the dashboard, side impact door beams, shoulder belts in the front seats.

IMO using 4 or 5 point, 3 inch wide belts and a rollcage will make a car much safer. If you are really concerned, wear a crash helmet. 80% of all automotive fatalities are due to head injuries, airbag or not.

[scott303]

there are some sites that show how to transplant retractible ("current") shoulder belts into later model cars. I've never heard of air bags though..

[kamikaze259]

thanks for the help