Yup, before they started making them theft deterrent the bags were easy to remove.

I would be interested to know if the airbag still works. VWs at least form the same years use the same connectors, just touch 12v across it to set it off (from a remote location, of course... there is a LOT of force in one of those!!! A long, old extension cord works well for this!)

Also note that the front seatbelts have airbag like devices on them to tighten the belt in the event of a crash. I don't know if the rear ones have this as well.

-J