Would a VW bus with disk braked, roll cage, spare tire on front and sway bars(continued below)

Question

make it safe enough for a driver to walk out of a crash going 50MPH safely. How much protection will a roll cage add to a head on crash with a spare tire. Would it ever be possible to slide the front seats back and put a new age stearingwheel with airbags going horizontal to the car like all cars today. could this all be done for under $5000. If not $5000 how much more.

What could i add to protect my legs in a crash. lots of questions for a new young bus lover.

Answer 1

Rather than a spare tire on the front, build a strong bumper. The spare will still crush the front.

I built a roll cage for a buddy in his  Ford ranger. It was tacked in place (not welded all the way around). He rolled it the next day on the freeway (before we could fully weld it in place) going 75 or so. The truck rolled 6 times and he walked away. The cab did not crush but it was sitting at a 30 degree angle once it was back on it's wheels.

AS far as a head on crash, you could tie the cage into the front bumper and build some cross braces behind the dash.

It would be tough to move the seats back. They sit on the front fender wells. It is possible to install a newer style steering column with air bags, but it is expensive. You would need the column and bag (at least $750 used) and you would need both of the sensors to activate it. You would also have to have someone install it.....not cheap.

Answer 2

If you are still talking about the older ones then NO, they were very unsafe no matter what you did to them..........