1983 Volvo 240

sandy44 · Post by **sandy44** » 29 May 2012, 15:07

I have a 1983 Volvo 240. In '83, air bags weren't a required item. Also, Volvo did not install rear passenger head rests. I've located a 240 steering wheel with an air bag, along with rear head rests. Here's my dilemma: the purist in me says leave the car exactly as it is right now. My practical, safety conscious side tells me to have the steering wheel changed over and head rests installed. The car is completely original. Any recommendations would be helpful.

Post by **jimmy57** » 29 May 2012, 16:55

To fit the airbag will require a steering column assembly to hold the contact reel (clock spring as some call it) that connects wires from the crash sensor to the airbag in steering wheel. You'll need a new instrument cluster to have the airbag lamp circuit and the warning lamp. The instrument cluster with airbag components will need the rear end that drives electronic speedometer as your car has a cable drive speedo.
The airbag project is a BIG project.
Rear head restraints are not such an ordeal.

sandy44 · Post by **sandy44** » 30 May 2012, 14:10

Yikes--- I'll opt for duct taping a couple of balloons to the steering wheel. That way I'll always be prepared The back seat head rests sound a lot more feasible. Thanks guys.