bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
|
|
May 24, 2013 17:39:09 GMT
|
|
I am due to have surgery to put right a deformity in my feet in the next few months. My consultant tells me that this is major surgery and to expect to be off work and driving for at least 4 months after each operation I need two. As such I will not be doing much with retro cars this year unless I can do something to fit hand controls. The doctor says this is fine as the reason for not driving is that pedal movements will be very painful and could undo the work they are doing.
So has anyone ever fitted hand controls to a retro car? I have an advantage in that 2 of my cars are automatics so at least I don't have a clutch to worry about, just throttle and brakes.
|
| |
Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44
1974 VW Beetle 1303s
1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV
1988 VW LT45 Beavertail
1998 Volvo V70 2.5
1959 Fordson Dexta
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2013 18:50:51 GMT
|
|
Depending on vehicle hand controls can be anything from, say, £10 secondhand off eBay to over £1000 new.
You need to inform your insurer as classed as modification but AKAIK they can't increase premium for such mobility adaptations.
Not sure how you stand with licence. Doctor says no driving of normal vehicle with foot controls which is what I assume you passed your test in. Check with insurer if they need confirmation from doctor that you are OK to drive with hand controls. You might be required to take an assessment for driving 100% with hand controls to remain legal. I believe NHS do the assessment for DVLA.
I have a medical condition that automatically meant my licence suspended. However when diagnosed I also had confirmation from consultant that they would allow me to carry on driving as I had responded to treatment (continous / rest of my life). This is reviewed every 6 months and at any time licence can be revoked - by doctor ! I had to inform DVLA who then contacted consultant for verification. DVLA then sent me a letter confirming I can carry on driving and my insurers then required a copy of that confirmation to continue covering me.
Last year I had a stroke and was imediatley stopped from driving. I already had a mobility buggy and was told I couldn't legally use that in 8mph mode on road - just 4mph on pavement !
Hope all goes well. I was born with twisted left leg and 1950's method was to force it straight which has left me disabled now.
Paul H
|
| |
|
|
bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
|
|
May 24, 2013 19:36:44 GMT
|
|
I hope it goes well they have to reposition my heel bones and graft the tendons that normally control toe movement to heel movement as I was born with a deformity that has stretched the original tendons seriously weakening them. Once its healed I should then be far far better off than I am now and driving manual cars will no longer be painful.
I'm just looking into it at the moment and if its unfeasible I will just park the cars up and sorn them for year which would be a pain as I don't live on a bus route and wont be able to walk for a while.
|
| |
Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44
1974 VW Beetle 1303s
1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV
1988 VW LT45 Beavertail
1998 Volvo V70 2.5
1959 Fordson Dexta
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2013 21:37:40 GMT
|
|
Don't give up with the idea. I'm sure there will be something that can be done. What is frustrating is that you might struggle to get a Blue Badge despite not being able to walk for 8 months. I have one (for last 15+ years) and makes things a lot easier in that you can park nearer to the front of stores, wider bays etc. Might be worth asking you GP if they would back your application for a Blue Badge ?
What sort of car would you like to be adapted for hand controls so we can keep our eyes open for a set ?
Paul H
|
| |
|
|
bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
|
|
|
|
|
To be honest the most sensible would be to adapt by Auto E36 and it would be handy to be able to use the Mitsubishi L200 which is a manual as well.
The chances of being able to get in and drive my Triumph spitfire seem fairly slim but the DAF on the other hand should be be more realistic it quite easy to get into and only has 2 pedals.
|
| |
Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44
1974 VW Beetle 1303s
1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV
1988 VW LT45 Beavertail
1998 Volvo V70 2.5
1959 Fordson Dexta
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have a auto clutch for fitment to my Mahindra. Bought a while ago for a Range Rover I had at the time but never fitted as it was a heap so not worth the effort. Fits between clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder. Gear knob has button for operating the clutch if you don't want to let the ECU do the job. Adjustable for your driving style or switch off completely. Swoppable from car to car albeit custom length pipes needed and electrics (simple) wiring up. Mine was brand new from a Mobility installer who no longer fitted then due to autos and semi auto's being more prevalent. You can still get them from RSE - www.rse.co.uk/twinclutch.htm. Mine is hydraulic but cable versions available. There are other types / manufacturers of such autoclutches if you search. My everyday car is a Smart Fortwo which has an autoclutch as standard. I find it perfect for my leg problem. The main / familly car is a manual Skoda Fabia diesel and wished it was an auto ! Paul H |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A mate of mine at work had a leg amputated a while ago. I know he got his daily converted with hand controls (and the company converted a works van for him  ) but I'm pretty sure he still track days his MX5, so I could see what he did about the conversion... |
| |
|
|
) but I'm pretty sure he still track days his MX5, so I could see what he did about the conversion...