Ask an expert

I'd like to install a drivers and passenger airbag on a classic 68 truck.

Is this possible and legal?

Ian

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 October, 2010

I can’t find any rules or regulations that say you are not allowed to fit an aftermarket airbag(s) to this vehicle.

I’m not sure of the benefits to be honest for a vehicle of this age and more importantly body structure.

Vehicles fitted with airbags have crumple zones built into their body structure which work in tandem with any airbags fitted. In other words a vehicle is designed to “fold” in certain points to help protect the occupants and the airbags are designed to deploy when there is a risk of occupant injury.

There are cases where a vehicle can suffer substantial damage and the airbags have not deployed.

Your truck will have a very solid chassis construction with little or no crumple zone area. Depending on how the airbag operates you may find it will either deploy on shock very easily or as an afterthought and offer little to no protection in the event of an accident.

From what I have heard and read on this subject aftermarket airbags are not very effective as it is impossible to deploy them with perfect timing and accuracy.

You could spend a lot of money and effort for minimal or absolutely no benefit.