Building a Better Wheelchair - RC-Monster Forums

TDC57 · **weekend update!.. -** 01.13.2009, 04:24 AM

Just a quick update on our chair build.. Well both are basically done (I still need brakes thou) but other than that they are good to go..

My kids and I spent more than 16hrs in the chairs this weekend and I’m haply to report that both held up to the beating we put them through. They were down at the beach, they were in restaurants, they went to the store they were every we went.. so I’m extremely happy to report that the main construction on both so far are / is a success..

I also learned tons!.. Examples:
The off road tires work great in all conditions and provide the end user with a softer ride. The mag wheels work best on hard surfaces (wood / tile floors) but they suck in the SAND and DIRT!.. so we wont be going with these for the 3rd world chair..

I also learned that I need to incorporate a more server angle in the back of the chair, for a more comfortable fit, I just feel a little to upright at the moment, but I’m not sure if that how it’s supposed to be..

I also learned that DAM it suck, I mean really sucks to be in these things, most of the places we went weren’t ADA accessible and it is a total pain to move around and find curbs that allow you / the user to access sidewalks, and shops, even the thresholds that were more than 1” were a pain to get over..

I also learned that DAM, it hurts the arms and elbow joints!, it takes a tremendous amount of upper body strength to wheel your self a few miles in a non electrical chair..

I also learned that people stare!, I mean they look and point (that or it was because) I was in a bright Yellow chair (LOL) I’m not sure but if your self conscious about it / your situation it just not right!.. But I did get great seats for the family at the restaurants.. LOL.LOL..

I also learned that walking my dog’s while in the chair is just about imposable.. and I really need to add a cup holder to both of them..

My kids absolutely loved them and they told all of the friends that my dad hobby is building wheelchairs.. Hahahaaa even they are proud of me this one.. so I know I’m on the write path..

I would really like to thank everyone who contributed to this unsual none RC build, for both allowing me the privilege and honor to take up your time with a non RC related project.

Have a great weekend everybody and here are some picture of the kids having a great time..

Shaun.

mistercrash · 01.13.2009, 12:31 PM

I have been silently following these builds and I just want to say that you are an awsome individual sir, and everyone who pitched in to help you in this wonderful project. Like Homer Simpson once said:" If everyone was like you, we wouldn't need a Heaven, we'd already be there". Thank you.

Ray

TDC57 · 01.13.2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistercrash

I have been silently following these builds and I just want to say that you are an awsome individual sir, and everyone who pitched in to help you in this wonderful project. Like Homer Simpson once said:" If everyone was like you, we wouldn't need a Heaven, we'd already be there". Thank you.

Ray

WOW thank you RAY!

, thank you for the kind words of encouragement,

we've got some great guys here and I think there actions speak much loader than there words do..

I really do appreciate your time and your feedback regarding this (unusual none RC related project)..

Have a great week and thanks again Sir..

P.S.

If I didn’t say it before I’ll say it now!..

Welcome to the MONSTER!.. I hope you enjoy your stay here!, I ways do!...

_paralyzed_ · 01.13.2009, 10:35 PM

about back angle: depends on the disability and user comfortability. adjustable is the ultimate, but if that's not possible a greater open angle is better than tipping forward(many spinal cord injuries paralyze triceps, and it is impossible for that person to push themselves back up if they leaned forward)

about using the chair: ha ha! welcome to my world. it is much smaller and more difficult than yours. You did hit on one of the two advantages to being disabled- good restaurant seating. The other- handicapped parking!

JERRY2KONE · **True that. -** 01.13.2009, 11:05 PM

True that Harold, but those are two advantages I can live without. I do not envy you one bit for the struggles you have to deal with every single day Sir. I count my lucky stars evey day for the gifts that I have been given, and I try to share that sentiment with my kids now so they to can appreciate what we have. I spent over 20 years in the military voluntarily, and I still cannot begin to add up what I have done in compaired to what you have had to put up with involuntarily. I applaued your persiverance and drive for life Sir.

_paralyzed_ · 01.14.2009, 01:15 AM

It sounds cliche but it took the adversity to make me who I am. Before my accident I was selfish, impatient and cocky. But even while living in a nursing home(hell on earth) I was grateful to have a roof over my head. (it was during hurricane Katrina) Life truly is what we make it, and you always have the choice to accept what's at hand and learn from it, or get emotional and go nowhere.

lincpimp · 01.14.2009, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _paralyzed_

It sounds cliche but it took the adversity to make me who I am. Before my accident I was selfish, impatient and cocky. But even while living in a nursing home(hell on earth) I was grateful to have a roof over my head. (it was during hurricane Katrina) Life truly is what we make it, and you always have the choice to accept what's at hand and learn from it, or get emotional and go nowhere.

Good words of advice there Harold, for everyone! Maybe one day I can make it up to Minnesnowta and you can roll over my toes... And then we can have a good laugh and play with some rc!

JERRY2KONE · **Attitude. -** 01.14.2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _paralyzed_

It sounds cliche but it took the adversity to make me who I am. Before my accident I was selfish, impatient and cocky. But even while living in a nursing home(hell on earth) I was grateful to have a roof over my head. (it was during hurricane Katrina) Life truly is what we make it, and you always have the choice to accept what's at hand and learn from it, or get emotional and go nowhere.

Your attitude and your undaunted will is a good example for the rest of us. You seem to have good character Sir and I know I am happy to know you here on RCM. Keep up the good work young man. Now where is that SuperCyberMaxx that you have been working on? Have you got it up and running yet? I am jealous that you got your hands on one first scumbag.

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