Steering wheel swap
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (22)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: >>>_FRISCO_MUSCLE_<<<
Well, chrysler kid did brings up a very good issue. The wiring harness/plug might different from each model year group. If the connection menthol is different, how to wire the airbag system to make it function is a criticial issue since it MIGHT NOT plug and play. For example, the G6 auction link I posted has a pic for the back of the G6 wheel. Look carefully to the control buttom harness and the airbag harness (Yellow wire). It looks like the airbag wire MAYBE plug into our F-body plug. However, without plug in the control buttom harness, will the airbag still get signal?
Here's the look of my Montana steering wheel:
As you can see, pic 1 looks almost the same as on F-body steering wheel (Grand Prix and Grand Am use the same wheel and airbag). But look at pic 2 you'll see the major different is the airbag. It alot smaller and not bulky like the F-body. That's reason #1 for the swap.
Here's the measurement:
Pic 1 shows 15in OD of my Montana wheel. It's the same as the F-body. However, what's different is pic 2 and 3. Pic 2 of Montana rim has a thickness of a FULL INCH. Pic 3 shows F-body rim only 7/8in of thickness. That's reason #2 for the swap.
Here's what I think, the 97-03 Grand Prix got an update by 01. Now according to chrysler kid, 98-02 F-body has different airbag connection. So I assume F-body got an update by 01 also. Knowing this, matching the same year model group should very close to a plug and play. I'm gonna take my 98 Montana wheel off now and fit it over to my 99 Firebird. I'll post later.
PS: I know how nice to have a 13in steering wheel. A MOMO steering wheel w/airbag cost way over $500 IIRC.
Here's the look of my Montana steering wheel:
As you can see, pic 1 looks almost the same as on F-body steering wheel (Grand Prix and Grand Am use the same wheel and airbag). But look at pic 2 you'll see the major different is the airbag. It alot smaller and not bulky like the F-body. That's reason #1 for the swap.
Here's the measurement:
Pic 1 shows 15in OD of my Montana wheel. It's the same as the F-body. However, what's different is pic 2 and 3. Pic 2 of Montana rim has a thickness of a FULL INCH. Pic 3 shows F-body rim only 7/8in of thickness. That's reason #2 for the swap.
Here's what I think, the 97-03 Grand Prix got an update by 01. Now according to chrysler kid, 98-02 F-body has different airbag connection. So I assume F-body got an update by 01 also. Knowing this, matching the same year model group should very close to a plug and play. I'm gonna take my 98 Montana wheel off now and fit it over to my 99 Firebird. I'll post later.
PS: I know how nice to have a 13in steering wheel. A MOMO steering wheel w/airbag cost way over $500 IIRC.
very nice research. i would definitally like to see the results. im more interested in like a corvette steering wheel, but anything that is thicker and has a smaller airbag would be nice.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (22)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: >>>_FRISCO_MUSCLE_<<<
Can any C5 or C6 guy give me some info on this? I need to know what's the diameter of the threaded shaft?
chrysler kid, can you post a pic of your 02 airbag? I wanna see the wiring harness on the back.
chrysler kid, can you post a pic of your 02 airbag? I wanna see the wiring harness on the back.
Last edited by darknessxyz; Oct 16, 2008 at 11:34 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (22)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: >>>_FRISCO_MUSCLE_<<<
Didn't get a chance to take the van steering wheel out, well my wife driving it. If anyone get info pls post. I need the know the shaft diameter of different steering wheel. Also a pics of the back of the steering wheel/airbag from different steering wheel will be great. GM wiring diagram needed too.
i looked at my 98 airbag here at my garage. the 98 bag has a metal plate rivited over the back of the bag with the harness coming out from behind it. on the 02 airbag i installed the back of the bag had no plate, there was a funky male connector on the back of the bag itself, like in the actual backing plate where a harness SHOULD connect. i think in my initial description i said it backwards, the 02 bag i have does not have a harness just a male adapter to accept a femal plug. so to be technical i have nothing to splice since there are no wire at all coming from the back of the 02 airbag, i would need to get the airbag harness itself from an 02 steering column
im not with my car at the moment but i can take a picture of my 98 harness and the 02 bag hookup monday when i get back in town
Last edited by chrysler kid; Oct 18, 2008 at 03:16 AM.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
