Regarding Car Modification.

[sandli]

Hi,


I am Vasanth K Sandli, I am a Physically challenged person. I am suffering form Muscular dystrophy, it is a disorder that involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. Due to this I have difficulty to take up the public transportation I thought of owning a car. When I contacted the Learning school they informed that I could not drive a four wheeler with out a proper modification as i do not have strength in both the hands I had difficulty while taking the turns while driving. I could not put sufficient preasure/force on steering to turn the stearing wheel. Though I took time and tried to learn with out modification but failed on all the three attempts.


I contacted few manufacturers but even they could not help me in this as they cannot put manpower for one single vehicle. I also contacted few local garages but they do not have technology or the expertise to do that kind of modification.



I was wondering if there is any one who could do such modification according to requirements.



Waiting for response from any one...

[waynne]

Have you tried a car with power assisted steering? I've seen some cars steering wheels fitted with a knob or handle - would this work for you? I'm based in the UK so can't really point you in the direction of anyone but I'm sure we can give you ideas on what sort of modifications you should be looking at.

[stamford]

This would need a specialist as there are alot of factors here to think of with regards controls, feedback and safety. I understand your dilemma and hope you find a solution.

[Loz]

I know that Fiat Panda's have a button that makes their power steering very very light, I think it's intended for parking.

You could probably also benefit from an electronic parking brake which is also activated by a button.

If you can find an automatic car with these features you've got half the work done, I would think a Fiat or a Renault will most likely have both these features but it would take some research to say for sure.

[sandli]

Hi Guys thanks for quick response.

@waynne : I have tried power steering with universal Knob, but that dose not fulfill my requirement. Maruti Suzuki had a specilised unit which has been shutdown, not sure who else could do that.

@stamford : Thanks, and i would continue my search with expertise people like you until i get some one who could do that.

@Loz : I have not yet contcted Fiat yet, let me give a shot and see were it goes.

[waynne]

Can you import a car from the UK? We have motability scheme and they may have adampted vehicles to suit your needs. www.motability.co.uk

[stamford]

What about handle bars? I'm sure I have seen a car adapted using a geared shaft to avoid over sensitive movement with simple button controls or joystick control. I'm sure I saw it on a programme a long time ago and was one of those things thats sticks in your mind.