355 Airbag Removal | FerrariChat

355 Airbag Removal

Discussion in '348/355' started by 308nut, Nov 30, 2007.

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  1. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
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    #1 308nut, Nov 30, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have noticed a few posts looking for information about removing the passenger airbag on the 355 to recover. I have just did this for a customer and decided to document it and post for anyone interested in doing it themselves. The procedure is pretty simple just pay attention to what you are doing and you won't have any problems

    Here are the steps and pictures for the removal

    1) Tools, T-40 Torx safety bit, flat blade screwdriver or I use a pushpin removal tool.

    2) TURN OFF BATTERY

    3) Remove A/C vents both center vents and passenger vent

    4) There are two T-40 Torx Safety screws on each side of the airbag, access to them is inside the dash where the air vents were.

    5) After removing the screws gently work the airbag out by pulling up on it towards the ceiling. After it is out about an inch pull the top of the airbag forward.

    6) Disconnect the power lead to the airbag, it is a two pronged yellow connector, the airbag is now free

    Bring it to an upholstery shop and reinstall in reverse order.

    Hope this helps


    Wade
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  2. nizam

    nizam Formula 3
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    #2 nizam, Nov 30, 2007
    Thanks, Wade. That was definitely on my "things to do" this winter.
     
  3. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #3 gothspeed, Nov 30, 2007
    thats a great post!!!! now how does one stamp the new leather with the 'air bag' letters??
     
  4. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #4 UConn Husky, Nov 30, 2007
    Fantastic contribution, thanks Wade! Mine could use this fix but it doesn't bother me that much yet...maybe next winter.

    And how does an F1 fan survive in Mooresville? I was down there a month ago meeting with a few of the engine builders...I have to admit, they do squeeze every ounce out of the allowable rules!
     
  5. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
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    #5 308nut, Dec 4, 2007
    Hey no problem, I like to contribute when I can.

    I am a huge F1 fan and could not give a damn about Nascar, however most of the guys around here are true car guys including myself. I just love being around it, My neighbor works for an ALMS team and use to work for a Ferrari challenge team there is so much diversity but when it comes done to it, they are all just a bunch of gear heads and I am right at home



    Wade
     
  6. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
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    #6 308nut, Dec 4, 2007
    You need to find an upholstery shop with an embossing tool to do it.



    Wade
     
  7. 355racer

    355racer Rookie

    Apr 26, 2009
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    #7 355racer, Apr 26, 2009
    Is it possible to replace the covering without the airbag attached, i.e. airbag completely removed ?

    I'm just in the middle of a challenge conversion and the factory part for this is no longer available.

    Thanks.
    (This is my first post so hope I making sense :) )
     
  8. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #8 bcwawright, Apr 27, 2009
    The problam I've seen with the passenger air bag is NOT the leather it is the plastic frame it is attached to........heat deforms it over time and it CANNOT be straightened out by any means I'm aware of.

    To remove the frame you have to drill the rivets.....you can possibly make your own frame mold but it would need a good frame to start with.
     
  9. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 285ferrari, Apr 27, 2009
    Yep----The plastic needs replaced when doing it correctly...Once that plastic deforms, you ain't getting it straight again....
     
  10. nunonico

    nunonico Rookie

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    #10 nunonico, Sep 30, 2011
    Dear colleagues Ferrari owners,
    I disassemble the airbag and covered it with new skin, as indicated. It is very nice now.
    However, the air bag light indicator doesn't turn off now.
    Do you know what can I do, to solve this problem, or I need go to a Ferrari dealer to reprogram the electronic sensor of air bag ?
    Thanks in advance for any help.
    Best regards.
     
  11. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #11 Dave rocks, Mar 16, 2013
    Hi Wade,

    Thank you for such a great post!

    I'm planning to do this today.

    One question:

    You say "turn off battery" Do you mean disconnect it or simply turn it off by the switch in the access panel under the hood? I sure hope turning it off is all that's needed (I can't imagine it's any different than disconnecting the battery but I don't know the circuit)

    Thank you!
     
  12. 308nut

    308nut Formula 3
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    #12 308nut, Mar 16, 2013

    Yes all you need to do is turn off the switch under the front bonnet

    Wade

    Good luck
     
  13. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #13 Dave rocks, Mar 16, 2013
    Thank you very much Wade!
     
  14. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #14 eulk328, Mar 16, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I did it a few years ago. I added some "adjustable rods" to get some tension on the front cover lips so it would stay in place.

    Would prefer to have the glovebox like on the early non-airbag model but parts are $$ if you can find them.
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  15. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #15 Dave rocks, Mar 16, 2013
    That looks cool but what happens if the airbag deploys, will those rods go thru the passengers head? :-( I hope not...
     
  16. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #16 gus355, Mar 16, 2013
    That actually may be a huge concern, I would never do this - and there are a lot of things I would do...


    Or does he mean to say that he replaced the cover without the airbag in there ?
     
  17. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #17 eulk328, Mar 16, 2013
    There is no more airbag. I wanted to get rid of it but then was left with those floppy "lips" on the cover when I put the piece back in the opening.

    The air bag with the mounting hardware is a nice chunk of weight you're removing.
     
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  18. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #18 gus355, Mar 16, 2013
    I would seriously like to have a glovebox instead of the airbag - I have seen the RHD glovebox lid on ebay for a while but never a LHD version -

    Anyone know more about getting a glovebox? A 348 one maybe?
     
  19. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #19 Dave rocks, Mar 16, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Wade, thanks for your help with this thread - I got mine out in less than 10 minutes based on your tips.

    The only thing I did different was instead of prying from the front with tools, I put my right hand thru the right vent opening and my left thru the center vent opening, got my hands around to the back of the air bag assembly and popped it out from the back.

    Off to have it re-wrapped
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  20. Dave rocks

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    #20 Dave rocks, Mar 16, 2013
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  21. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

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    #21 treedee3d, Mar 17, 2013
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  22. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

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    #22 treedee3d, Mar 17, 2013
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  23. adhesivo

    adhesivo Karting

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    #23 adhesivo, Oct 12, 2014
    how heavy is the airbag unit btw?
     
  24. wolfturbo

    wolfturbo Formula Junior

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    #24 wolfturbo, Nov 2, 2014
    Do the vents on either side of the airbag just gently pry out, or is there a trick to getting them out? thanks in advance!!
     
  25. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #25 Dave rocks, Nov 28, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    FYI, my 98 has torx security fasteners and my 95 has Allen security fasteners as shown below. Be sure to get a look before you go at this. The aliens are 5mm
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