Interpretation ID: aiam0722
Vice President Safety & Reliability
American Motors Corporation
14250 Plymouth Road
Detroit
MI
48232;
Dear Mr. Stewart: This is in reply to your letter of May 8, 1972, as to which component included in a list attached to your letter are subject to the requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302, 'Flammability of Interior Materials.' A related list was left with Mr. Joseph Zemaitis by Mr. Jim Richardson on April 25, 1972, and our letter responds to this list as well. I would point out that, in line with a suggestion you make, consideration is presently being given to an amendment to the standard which could alter our response regarding some of these components.; Paragraph S4. of Standard No. 302 lists the motor vehicle component subject to the standard. The following components you list appear to be among those specifically enumerated in that paragraph and are accordingly subject to the standard: roof bow silencer (headlining), center arm rest cushion and back boards, tape used in seat assembly, (seat cushions, seat backs), and center pillar trim panels (trim panels).; Plastic roof bows to retain hardboard roof trim seem to be closel related to or a different description of headlining and if so, would also be subject to the standard. In addition, 'a roll bar pad assembly' and steering wheel pads would appear to fall within the phrase, '. . . padding . . . designed to absorb energy on contact by occupants in the event of a crash.' Stereo speaker grills and cones incorporated into a door or rear shelf would be considered part of a 'trim panel' and 'compartment shelf,' respectively.; The following components from your list would not be subject to th standard unless they are '. . .any other materials . . . designed to absorb energy on contact by occupants in the event of a crash': fresh-air deflector, instrument panel end cap, pinch welt, control knobs, transfer case shift lever gasket, dome lamp bezel and lens, 'A'. 'B', 'C', and 'D' post covers, instrument cluster lens, heater/air conditioning distribution ducts, defroster nozzle, defroster and air conditioner outlets, assist straps - door or instrument panel mounted, steering wheel rim material, and wood grain overlay adhered to gauge panel.; The following items that you list are not enumerated in S4.1, and a you state they are not energy absorbing, would not be subject to the standard: front face of instrument panel and glove box door, and cover for steering wheel rims. Finally, based on your description of both roof-silencer pads and dash pads, they would not be subject to the standard.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel