t2d2

iTrader: (8)

I had a crazy idea to put a 2002 ES300 steering wheel in my SC400, refinishing the wood and going airbag-less. The ES wood is too rosy for the SC's dash & door trim, and rather than try to stain the color to match, I was thinking of staining/painting it black to complement the tan & black 2-tone, as seen here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...ml#post9253398

You'll notice in those pictures, I currently have a RX300 steering wheel, but with the airbag disconnected because I could never get the stupid SC airbag light to clear. (If you ES guys don't have to deal with that SC-ism, consider yourself lucky!) Since I'm already without a functioning airbag, and am generally averse to a bomb in my face -- speaking from experience, they do more harm than good in minor accidents -- I decided to try building a frankenbag, patching up a blown horn cover and seeing if it could be salvaged. I don't think it would be wise to attempt pulling the cover off of an un-exploded airbag, given the effort required.

Other than being moderately unattractive, it feels as solid as one that's never gone boom. I used plastic epoxy and covered it with foil tape on the back for a bit more support. None of the airbag internals are required for making contact with the three horn contact points. In the never-ending name of weight reduction, ditching the airbag components also yields a very satisfying 2.0 lbs. Unfortunately, the ES and RX airbags are a slightly different shape, so I couldn't swap it in while doing wood refinishing.

That brings me to my question. I have no use for the Mode/Reset controls on the left side of the steering wheel. (Are those radio controls, phone controls, HVAC controls? The buttons are so minimalist and vaguely named, I can't decide which.) I could leave the black box mounted and just unplug it, but I prefer to remove anything that doesn't serve a purpose. Is there any sort of clip-in cover to fill the hole left behind, as seen below?



Left side of the ES steering wheel.


Here are a few more pics of the internal components and rebuilding of the airbag cover, for anyone interested.

LeX2K

I can't endorse you driving around with a non functioning SRS system. You might be of the opinion that they are not safe but that doesn't matter if you get into an accident the insurance companies will see no airbag deployment, when they find out why your coverage will be void and you will be on the hook for all legal/medical bills and properly losses.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

That's a valid concern, and a debate as old as airbags themselves, but not the sort of help I was seeking.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

More idea than solution, but it has potential. I disassembled the Mode/Reset controls to see if the bottom plate would plug the hole. It does, but it would need some work with the Dremel to smooth out. If I go that route, more likely I would use it as a template to cut a piece of ABS to shape.

I still haven't figured out what exactly those controls are... There are four of them listed on ebay under part #84244-33050. Three of them merely refer to it as controls or switches, and the other says it's for cruise control. I assume that's just a bad guess on their part, since: a) no one knows what it's for, and b) it connects to the same plug as the CC stalk. Even google was no help, only pointing to parts catalogs that merely refer to it as switches. I'm guessing it's some sort of multi-function ("Mode") control, but how much can it accomplish with just one ("Reset") button?

Chocolate

That's not a crazy idea, it's a stupid idea, assuming you care about the safety of your vehicle. I would spend my money elsewhere. Headlight upgrades will give you more for your money.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

It's no more stupid than the millions of people driving older vehicles or with aftermarket steering wheels. Some people prefer to live their lives for enjoyment, rather than out of fear. Some people even try to stay on topic...

Chocolate

You are right, you are free to disconnect your airbag, in a vehicle that already has one, if you think it's a good idea.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

You must have missed the part where I'm already running without an airbag? I'm down five airbags across two cars, for that matter, and am currently alive to tell about it. Have been for more than a decade in one of them, no less.

Whether or not I have an airbag is completely irrelevant to the question asked in this thread and usage of the ES steering wheel, which would be incompatible with the clockspring, anyway.

LeX2K

Maybe to you but I'm not going to give help to someone that is purposely disabling safety equipment on their car. Oh and people swim with sharks some of them survive sharks are not dangerous.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

I get it. Your desire to be my conscience is stronger than your desire to provide any relevant and useful input. Can we move on already? Mods, feel free to close this thread up if it keeps going this direction.