Air bags & cones

T

thomas g. warner

New member
Mar 24, 1998
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If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.

>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the best
>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
>Thanks
>Dick
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
 
Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?

Thanks
Chuck
77K

- -----Original Message-----
From: Thomas G. Warner
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones

>If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
>

>>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
best
>>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
>>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
>>Thanks
>>Dick
>>
>>
>>
>Tom & Marg Warner
>Vernon Center NY
>1976 palmbeach
>
 
>fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.
>

may not be always so.
when I got my 76 Transmode it still had one plastic on. Could've been done by the owner, but...

easy to tell them apart though... the only plastics I've seen were black.

Heinz
 
My neighbor has a 1973 Canyon Lands and had the plastic cones. One day he
was in his back yard and heard an explosion. His coach was in his garage (he
has a big garage) with the garage door closed. He went to investigate and
found that one of the plastic cones had exploded. There was stuff every
where. GM paid for new metal cones and repaired the damage to the
fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.

Richard Waters
1976 Palm Beach
Troy, MI 48098
- -----

> Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
> strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
> model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?
>
> Thanks
> Chuck
> 77K
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Thomas G. Warner
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
> Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones
>
> >If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
> >

> >>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
> best
> >>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
> >>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
> >>Thanks
> >>Dick
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >Tom & Marg Warner
> >Vernon Center NY
> >1976 palmbeach
> >
 
I have a 1976 Palmbeach and my cones look like plastic. Are you suree they
were only in 1973?

>My neighbor has a 1973 Canyon Lands and had the plastic cones. One day he
>was in his back yard and heard an explosion. His coach was in his garage (he
>has a big garage) with the garage door closed. He went to investigate and
>found that one of the plastic cones had exploded. There was stuff every
>where. GM paid for new metal cones and repaired the damage to the
>fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.
>
>Richard Waters
>1976 Palm Beach
>Troy, MI 48098
>-----
>

>
>> Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
>> strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
>> model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Chuck
>> 77K
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Thomas G. Warner
>> To: gmcmotorhome
>> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
>> Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones
>>
>> >If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
>> >

>> >>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
>> best
>> >>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
>> >>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
>> >>Thanks
>> >>Dick
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >Tom & Marg Warner
>> >Vernon Center NY
>> >1976 palmbeach
>> >
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
 
Still think mine are plastic and they are grey. Hope I am wrong. will
check them at sunup tomorrow.

>
> >fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.
> >
>
> may not be always so.
>when I got my 76 Transmode it still had one plastic on. Could've been done
by the owner, but...
>
>easy to tell them apart though... the only plastics I've seen were black.
>
>Heinz
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
 
Don't know if my 75 has plastic or aluminum cones.

Previous owner painted everything in that neighborhood black.

I notice one of the four has center of cone filled with a solid substance.

It would seem plastic cones would be stronger with their centers filled.

Anyone familiar with this ?

Don Miller
75 Glennbrook
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
 
My 75 GMC Avion has got aluminum cones on the passenger side and plastic
cones on the driver side. You don't suppose the factory changed
production runs from plastic to aluminum right in the middle of building
my coach? :-)

terry

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From: Richard Waters
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My neighbor has a 1973 Canyon Lands and had the plastic cones. One day he
was in his back yard and heard an explosion. His coach was in his garage (he
has a big garage) with the garage door closed. He went to investigate and
found that one of the plastic cones had exploded. There was stuff every
where. GM paid for new metal cones and repaired the damage to the
fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.

Richard Waters
1976 Palm Beach
Troy, MI 48098
- -----

> Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
> strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
> model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?
>
> Thanks
> Chuck
> 77K
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Thomas G. Warner
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
> Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones
>
> >If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
> >

> >>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
> best
> >>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
> >>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
> >>Thanks
> >>Dick
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >Tom & Marg Warner
> >Vernon Center NY
> >1976 palmbeach
> >

- --WebTV-Mail-513733904-18--
 
Arch,

One of my cones exploded while I was near it. I didn't get hit but the
cone completely shattered and pieces landed all the way up on the roof. You
definitely want to be careful if you still have plastic. I went thru
cleaning up and painting that area before I knew about the cones so I think
mine still has one or two plastic pieces. They're on my list but in the
mean time I just don't stick my head in there to look around anymore.

My wife aptly calls our coach the 'Green Weenie' because every time I think
everything is fixed something new fails. At least this was the first time
that I actually have had a vehicle explode!

Enjoy

Dick
'75 Green Weenie

Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 21:45:17 EST
From: Gcbr
Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones

GMCers

I have to do this again. Like most of you I have read a story about exploding
cone heads------sorry cones. My rig came with 128,000 miles on it and one
set of plastic cones and one aluminum set. I want to hear exploding cone
stories this time. I dont want urban legend stuff just first hand experience
or the experience of a friend-------not a friend of a friend. I too would love
to
know if the cones were a production change or an aftermarket ploy. Lets face
it 20 years ago the bags were way out on the edge of how to do things.
Anything that radical would create MYTH. While we are at it would some of
you admit to still running plastic cones? I will keep your secrete and only
copy your words. Heck give me your bag stories too. Got a disc al ready
to save all of the mail-----NOT. This should be fun.

Take Care
Arch 76 GB IL
 
My 74 Elganza SE had fiberglass cones and
one of mine blew up in the driveway while it was
parked fortunately. First thing I did was to get
cast aluminum cones and new air bags.
Cheers.

Bob Morris
Jayhawk
74 Elganza SE
Cortland NY
- -----Original Message-----
From: Richard Waters
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 8:06 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones

>My neighbor has a 1973 Canyon Lands and had the plastic cones. One day he
>was in his back yard and heard an explosion. His coach was in his garage
(he
>has a big garage) with the garage door closed. He went to investigate and
>found that one of the plastic cones had exploded. There was stuff every
>where. GM paid for new metal cones and repaired the damage to the
>fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.
>
>Richard Waters
>1976 Palm Beach
>Troy, MI 48098
>-----
>

>
>> Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
>> strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
>> model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?
>>
>> Thanks
>> Chuck
>> 77K
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Thomas G. Warner
>> To: gmcmotorhome
>> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
>> Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones
>>
>> >If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
>> >

>> >>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
>> best
>> >>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
>> >>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
>> >>Thanks
>> >>Dick
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >Tom & Marg Warner
>> >Vernon Center NY
>> >1976 palmbeach
>> >
 
>> While we are at it would some of you admit to still running plastic
cones?

>
>Hey, Arch,
>
>I admit it. My '76 Transmode has plastic cones on the air bags. I know
>that the bags were replaced about 10 years ago and since the cones are
>not metal I assume they are the originals from the factory. I've had
>them off and checked them over well, not finding any obvious signs of
>deterioration.
>
>So I've got a question or two. First, since there have been some
>reported cases of plastic cones exploding, I'm wondering why they would
>explode with shrapnel flying everywhere? Why wouldn't they just crack
>like and break in large pieces like other materials when they are
>overstressed? Unless there was some built up compressive forces that
>are released, I don't understand the explosion that takes place. Just
>what kind of plastic are they anyway?
>
>Secondly, did GM recall the plastic cones and replace them with metal
>ones? Seems like they would have to do that with a part that can fail
>so destructively. And what year did GM start equipping the GMCs with
>metal cones, if ever?
>
>Thirdly, where can you buy just the metal cones (my air bags are in fine
>shape) and what's the cost?
>
>Phil Stewart
>'76 Transmode, TN

Great questions Phil - I checked my 77 Kingsley today, and it has plastic
cones. When I replaced the air bags 2 years ago, I was told I didn't need
to replace the cones because they were metal by virtue of the model year.
Wrong! Now I'll be looking for metal cones w/o the air bags.

Chuck
77 Kingsley
North Idaho - Spring arrived today - Clear skies and 60+
 
> While we are at it would some of you admit to still running plastic cones?

Hey, Arch,

I admit it. My '76 Transmode has plastic cones on the air bags. I know
that the bags were replaced about 10 years ago and since the cones are
not metal I assume they are the originals from the factory. I've had
them off and checked them over well, not finding any obvious signs of
deterioration.

So I've got a question or two. First, since there have been some
reported cases of plastic cones exploding, I'm wondering why they would
explode with shrapnel flying everywhere? Why wouldn't they just crack
like and break in large pieces like other materials when they are
overstressed? Unless there was some built up compressive forces that
are released, I don't understand the explosion that takes place. Just
what kind of plastic are they anyway?

Secondly, did GM recall the plastic cones and replace them with metal
ones? Seems like they would have to do that with a part that can fail
so destructively. And what year did GM start equipping the GMCs with
metal cones, if ever?

Thirdly, where can you buy just the metal cones (my air bags are in fine
shape) and what's the cost?

Phil Stewart
'76 Transmode, TN
 
I just replaced the bags and cones on my 76. The stock cones came off with the
stock bags. The cones old cones were plastic or fiberglass. The thickness of the
original cones were about 3/8" thick. The new aluminum cones are only about 1/16"
thick. Maybe a way to tell?? Darren

> I have a 1976 Palmbeach and my cones look like plastic. Are you suree they
> were only in 1973?
>

> >My neighbor has a 1973 Canyon Lands and had the plastic cones. One day he
> >was in his back yard and heard an explosion. His coach was in his garage (he
> >has a big garage) with the garage door closed. He went to investigate and
> >found that one of the plastic cones had exploded. There was stuff every
> >where. GM paid for new metal cones and repaired the damage to the
> >fiberglass. He said the plastic cones were only in the 1973 coaches.
> >
> >Richard Waters
> >1976 Palm Beach
> >Troy, MI 48098
> >-----
> >

> >
> >> Did GM switch from plastic to metal during the production run, or is this
> >> strictly an after market enhancement? If GM made the switch, is there a
> >> model year that would indicate whether one has plastic or metal cones?
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >> Chuck
> >> 77K
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Thomas G. Warner
> >> To: gmcmotorhome
> >> Date: Friday, March 19, 1999 4:02 PM
> >> Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones
> >>
> >> >If your cones are plastic than replace them with metal ones.
> >> >

> >> >>Gang, Getting ready to spring for new air bags. Does Gateway have the
> >> best
> >> >>deal at $199 each? Can someone tell me about when new "cones" would be
> >> >>warranted? Mine look OK in terms of external corrosion (very little).
> >> >>Thanks
> >> >>Dick
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >Tom & Marg Warner
> >> >Vernon Center NY
> >> >1976 palmbeach
> >> >
> >
> >
> >
> Tom & Marg Warner
> Vernon Center NY
> 1976 palmbeach
 
It is possible to mistake it if you haven't seen both types. I had what I thought
were aluminum cones. They were painted black and I checked for construction by
rapping on them with a light ball-peen hammer. They sure sounded like metal to
me. I even scratched some of the paint off to find they were grey underneath.
What color is cast aluminum?? It is not so easy to distinguish without seeing
both types. Darren

>
> > When I replaced the air bags 2 years ago, I was told I didn't need
> > to replace the cones because they were metal by virtue of the model year.
> > Wrong! Now I'll be looking for metal cones w/o the air bags.
>
> Chuck,
> Hate to stir up trouble, but I think you should be looking for a new
> mechanic too. It is not possible that someone installed new air bags without
> being aware that the cones were plastic! (...Unless they were awfully
> stoned!!!)
> My .02.
>
> Rick Staples
> '75 Eleganza
> Louisville, CO
 
It seems that we may not be describing
what happens to the cones properly I think
we should say that they shatter rather than
explode. I did find pieces of my cone 10 feet
away from the side of my GMC.

I now have aluminum cones and certainly
would recommend that anyone who still
has fiberglass cones replace them.

Bob Morris
Jayhawk
74 Elganza SE
Cortland NY

- -----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Blanford
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Saturday, March 20, 1999 10:38 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Air bags & cones

>
>

>>> While we are at it would some of you admit to still running plastic
>cones?
>
>

>>
>>Hey, Arch,
>>
>>I admit it. My '76 Transmode has plastic cones on the air bags. I know
>>that the bags were replaced about 10 years ago and since the cones are
>>not metal I assume they are the originals from the factory. I've had
>>them off and checked them over well, not finding any obvious signs of
>>deterioration.
>>
>>So I've got a question or two. First, since there have been some
>>reported cases of plastic cones exploding, I'm wondering why they would
>>explode with shrapnel flying everywhere? Why wouldn't they just crack
>>like and break in large pieces like other materials when they are
>>overstressed? Unless there was some built up compressive forces that
>>are released, I don't understand the explosion that takes place. Just
>>what kind of plastic are they anyway?
>>
>>Secondly, did GM recall the plastic cones and replace them with metal
>>ones? Seems like they would have to do that with a part that can fail
>>so destructively. And what year did GM start equipping the GMCs with
>>metal cones, if ever?
>>
>>Thirdly, where can you buy just the metal cones (my air bags are in fine
>>shape) and what's the cost?
>>
>>Phil Stewart
>>'76 Transmode, TN
>
>Great questions Phil - I checked my 77 Kingsley today, and it has plastic
>cones. When I replaced the air bags 2 years ago, I was told I didn't need
>to replace the cones because they were metal by virtue of the model year.
>Wrong! Now I'll be looking for metal cones w/o the air bags.
>
>Chuck
>77 Kingsley
>North Idaho - Spring arrived today - Clear skies and 60+
>
 
I have a 73 GMC. Today I looked at my airbags and at the cones. The
cones were a dark color. I took my pocket knife and scraped on the
cones. Underneath the dark color was the shiny color of aluminum. So for
a fast way to find out what kind of cones are on your GMC just get your
pocket knife out. Hope all of you find this tip of some help.

Brad Peterson
Valley View, TX
73 GMC
 
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