Leather Airbag Cover?

[87jkhockey]

I have been driving my fl5 a ton now that the weather has changed and I have the itch to make some modifications. Something that has been bothering me is the plastic, fake leather airbag cover on the steering wheel. Has anyone covered the airbag with leather to match the OEM wheel? Does anyone have contacts that might be able to help me cover my steering wheel?

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[evlsmurf]

Don't do it. You will affect the airbag's ability to deploy. Very dangerous.

 

[87jkhockey]

Don't do it. You will affect the airbag's ability to deploy. Very dangerous.

Seems like you have some experience with this based on your thread.

 

[Clark_Kent]

Try Sweidit, they should be able to help/provide perspective.

 

[evlsmurf]

Seems like you have some experience with this based on your thread.

I was going to do it and was strongly advised not to do it. The plastic over it specifically designed to cover the airbag.

 

[Cueyo]

If you get an airbag specifically made to deploy correctly, then it might work. I know with other cars it's actually pretty easy to add upholstery since the plastic isn't breaking, it's just moving out of the way. Not sure how our cars deploy the airbag

Edit: saw this video, seems highly doable, not sure if safe tho

 

[evlsmurf]

Is is doable. I had a company make one for me when I went with a new steering wheel. They used the OEM plastic. However, after speaking with my local Honda Service Department, they highly advised me not to install it. They said it most likely would deploy properly with the Alcantara covering the plastic.

 

[Cueyo]

Is is doable. I had a company make one for me when I went with a new steering wheel. They used the OEM plastic. However, after speaking with my local Honda Service Department, they highly advised me not to install it. They said it most likely would deploy properly with the Alcantara covering the plastic.

I was actually going to tell you I was skeptical, but after looking up a video of the airbag deploying, and slowing it down. You appear to be correct.

The factory airbag cover flexes and looks to almost break. I think OP shouldn't mess with it. If it's made to break and can't because of cloth, then that's a potential fatality.

Looks like even the Honda logo breaks away

 

[87jkhockey]

It looks like the plastic splits at a seam. I wonder if I could find an undeployed airbag and check it out? Seems like as long as the cover is perforated along the seam it would still function safely. Something that as an engineer I might play around with in my free time. Another question I had is does anyone know where to find the oem the r logo for the steering wheel? None of the aftermarket websites seem to have that option.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

Car companies spend a lot of effort testing airbag deployment. Unless you're willing to forego an airbag steering wheel all together, I wouldn't mess with it.

If modern explosives are contained by stronger envelopes, the explosive force increases. USA spec airbag charges (under well designed OEM covers) are violent enough. Engineer speaking from experience.

 

[Cueyo]

Full agreement here, safety related stuff is something not to mess with.

Sidenote, i'm gonna bet that at least half the people on this forum are engineers. I feel like Honda's are a stereotypical engineer car.

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