Test aftermarket front seat covers with airbag deployment

Post by **FireFox31** » 15 Dec 2022, 14:25

We could test the ability of aftermarket front seat covers to allow side airbag deployment. This would require the sacrifice of a new aftermarket seat cover. That's a small price to know if we can safely use these covers, allowing restoration of our ratty seats while maintaining our safety.

I propose we take up a collection, spreading the cost of this test among us since we all stand to benefit from the results.

Then we need someone to run the test. I lack the time and safe place to detonate a seat, but I could source a seat from a junkyard. Labor would be required to strip and recover the seat. For the test, the seat would need to be properly secured to the ground, an airbag trigger wire run for activation from a safe distance, and one or more cameras to film the event. My Android phone can do slow motion video, so that could help.

Who's interested in this test? Who's going to convince me to actually do it.

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Dec 2022, 14:32

I'll throw in $20 toward this.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 15 Dec 2022, 15:05

I bet we can find one of those slo-mo channel folks on YouTube to do a 10,000 fps video of the event at no charge provided we got everything together for them. I think I know someone that may have a seat or so that could be sacrificed in the name of science.

The problem is if the aftermarket isn't being designed and built for the side deployment in mind, if not, then production variations could mean some are useful for the purpose and others could possibly not be -- possibly becoming more rather than less of a hazard.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Dec 2022, 16:48

I’ve got a 99 seat ready for testing. I need to do a quick calculation to make sure we don’t burn the atmosphere off the Earth.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 15 Dec 2022, 16:55

Unfortunately, wizechatmgr is right that unless there is some assurance the aftermarket seat materials and manufacturing are consistent, the test would not give the assurance wanted that all seat covers would be safe.
This was a great idea for a test, but a predicable product is needed.
volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 15 Dec 2022, 17:06

I have seen the force thst these things go off. I doubt any stitching is going to survive it. I have some old impact 98 style too, for enhanced testing. Hold my beer

Post by **volvolugnut** » 15 Dec 2022, 17:32

Let me think about this. Violent whipping with a leather seat cover or a car crash without protection?
Another beer please.

volvolugnut

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 16 Dec 2022, 09:15

Did any of you guys even watch the video I posted of Robert detonating one of those? That thing went off like a bomb. No combination of leather and thread is going to hold that thing back.

Post by **abscate** » 16 Dec 2022, 10:00

From 2:00 on that feels like some of my car repairs this year

Post by **BlackBart** » 16 Dec 2022, 10:00

oldschool - I did. BAM!!