Putting airbags in 1962-69 Chevy truck

justonr · 12-01-2007, 10:42 AM

My son's father is rebuiding a 1962-68 step side chevy truck for my soon to be 16 year old son. He really won't tell me what safety devices he is putting in the truck. Is it possible to put air bags in it? Against my wishes he is putting in a 454 engine, what can I do to make it as safe as it can be? Thanks!

chuckphillips · 12-01-2007, 11:25 AM

I would just pray.... Here's the deal... He can go just as fast in the truck if he's put a 6 cylinder in it... I have 4 kids. Youngest 16 the oldest 22. 3 are boys... My oldest as had 3 mustangs.. 2 of them with the 302, fast car! He totaled one of them... Thank God he is fine. All you can do is try to instruct them.... They will do as they please with you not around. I would not give it a second thought about Airbags in the truck. I would just make sure you nicely remind him now and then, hug him before he leaves and make sure the Truck is inspected, has the proper brakes for the motor and has Great Tires and the suspension is good....

Sorry about the message being a bit mushy.. But it is the best thing I can suggest. Kids will be kids, just as you were once. Just love them the best you can.

75K30 · 12-01-2007, 12:59 PM

Welcome to the site;
Very good advice chuckphillips.
He brings up a good point regarding the ability to go fast in whatever they are going to drive. The factors are, whether or not they are capable of the responsibilities that go along with a vehicle. My guess is the boy will be alright. Make sure you remind him as much as you can mom. He will roll his eyes, but believe it or not, it sinks in.
When I was racing, I could hear my mom. As I got older I realized it was a good thing.

Had to admit, when I read "airbags" I thought we were about to engage in a discussion regarding air ride suspensions, but I see you were refering to a supplimental restraint system. Well, I hate to say but there are no SRS systems available for retro- fit. These are complex systems with many sensors, and these are very expensive, and would be next to impossible to calibrate correctly for older vehicles.
This probably would also provide a young driver a false sense of security, and perhaps might persuade the young driver to not use disgretion.
I believe teaching saftey and responsibility will create a better saftey net than any old SRS system.
After all the best place to be when an accident occurs is not in the safest car, but in the car that is not involved in the crash in the first place.
Good luck with the boy, and post some pics of the truck, we would like to see it.

12-01-2007, 10:42 AM	#1
justonr Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1	Putting airbags in 1962-69 Chevy truck My son's father is rebuiding a 1962-68 step side chevy truck for my soon to be 16 year old son. He really won't tell me what safety devices he is putting in the truck. Is it possible to put air bags in it? Against my wishes he is putting in a 454 engine, what can I do to make it as safe as it can be? Thanks!

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12-01-2007, 11:25 AM	#2
chuckphillips Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 118	I would just pray.... Here's the deal... He can go just as fast in the truck if he's put a 6 cylinder in it... I have 4 kids. Youngest 16 the oldest 22. 3 are boys... My oldest as had 3 mustangs.. 2 of them with the 302, fast car! He totaled one of them... Thank God he is fine. All you can do is try to instruct them.... They will do as they please with you not around. I would not give it a second thought about Airbags in the truck. I would just make sure you nicely remind him now and then, hug him before he leaves and make sure the Truck is inspected, has the proper brakes for the motor and has Great Tires and the suspension is good.... Sorry about the message being a bit mushy.. But it is the best thing I can suggest. Kids will be kids, just as you were once. Just love them the best you can.

12-01-2007, 12:59 PM	#3
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,518	Welcome to the site; Very good advice chuckphillips. He brings up a good point regarding the ability to go fast in whatever they are going to drive. The factors are, whether or not they are capable of the responsibilities that go along with a vehicle. My guess is the boy will be alright. Make sure you remind him as much as you can mom. He will roll his eyes, but believe it or not, it sinks in. When I was racing, I could hear my mom. As I got older I realized it was a good thing. Had to admit, when I read "airbags" I thought we were about to engage in a discussion regarding air ride suspensions, but I see you were refering to a supplimental restraint system. Well, I hate to say but there are no SRS systems available for retro- fit. These are complex systems with many sensors, and these are very expensive, and would be next to impossible to calibrate correctly for older vehicles. This probably would also provide a young driver a false sense of security, and perhaps might persuade the young driver to not use disgretion. I believe teaching saftey and responsibility will create a better saftey net than any old SRS system. After all the best place to be when an accident occurs is not in the safest car, but in the car that is not involved in the crash in the first place. Good luck with the boy, and post some pics of the truck, we would like to see it.