I posted this as part of another post but wanted to let others know what I discovered when replacing my airbag cover for steering wheel controls. After removing the airbag I began disassembling the unit so I could add a different cover. After much struggling I am telling you that is easier to purchase another airbag with the right cover than to just switch covers. Plus.... you can sell your old airbag/cover and recoup some of your money. By changing the cover itself you have to destroy your original and it will be worthless.

But that is the best part. I can't tell you enough just how stupid it was to change the cover. I had already started the process so the cover was now useless but when working on the airbag assembly the metal frame of the airbag is directly in your face. With bolts and and metal plates directly in your face an airbag going off with make your day really, really bad.

Just my opinion but hindsight is 20/20.

I have done the airbag conversion and it was no problem at all. How do you figure that you destroy the original? It sounds like you over complicated your install. I wouldnt discourage others though.

I have done the airbag conversion and it was no problem at all. How do you figure that you destroy the original? It sounds like you over complicated your install. I wouldnt discourage others though.

The airbag assembly itself was held in place on top and bottom and both sides with part of the molded cover. I'm a big guy and still couldn't remove the side "locks" that held it down without destroying the cover. I called a couple local shops and also some airbag resellers and they all said they wouldn't touch it. To each their own I guess but because the metal pieces of the airbag assembly are in your face (compared to the airbag bladder itself) if that thing goes off you are history. I googled some videos of guys sitting on seats while their buddies set off the airbags underneath them and they shot 5 feet in the air. Again..... just an opinion.

best way is to switch out the whole airbag assembly as OP mentioned. When I installed mine steering wheel controls, I cut the original airbag cover and fit with a dremmel & exacto knife. I'd definately will not pull the cover off to put on the another cover. Either cut the original if you want to save some $$$ or replace the whole unit (best).