2003 steering wheel removal

[buckbundy323]

I want to get one of those grant security systems for my new 2003 corvette. It is a quick disconnect device that allows you to remove the steering wheel when you leave the car un-attended. no steering wheel no steal car unless you have a tow truck.
I already have one in my 1991 firebird, and it would add a nice touch to my overall theft deterrance on my new corvette.
There are a few techical issues I need to over come though.
1. grant does not specificaly make an installation kit for the 2003 corvette because they do not condone removal of the air bag steering wheels. They do make a kit for older years though that probably will work. I already have a nice grant signature series steering wheel that is just begging to be installed on my new corvette.
2. I hate air bags, and want to just remove all air bag circuits, and equipment. I am not sure if removal of airbag sir system will affect other systems. Does any body know? removal does not affect anything on my 1991 firebird but then the computer system in that car is not anywhere near as integrated or complex as the corvette.
3. I read the GM repair manual on steering wheel removal. It is pretty simple but there is one thing I am not sure about. The manual refers to a special tool j42640 steering column lock pin.
does any body know anything about this tool? is it required? is there any alternative to this tool? The manual does not provide any info on how or where this tool is used in the pictures. Why does the steering colum require "locking" in order to remove the steering wheel?
I do not want to tear apart the steering wheel, dis able all the sir systems, ect only to find I can not continue because I am missing some stupid tool.
Is there a way to order these special J tools listed in the manual?
Another tech question I am wondering. is the steering wheel mounting shaft the same size for different model years and if so what years? I may need this info in choosing a installation kit from a older model year. I know for example I can take a steering wheel from most any 1982 to 1992 fire bird and cammaro and it will fit on my 1991 firebird. same thread size on steering wheel mounting shaft. I was wondering if this is true of different year corvettes too. You may think I am stupid for wanting to get rid of the air bags, but let me point a few things out. Air bag steering wheels look like crap compared to some of the after market steering wheels.When ever you work any where in around or near any of the sir components you need to dis able the sir zones, pull fuses, and disconnect battery. what a pain in the rear. failure to do so may pose a risk of air bag exploding. As the car ages and some connectors may come loose over time I dont want the air bags acting like some sort of time bomb waiting to go off because of some short or open circuit. There are so many warnigs in the manual about potential release of air bags. I also do not like the idea of something exploding in my face when I am in an accident. It removes a certain degree of control in a situation in which that slight added amount of control may make the difference in life or death in an accident. I already survived a car wreck in my 1988 firebird with no air bag. in that accident If I had been using an air bag I would not have been able to steer clear of the on coming traffic. I was rear ended and the car was totaled. I walked out of that with out a single scratch due to my use of seat belts.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
First off, every car is different, and thus airbag systems are different. The system cannot be safely disabled in any way. Your passenger side air bag can be disabled due to an engineered switch, however the drivers side cannot be. Airbags do NOT deploy in a rear impact collision.
The airbag system in c5 has a constant running diagnostic, and will illuminate the air bag light if there is any degradation of connections, opens, shorts or the like. ANY of these conditions, and the air bag system disarms, and will NOT deploy. As for servicing airbag systems, simply disconnect the battery for 10 mins, and then proceed to work on the vehicle.
There is no aftermarket steering wheel that can be used on c5 that I am aware of. There are suppliers that reskin the stock steering wheel, to give a different look.
The security systems on c5 are the best in the industry. As they sit right now, you need a tow truck to steal c5, that is the only way.
The steering shaft itself is specific to c5, and no other car.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[buckbundy323]

Thanks for the reply. Grant does make an installation kit for the 1998, 1999 corvette. I was just wondering if the 1998, 1999 steering wheel shaft are the same as the later years. if they are then I am home free.
As far as the comment about security being the best in the industry: Maybe/ maybe not. I do know the resistor embedded in the key has 10 different possible values (not a whole lot of values heh?) according to the repair manual. It would not be that hard for some one to buy the 10 different resistors, and then rig some sort of hot wire device. Only 10 guesses to try out. As far as the steering wheel lock that can be easily and quickly defeated. Corvettes get stolen all the time, so I guess some people have already figured out how to defeat these systems. If the factory systems were so great, then how come so many people are buying lo-jack? I want lojack also but right now I have full coverage, and also lojac is expensive. Simple dererrant devices are fine for now.
You can not stop a thief if he wants the car bad enough. you can only deter them or make it harder for them. The more things you add to make life more difficult, the less likely they will choose youre car. who's car would a thief steal first? a car with a steering wheel or a car with out a steering wheel?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Well, the resistor keys are 15, and if you get one wrong, it will default for about 14 mins, before the fuel enable will correctly check another key signal. Also, if you set your security system with the key fob, your Content theft deterrent is also active, and will disable all function, unless unlocked with the key or disarmed with the key fob.
c5 have the lowest theft rate of any 2 seat sports car, per the Insurance institute ratings, June 02 edition.
As for the rest, yes, the shaft are all the same, 97 to present date.
Allthebest, c4c5