Time for another round of "What s That Part"

[Uranium235]

Ok, gents. I've removed the door panels to fix the annoying rattles and do the DSE window boss mod. There's a plastic strap at the upper rear corner of the door, connecting the door to the interior panel. I didn't think to take a picture. What's it there for??
(I ask because I am pretty sure it's one of the offending rattles and I'd like to just remove it).
Thanks.

Matt

[Uranium235]

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So we are clear, this is the part I'm talking about - picture from the DSE instructions.

[sambo32]

I believe if the door air bag deploys, it will not let the door panel fly off if the panel fastners give way.

[txA&M08]

Mine were rattling, so I removed both. Should be super interesting if the airbags ever blow.

[Angleiron]

I believe if the door air bag deploys, it will not let the door panel fly off if the panel fastners give way.

Do Gen V's have door air bags? I thought them not having them, and the costs associated with adding them was why the Gen V production was ceased?

[dirtyboot]

they have a side impact airbag located a couple finger widths from and level with your outside shoulder on '15-'17 models, '13-'14 didn't have them.

http://www.viperexchange.com/vehicle...tx-id-28311474 see the image of the open passenger door in this ad for reference.

These are different from side curtain airbags, which was the reason you're referencing. Side curtain airbag is meant to protect the head, this is meant to protect the torso.. That being said I think they're too close to the shoulder for comfort, so I like my '14 models, or have considered retrofitting '14 door panels on a newer model to remove them.

**Per Doug's post below, these appear to be side curtain bags; so how they failed to meet the requirements is beyond my current knowledge.

[quickster2]

FMVSS 226 established the requirements for ejection mitigation systems. This was the "killer". The door airbags will do much more good than harm. I would not recommend removing them nor the plastic straps. If you suspect the straps are rattling then wrap them in tape or thin foam to suppress the rattle. I would also suggest checking the window rails and guides to make sure they are tight and secured as the window goes up and down.

[chris_lee]

Ok, gents. I've removed the door panels to fix the annoying rattles and do the DSE window boss mod. There's a plastic strap at the upper rear corner of the door, connecting the door to the interior panel. I didn't think to take a picture. What's it there for??
(I ask because I am pretty sure it's one of the offending rattles and I'd like to just remove it).
Thanks.

Matt

I gotta do this also...
Does the window boss mod fix "rattling/noisy window" functions or is that more the regulator that's going out? Can't tell if it's my regulator or the loose window causing it. My windows are a bit embarrassing when someone is in the car. Let us know how it all worked out

-Chris

[SSGNRDZ_28]

I would leave it attached it may be critical to airbag deployment :

“The inflator is sealed and connected to a long tubular manifold and a diffuser in the manifold so that all of the released gas is directed into the folded airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates it will push up between the top of the door trim panel and the side glass to form a curtain-like cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side impact collision. The cushion features large chambers that inflate adjacent to the head of the seat occupant.

The deploy bracket on each door inner panel guides the cushion past the top of the door trim panel into the proper deployment position. The door trim tether bracket deforms and controls the displacement of the trim panel from the door as the SAB cushion pushes past the panel.”

[Martin]

FMVSS 226 established the requirements for ejection mitigation systems.

So, they don't consider a seat belt an "ejection mitigation system" anymore? Airbags are way overblown (see what I did there?). They only work on the first impact. If you really need them, you're likely going to be bouncing off of things multiple times, and you'll have several impacts where they're completely deflated.

Personally, i think there must have been some other reason for the Viper demise - if all cars are held to that standard, we wouldn't see anything with a convertible top being sold. If convertibles are somehow exempt, my guess is we would have seen a Gen V convertible as the only Viper available for at least one more year.

[quickster2]

FYI "walk-in vans, modified roof vehicles and convertibles" are generally exempt from FMVSS 226. FCA was adverse from putting more money into the platform. Production rates due to poor sales were reduced by more than 75% for the GEN V over the production run thru 2015, then the ACR took off (relative to prior). Any in-depth product development timing window had passed.

[dirtyboot]

Hey Martin, for info on the reg pertaining to your comment on multiple hits see post #7 - https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...bag-Deployment
As quickster2 said, convertibles are exempt from the reg. Granted there were other factors in play such as poor marketing and sales, FCA had plenty of time to try to reach compliance; I surmise they began attempting to do so too late with the 15-17 door airbags. Their attempt couldn't pass so the quick fix idea taken from convertibles was wasted assets and then it was too late from an investment standpoint and time standpoint to restart the process.

Back to OP, I think Doug hit the nail on the head as far as removing the retaining strap. It appears it's there to prevent the airbag from blasting the door panel into your occupied space as it squeezes between it and the window. Remove at your own risk.

[quickster2]

Yes, you really do not want the door panel to impact you.

[Uranium235]

Since I have a 2013 car, and verified no airbags - they are gone. In the middle of sound deadening and strategic foam/tape placement to eliminate all door rattles.