Removed passenger airbag, what should I do with the extra space? 

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 01/23/2017 at 18:21 • Filed to: Weightreduction

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Without the airbag, I’ve got an empty space that’s slightly larger than the glovebox.

blow dryer and styling tools...?

I could easily fit an amp and stereo in here for a super Stealth sound system, but I’d want to get a volume knob/buttons of some sort on my new steering wheel. Basically, it would have to be usable without opening the airbag cover to keep it super stealthy, and I don’t have enough experience with car audio to know if that’s feasible with current Bluetooth connection issues and whatnot.

The other idea was just use it as a much needed extra storage bin, possibly cutting out high density foam to perfectly fit a camera, gopro and other valuables I normally don’t feel safe leaving in the car.

I’m planning on fabricating brackets so I can hinge the top of the airbag cover, but I haven’t decided on the best way to open and close it yet.

You know those cabinets that you push to open the door, then push again to lock it in place? I’d love something like that but it seems a bit complicated...

Okay I’ll stop talking. Any good ideas from wiser heads than mine?

For Sweden > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:24

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Why

MarquetteLa > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:25

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Gauges.

The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi) > For Sweden 01/23/2017 at 18:26

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He filed it to weight reduction, so weight reduction I guess?

For Sweden > The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi) 01/23/2017 at 18:26

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Seat belts are heavy too

TheHondaBro > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:28

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Would an airbag fit in there?

jkm7680 > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:28

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Put it back in?

The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi) > For Sweden 01/23/2017 at 18:29

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Tires and wheels weigh too much too. Did you know that 1ib of unsprung weight is equal to 20ibs? Just paint bedliner on the brake rotors, it’ll be like having tires. But not.

AestheticsInMotion > For Sweden 01/23/2017 at 18:29

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1. Weight reduction. This is the least important reason, but hey dropping slightly under 15 lbs is nothing to scoff at.

2. Trying to simplify my engine bay and wiring harness. Removed the wiring to all of the sensors.

3. The big one, safety. I’m running race seats with harnesses and a rollbar (or I will be once everything arrives) which weren’t designed with airbags in mind. Plus the sensors didn’t even register impacts when I tested them so I’m not sure if my passenger airbag would have activated anyways...

Nibby > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:29

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Put a new passenger airbag.

For Sweden > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:30

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Ah, not a road car, got it

AestheticsInMotion > MarquetteLa 01/23/2017 at 18:31

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Hmm. Not apposed to that, although I like the na6 dash a lot more with gauges in that area...

AestheticsInMotion > TheHondaBro 01/23/2017 at 18:31

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I don’t believe so

Urambo Tauro > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:33

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First-aid kit? Fire extinguisher?

AestheticsInMotion > jkm7680 01/23/2017 at 18:34

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Honestly I’m a lot more comfortable with the proper seats/harness/rollbar setup than I am with a 22 year old airbag, even if I did replace the sensors that I found out weren’t working correctly.

AestheticsInMotion > Urambo Tauro 01/23/2017 at 18:35

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I’ve been trying to figure out a good place for a fire extinguisher where I wouldn’t have to worry about some random dude grabbing it while I’m away from the car. That’s a good idea

BREADwagon > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:38

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Fish tank.

You’ll thank me later

Steve in Manhattan > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:39

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As long as you don’t put a passenger in that seat, it’s fine. Perhaps a toaster oven? A nice diorama? The head of your worst enemy?

XJDano > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:41

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CB radio.

Breaker breaker 1-9, we got ourselves a convoy.

AestheticsInMotion > BREADwagon 01/23/2017 at 18:42

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I... Will I though..?

Maybe a beer tap....

AestheticsInMotion > Steve in Manhattan 01/23/2017 at 18:43

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That escalated quickly.

Urambo Tauro > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:44

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How’s the reach? I think I read somewhere that fire extinguishers in race cars have to be mounted somewhere that’s accessible to a fully strapped-in driver.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:45

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Minifridge for your sandwich?

AestheticsInMotion > haveacarortwoorthree2 01/23/2017 at 18:47

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The irony of having an interior mini fridge but not having air-conditioning....

Steve in Manhattan > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:51

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Revenge is a dish best served cold, so turn up the A/C ... and honestly, an old-fashioned glovebox would appear to be in order. If you need the room.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:54

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What about installing an airbag?

SkyNet > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 18:59

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Haven’t you seen the wire?

AestheticsInMotion > Steve in Manhattan 01/23/2017 at 19:05

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Probably what I’ll end up doing. I’ve got a 3 week west coast road trip planned in April with another person... Every extra bit of space will help haha

wiffleballtony > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 19:08

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Microwave oven.

AestheticsInMotion > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 01/23/2017 at 19:08

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Only if I can find the exploding takata kind.

AestheticsInMotion > SkyNet 01/23/2017 at 19:09

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I have not. Unless you mean the airbag detonation wire, in which case yes. I saw it and tried to keep all body parts well clear of it while removing the airbag

SkyNet > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 19:21

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Haha, “The Wire”

Great handgun/drug hiding spot for when you are “riding dirty” and get pulled over.

On a related note, drop everything you are doing and watch The Wire. It’s awesome.

Boxer_4 > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 19:35

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Steve in Manhattan > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 19:38

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Oh wait - a nondirectional bass module to improve the audio ... what sort of vehicle is this?

Probenja > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 19:41

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I’m surprised that no one has posted this:

AestheticsInMotion > Steve in Manhattan 01/23/2017 at 19:46

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Miata... So while I DO want to tackle a decent audio system at some point, it’s still a ways off

The Lurktastic Opponaught > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 20:23

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There are magnetically actuated blind latches that would be great for an application like this. There are also concealed hinges. Both can be purchased from an outfit (for woodworking, at least) like lee valley tools. Also, from a materials standpoint: make sure whatever epoxy you use is rated specifically for whatever type plastic your airbag cover is made of. This will prevent discoloration and embrittlement in the long run. I’ve had good luck with 3M’s industrial structural plastic adhesives.

Frank Grimes > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 21:00

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all airbags explode its just a matter of how slow.

DipodomysDeserti > AestheticsInMotion 01/23/2017 at 21:55

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Minigun

pip bip - choose Corrour > AestheticsInMotion 01/24/2017 at 05:37

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drugs!

Dave the car guy , still here > AestheticsInMotion 01/24/2017 at 09:28

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Why not Mcgyver a 12v mini cooler behind a magnet latched padded door. Gut one of the RoadPro soft side portable ones for the cooling parts.

diplodicus > AestheticsInMotion 01/24/2017 at 11:28

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https://www.mcmaster.com/#magnetic-latches/=161vzo3

That’s the type of latch used by the cabinets you speak of.

AestheticsInMotion > diplodicus 01/24/2017 at 23:47

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Huh. That looks manageable. Thank you for the info, I ordered two types of latches to work with

diplodicus > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 09:00

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I hope you scrolled all the way down, those are the spring loaded ones the pop out when you push. The others have to be pulled off.

CalzoneGolem > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:00

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Doing nothing with it is the lightest weight option.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:03

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Dials.

Arrivederci > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:05

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Use it to smuggle coke. Then profit :).

Seriously - cool idea - I’d just utilize it as extra storage space. Always beneficial in a Miata!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:05

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The problem with roll bars is that they intrude, meaning that if you don’t wear a helmet when driving, it’s significantly less safe than the airbag. Also, having a more rigid harness system than the seatbelt will mean you’ll want some sort of head restraint.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:16

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My friend mounted his Megasquirt 2 there.

Tapas > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 12:56

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How about a metal spike, to make sure all your passengers understand how you feel about them? :D

AestheticsInMotion > Tapas 01/25/2017 at 13:02

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I can’t remember if someone else already said metal spike, or if I was just thinking it... Hmmmm

AestheticsInMotion > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 01/25/2017 at 13:04

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Still about a year out from starting Turbo build but that’s not a bad idea.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 13:08

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It’s best practice to get the megasquirt installed and tuned on a naturally aspirated car to familiarize yourself with it before throwing forced induction into the mix.

Tapas > AestheticsInMotion 01/25/2017 at 13:23

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It was you all along!