TheSamba.com :: View topic - Hand controls for disabled driver in Squareback?

Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:27 am

I've got the itch to get back into the air cooled world. That being said I'm starting to do some research into adding hand controls to a type 3, preferably a squareback as there would be room in the back for a wheelchair.

I currently have a 91 Mazda Miata with hand controls, and automatic trans.
http://www.miata.net/motm/2007/thomson.html

I've owned several veedubs in the past, so I've got at least a little background on the mechanicals, etc.

One concern I have is that the pedals pivot from the floor, as opposed to the other vehicles I've driven which have the pedals swung from the top. Has anyone here installed, or had installed, hand controls in a Type 3? This doesn't look like a huge obstacle, but no need to reinvent the wheel if someone here has already done this.

I'm really interested in the '69, as I think the lines are cooler than the 70 and up, but an automatic is a must.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks guys,
mark

Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:34 am

I sold my 67 4 speed to buy a 69 FI/AT! Robert Hornstein? in the Type3@VWType3.org chat room is disabled and has AT VW's with hand controls I think?

Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:44 am

Mike,
Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can locate some info there.

mark

Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:41 pm

I have a customer that is building a trike that is running a T-3 automatic with hand controls. He is confined to a wheel chair. If you need any help, I am sure I could get some help from him for you, or hook the 2 of you up.

Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:21 pm

Thanks Russ,
I would be very interested in how he controls the throttle/brakes and shifting.

mark

Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:26 pm

hi... let's hope this might help you
this device was installed in my notchback and it was made by wolfsburg factory in '64. It doubles the function of throttle and brake pedals.
For throttle it's something like in motorcycles and for brake you just push the lever. And ... if you want to keep the brakes on, the device has a locking mechanism like that one in handbrake.

mm.... unfortunately didn't manage to put pics here but u can take a look in my picasa gallery here (last 4 pics)
http://picasaweb.google.com/liviu.hurmuzache/Pempem#

Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:32 am

Thanks pacman.
I hadn't thought about a seperate mounting mechanism for the hand controls, usually they are suspended from beneath the steering column. That opens up some new possibilities.

mark

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:12 am

Hi Mark,

I'm in the same situation as you so have hand controls fitted in my 68 auto Type 34 - I'll get you some pictures of the pivot hinge etc - it works a treat and is a joy to dive (when it's working :D )

Dave

Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:22 am

from pacman's picasa:

Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:19 am

Awesome,
Thanks Dave.

mark

bally wrote: Hi Mark,

I'm in the same situation as you so have hand controls fitted in my 68 auto Type 34 - I'll get you some pictures of the pivot hinge etc - it works a treat and is a joy to dive (when it's working :D )

Dave

Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:57 pm

Mark,

here's a link to some photos - if you want any more detailed photos and I'll endeavour to get them for you:

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/bally67/Hand%20Controls/

I've inlcuded some from my daily driver (an Audi) and my friend's BMW, both of which also have floor hinged pedals.

My type 34 uses a cable to operate the throttle pedal and this works well. The audi was also first done with a cable but the bend was too tight at the end so it kept wearing out and breaking so the shop changed it to a rod which works well. The controls on the BMW are also using a rod to push the brake pedal.

The way the Audi was first done was using a bicycle cable that went through a bracket at the base of the pedal - you can still see it bottom left of the pedal. Had the cable been installed properly this would not have had any problems and would still be working now 3 years later. That is probably the way I will use on future VWs as you do not need the pivot post and lever system required by the rod pushing the pedal in the other system.

If you have any other questions - please just ask away.

Cheers,

Dave

Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:29 am

bally,
Thanks for those excellent pictures. I had never considered a cable operated throttle, but that seemed to solve some of the packaging issues cleanly. Also the bend in the brake rod is a brilliant solution.

many, many thanks
mark

Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:34 am

mthomson wrote: bally,
Thanks for those excellent pictures. I had never considered a cable operated throttle, but that seemed to solve some of the packaging issues cleanly. Also the bend in the brake rod is a brilliant solution.

many, many thanks
mark
No problem at all Mark - if I can get another enthusiast back on the road then I'm a happy man :D

Good luck and keep us posted.

Cheers,

Dave

Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:34 am

I figured we didn't actually Need Robert "Nervous Nelly" Hornstein to "get er Done!" :wink:

Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:38 am

thank you bally

Mike,
That exchange between myself and Robert started to take a turn for the bizzare, fortunately the great members here have come to the rescue :)

mark

Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:37 am

I just saw a TV ad for Brook's Auto Parts, our local EMPI dealer. They show a guy sitting in his wheelchair in front of his late/white squareback. He must be cruising his square in Eugene/Springfield with hand controls! 8)