Airbags, Why do Miatas not need them?
 

Question related to topic on another thread...

Why do we generally on this forum think it is OK to remove our airbags and drive on the street? Is it typically done only when adding additional restraints, like harnesses? Are they removed because airbags are disallowed at certain types of track events?

most Miata's without airbags are tracked more than driven on the street. I have no airbags but don't track the car. I just don't care about my life I guess.

I see alot of people saying, they worry about 20 year old airbags.

Arctct had both airbags go off when he was hit. His face didn't hit the airbag because of his harness. That was at 35-40mph, so maybe with more speed it would be good to have.

I just hope my rollbar + harness will keep me alive.

1. I had perpetual airbag system problems...meaning the system wasn't functioning anyhow.

2. They are the first gen type of airbags, that do not meter explosion force based on impact G force, and will blow, full force, in a fender bender, possibly causing injury that wouldn't otherwise happen.

3. The benefits outweighed the probability a 20yr old airbag might help me. Better looking steering wheel, weight savings (pulled brain and full harness).

When my 90 got pwnt by an Explorer my bag didn't go off :dunno:

Frontal hit btw.

those were one of the first things to go on my car! :giggle: i is scerd of dem...

Factory seat belts have a bit of "give" in them by design.

Take a close look at the end of your seat belt where it bolts to the car (the end opposite the reel). Underneath that sock, the belt is folded over itself and stitched. In an impact, the force of your body against the belt tears the stitches, and the belt gradually gives way and expands, so as to slow you more gradually.

Racing harnii have not these things, which is why Mr. Face didn't get anywhere near Mr. Airbag. The downside to this lack of play is an increased propensity towards the snapping of Mr. Spinal Column as Mr. Head suddenly tries to accelerate away from Mr. Body.

This. On a new car, not so much, but on an old car like this, any time I was in front of the wheel or passenger dash I was a bit worried. It was like it was always staring at me ready to ruin my day. So I removed the driver side, and have yet to get around to doing the passenger side. I will eventually. I don't feel safe in this little car even with an airbag, so I'm not too worried about it being gone.

Thats Mr. Hat mmmkay

oh shit pheil lol

I've only been fortunate enough to get hit in the face by airbags twice. Once was in the miata.

The first time it happened I remember trying to stuff the airbag back into the steering wheel so I could drive away. Too bad there was a telephone pole laying across the roof of the car and the road. Not to mention the car was completely fucking totaled.

The time it happened in the miata I didnt have my seat belt on and somehow the bag pushed my forehead into the windshield frame. I remember crashing and thinking "what the fuck.....again?!". Luckily a bunch of kids hanging out at the gas station across the street came over and helped me push it back onto the road. It was stuck in reverse so I had to drive it home in reverse! lol

Fuck I used to be crazy. lol

Tits ok, we forgive you. Only because you sex me up :giggle: Give meh some suga :makeout:

Was that before or after you broke your hand in 47 places beating the shit out of an inanimate object?

Vashthestampede, I wanna hear more of these stories, I am intrigued now.

Hmmm....now that you mention that. lol

The group of guys down at the shop complex are mostly in their 50's-60's, and whenever I stop down there to have some beers with them they always ask me what new stories or pussy I can tell them about. lol

Back on topic.

Canadian Miatas didn't get airbags until '93.

If you are pulling the airbags you might want to replace your seatbelts with '90-'92 Canadian ones. They don't have the tearaway stitching that Joe mentions. Just my 2c.

I will say that it's probably not the best idea to pull the bags out of a newer car, unless you are specifically using a racing harness or going to be on track.

Went I took an excursion through the woods in my wife's Cavalier the airbag surely kept me from having serious injury. I COULD NOT BELIEVE how I walked away from that one considering the speed, angle and damage. I felt like I'd been form tackled, but didn't have a scratch, bruise or broken appendage on me.

Had I done the same thing in my '92, airbag or not, it would have been much uglier.

With the stock wheel in my car, my knee hits the steering wheel with my foot just barely above the brake pedal.

I opted to have a clear shot at the brake pedal over having an air bag -- I got a dished wheel that clears my leg better.