New guy's wheelchair van - Page 2

depark · 05-09-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayandjanice

Your van looks great! We want a minimalist approach to our interior, no cabinets, but a big, comfy bed in the back like yours.
I was wondering if you could give details on your rear bench/bed like what brand and model it is and where it was installed?

Thanks so much

I can try to find out. It was part of the wheelchair conversion. The van was origionaly a cargo van and they did the entire interior. The conversion was done by Shoppers Home Health in Edmonton, Alberta. They supplied the seat. You could check with and dealer in your area that does wheelchair conversions as they can get the same thing. I will let youy know earily next week.

depark · 05-09-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winvest

I've never seen a lift like that. What brand is it? and, no raised roof. Do you have problems with headroom when in your chair?

The lift is a swing lift. It was made by a company in Edmonton but they have since stoped making them. It was getting to complitacted in passing all the safety requirements. It is a great lift though. It only needs 3' of space beside the van to get in or out. I can use a regular parking spot if I need to. I had it lengthend 5" to accomidate the 4wd and tires. I can get any parts that I need to fix it from any auto parts store. It uses a 1/2 HP electric motor and worm drive to raise and lower the platform and a small accuator to swing it in and out. It's pretty slick!

You are correct about no raised roof but it has a 6" lowered floor. It has 56" of headroom and I sit at about 55" in my chair. To give me a little more head room in the drivers spot they removed a portion of the headliner (adds about 1-1/2" space).

Gnarvan · 05-09-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depark

Quote:

Originally Posted by winvest

I've never seen a lift like that. What brand is it? and, no raised roof. Do you have problems with headroom when in your chair?[/

You are correct about no raised roof but it has a 6" lowered floor. It has 56" of headroom and I sit at about 55" in my chair. To give me a little more head room in the drivers spot they removed a portion of the headliner (adds about 1-1/2" space).

Was the 6" drop floor done when the conversion was done? I've always wondered how much is involved in that job. An extra 6" is huge when you don't have a raised top.

winvest · 05-09-2012, 04:29 PM

That sounds like a great lift. Too bad they don't make them anymore. So the lowered floor didn't cause any issues when doing the 4x4 conversion?

depark · 05-09-2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnarvan

Was the 6" drop floor done when the conversion was done? I've always wondered how much is involved in that job. An extra 6" is huge when you don't have a raised top.

Yes, the 6" drop was done with my wheelchair conversion. the whole process took about 3 months. Basicly they put a 2" body lift on the van and that combined with the space between the stock floor and the frame equals 6". Here are some picts of the process. Also if you look at my gallery under 6" drop floor you can see the whole process.

Starting

Floor removed, Look Drive Shaft!

New floor bracing

Bracing done

Finished floor. You can see the amount of drop by the doghouse.

A view from the back

loren85022 · 05-09-2012, 10:06 PM

Very Impressive! I drive an accessible e-series too. I'd like to see more about your lift.

depark · 05-09-2012, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winvest

That sounds like a great lift. Too bad they don't make them anymore. So the lowered floor didn't cause any issues when doing the 4x4 conversion?

The only issue I had was getting the 4X4 shifter in a place that would not interfear with my wheelchair. I found a company in BC called NorthWest fabworks and they make cable shifters for several different transfer cases. I had a single leaver shifter with a 3' cable ordered and installed on the raised part infront of the doghouse. They even lengthened the handle so I could reach it easier. The extra length also helps shifting the transfer case with theadded leverage. They make a great product that can be used with pretty much any TC with somem modification. They specificly make shifters for Dana 300, NP205, NP203/205, NP203/Dana300, Stak and Atlas TC's.

Here is the link to their shifter page. http://northwestfab.3dcartstores.com...ters_c_69.html

Now a few picts
The finished product

The transfer case connection

The underside of the shifter.

depark · 05-09-2012, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loren85022

Very Impressive! I drive an accessible e-series too. I'd like to see more about your lift.

There are more pictures in my gallery under "Wheelchair Lift"

BIGVANS · 05-09-2012, 11:37 PM

Nice set up! Welcome!

winvest · 05-10-2012, 09:56 AM

Man, I wish I had that drop floor done when I did my conversion! It looks like it would be a major deal to retro-fit. I like your shifter too. Mine is always in the way when I transfer to the driver's seat. I've seen some mods where they cut the shifter and thread it, so you can take it off when not in use. But your solution seems more elegant