Attaching the passenger airbag cover (airbag removed)

[UofACATS]

I'm trying to figure out the best way to permanently mount the cover to the dash so it looks factory. My original plan was to TIG aluminum threaded rod to the back side of the cover and feed them through the two holes in the dash "bar" but it turns out there's no way to attach nuts to the other side. The dash bar is solid.

My only other idea is to bolt some mild steel to the cover, and extend some (steel) hollow bar to the dash bar.. and then MIG it underneath while trying to hold it nicely in place.

I could just install another airbag assembly, but mine is in great condition and most are peeling, etc. and likely wouldn't match perfectly. I'd also like to keep the dead weight out of the car, the entire airbag system is already removed.


Here's the pics: (this space was previously used to hold my water injection container)

 

[mike96]

Find a deployed airbag from the junk yard (assuming they will sell it to you) and gut it and use the frame to mount it in the dash. Should make it easy enough.

 

[Dsmkauai]

What's stopping you from bolting it in the way it's supposed to? Couldn't you remake the mounts for it if that's the problem and there missing?

 

[Blurred Talon]

What's stopping you from bolting it in the way it's supposed to? Couldn't you remake the mounts for it if that's the problem and there missing?

It's attached to the air bag, it has to be cut off IIRC.

I used cabinet catches I bought from the local hardware store, works great.

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I used these because I need the cover to come off, my fuse box is mounted in there.

 

[Insane20]

I've been thinking about doing this. I think it would be cool to put hinges on the air bag cover and do a fuel box relocate, and locate the fuse box behind there. Anyways why don't you just weld brackets on to it that go down to the original mounting locations.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I strapped mine down with zip-ties (for now)...

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Eventually the space will be used for housing all my electronics. I've already built the internal structure for it, but have to finish designing the hinge for it so it'll open and close properly. Will have a mini strut to keep it open and a push-latch to keep it closed.

 

[Insane20]

What do you plan on using for a latch. I was going to try to use a mechanism off of one of those garbage can lids. So I would press down on the cover and it will release. Press down again and it latches.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

How about those small metal latches people put on their front bumper to hold it up, works kind of like those jars that seal with the metal latch?

 

[spyderdrifter]

What do you plan on using for a latch. I was going to try to use a mechanism off of one of those garbage can lids. So I would press down on the cover and it will release. Press down again and it latches.

That's what I had envisioned using.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

This is what i was talking about

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They come in all different styles and sizes.

 

[Blurred Talon]

That would look a bit ugly (assuming outside the cover).

I had intended to use Dzus fasteners but these cabinet catches were easier. You can find quite a few different options in the cabinet aisle at Home Depot. Magnetic catches and the like; I just choose these because they are easy to work with.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

You can get smaller black ones, or latch it from inside the glove box

 

[Insane20]

Ya inside the glove box would work nice. I may look into those magnetic ones too. Good ideas guys.

 

[spyderdrifter]

For me, I'll need the latch I mentioned. I want mine to be indescrete so no one knows it's there.

 

[Insane20]

If possible could you please post a pic of the internal structure you built. Just to give me some ideas.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

For me, I'll need the latch I mentioned. I want mine to be indescrete so no one knows it's there.

You mean discrete

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

For me, I'll need the latch I mentioned. I want mine to be indescrete so no one knows it's there.

I agree, but was thinking for a locking method using the latch inside the glove box too.(assuming it fits, haven't checked.)

 

[spyderdrifter]

You mean discrete

Yeah, been a long day. At least someone caught it I'm normally pretty good with what words I use.

Anyway, here are the pics of my set up so far. I have a design for my hinge, but haven't really had a chance to build upon it yet.

 

[Insane20]

Nice work! I really like that!

 

[spyderdrifter]

Thanks. I cut and bent the aluminum at my old job and had a friend there weld the sides on. Really haven't done anything with it since unfortunately.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Btw i could see kitchen cabinet latches that are magnatized flying open during hard boost

 

[spyderdrifter]

That is why I want the push latches. That way they stay closed unless I want them open.

 

[91-GS]

Was gonna suggest popping the airbag yourself and salvaging the bracket, but here's a better suggestion:
Put something like these quadrant hinges, perhaps not gold plated though, on the bottom and a magnet/spring latches on top. That way you can open the compartment door and these hinges will keep it from falling open all the way. Or can even use couple of those bead chains to keep the door from opening all the way. You can find them around where ceiling fans are sold.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Those hinges aren't a bad idea, but they wouldn't work well. Due to the airbag lid sitting flush with the dash, a stationary hinge won't allow it to open properly, which is why I'm designing a sliding hinge so it opens properly and sits flush again when closed.

 

[Blurred Talon]

It will be interesting to see what you come up with.
I played around with latches a tiny bit before I said shag it and bought the catches, I just wanted to keep it closed some way.