Hand controls for disabled driver in Squareback?

mthomson

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

Mike Fisher · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:34 am Post subject:

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?
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mthomson · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:44 am Post subject:

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

mark

Russ Wolfe · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject:

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.
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mthomson · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:21 pm Post subject:

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

mark

l_pacman · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:26 pm Post subject:

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#

mthomson · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:32 am Post subject:

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

bally · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:12 am Post subject:

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 Very Happy

)

Dave

blankmange · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:22 am Post subject:

from pacman's picasa:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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mthomson · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:19 am Post subject:

Awesome,
Thanks Dave.

mark

bally · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:

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

mthomson · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:29 am Post subject:

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

bally · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:34 am Post subject:

Mike Fisher · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:34 am Post subject:

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

_________________
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/mr_bojangles500/
69 FI/AT square
66 sunroof square project FOR SALE
67 & 72 square parts for sale!

mthomson · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:38 am Post subject:

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 Smile

mark

Mike Fisher · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:37 am Post subject:

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! Cool

_________________
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/mr_bojangles500/
69 FI/AT square
66 sunroof square project FOR SALE
67 & 72 square parts for sale!

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