Those ARE the side impact air bags,, They simply deploy from the side of the seat, vs drop down like on other cars.
EDIT: Seems side impact air bags come in different designs.. Add that to the long list of things I did not know
Side air bags all have one thing in common: they're designed to protect a person's head and chest from being hit by hard objects--from either inside or outside the vehicle--when a serious side-impact crash occurs. Chest air bags--also called "torso bags"--deploy from the side of the seat or the door and are designed to help protect an adult's chest.
Head air bags deploy from the roof rail above the side windows. Most are curtain systems. Curtains aren't designed to help people sitting in the middle seat. Rather, they're intended to protect those sitting next to any side window--in the front seat or one of the back seats. Some curtains may stay inflated for several seconds during a crash for extra protection in case of a rollover.
Head/chest air bags--also called "combo bags" are mounted on the side of the seat. These are usually larger than chest air bags. They're designed to help protect both the head and chest of an adult.
As for if they will interfere with an A pillar pod. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, not sure,, I’d have to see what the deployed air bag looks like.. and what space it takes up.
Anyone have pics, video, tech stuff on that? I’ll check my local dealership tech guys today (ok, I’ll ask my wife to,,,as she is a service writer there )
I'm thinking the side air bags wouldn't come close to disturbing an a-pillar pod.
Other cars (BMW comes to mind) actually places the airbags IN the a-pillar.
My 94-04 pillars have been in a few cars that have been totalled ( ), and even the steering wheel bag didn't affect them. That's the airbag I'd be more concerned with concerning pillar gauges. A quick search didn't find any air bag detail on the 05. Keep us posted if you come up with some info.
The last thing I want is someone's head bouncing off of my product. Bags didn't blow in this 03 Cobra impact, but the pods held together nicely:
No need to pester me; I'm already on it. The 2005 Mustang coupe and convertible pillar will be ready at the end of the month (or start of next). It's going to be really nice, and will still be a 100% complete replacement of the stock pillar, all the way to the back of the door on the coupe.
I've got pics of my prototypes, but can't show them yet, sorry.