Aftermarket Steering Wheel

[TIEfighter]

So I've been wondering a few things about aftermarket steering wheels. I know you can purchase an aftermarket steering wheel from a variety of different manufacturers but it sounds too easy. Can you really just buy an aftermarket steering wheel and then the hub for it and install it in your car? I would have a feeling that it would mess up something electronically. Obviously if you install an aftermarket steering wheel you will lose your airbag and therefore, your 'srs' light will stay on. Though, in the state I live your car has to pass inspection every 2 years. Would installing an aftermarket steering wheel automatically make your car 'street illegal' because it doesn't have an airbag? I know that if you install an aftermarket steering wheel it would be recommended that you get a more high quality seat belt therefore, in the unfortunate event of a crash, you don't face plant into your non-airbag steering wheel. Also, installing a steering wheel would eliminate all of the steering wheel control buttons that connect to the radio and Bluetooth correct? Don't need a QR (Quick Release) steering wheel because my Sonic is not a race car but would having a QR steering wheel makes your Sonic more 'theft resistant' because you can take the steering wheel out? Just thinking out loud and was wondering what everybody else thought?

 

[laborsmith]

Cars with air bag equipped steering wheels will not be street legal if the steering wheel is replaced with one that is not able to use an air bag.

There are aftermarket airbag accepting steering wheels that fit the Camaro and because there is a strong resemblance between the 2012 Camaro steering wheel and the 2012 Sonic steering wheel, the one may fit the other, but these are $500+ wheels (actually more like $7-800, I believe) but will retain the use of the steering wheel controls.

Adapters are needed when changing (most) steering wheels. Pre-airbag that was one of my favorite mods; my Corvair has an aftermarket steering wheel.

When I found out that Ace Custom Steering had gone out of business, I did consider upgrading to the LTZ leather covered wheel ($238, if memory serves) but around that time it occurred to me the Sonic RS wheel would be the one of my choice, so I am waiting for that.

Laborsmith

 

[TIEfighter]

Cars with air bag equipped steering wheels will not be street legal if the steering wheel is replaced with one that is not able to use an air bag.

There are aftermarket airbag accepting steering wheels that fit the Camaro and because there is a strong resemblance between the 2012 Camaro steering wheel and the 2012 Sonic steering wheel, the one may fit the other, but these are $500+ wheels (actually more like $7-800, I believe) but will retain the use of the steering wheel controls.

Adapters are needed when changing (most) steering wheels. Pre-airbag that was one of my favorite mods; my Corvair has an aftermarket steering wheel.

When I found out that Ace Custom Steering had gone out of business, I did consider upgrading to the LTZ leather covered wheel ($238, if memory serves) but around that time it occurred to me the Sonic RS wheel would be the one of my choice, so I am waiting for that.

Laborsmith

Ah thanks for the info. I too may have to wait for a Sonic RS steering wheel to be released.