Building a Better Wheelchair

[TDC57]

Builders log day one:
The project was introduced to the team today with overwhelming support! The RCM Family ROCKS..

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17191


I'm starting this project off with the TDC S0-Cal special “Beach and Snow chair.





This chair is currently on sale everywhere on the net as a PVC Wheelchair. The lowest I found it for was $1,099.00 the most expensive I found it for was $1,345.00.

Let’s see what I can build it for:

Build log day one continued:

I went to Home depot today and purchased everything I think I need to construct the basic chair. I'm missing the seat and wheels (need to find those!) but where moving forward.

The chair will be constructed with ¾” 200 PSI PVC. I’ll provide a full count of all elbows; T’s and total lineal footage used at the end of the build.

Total cost for materials to date: $86.45
Total labor (shopping) 1hr






Proposed Project Features:
• Durable non-corrosive PVC construction
• Stainless steel hardware
• Easily disassembles into 3 pieces for transport (hopfully!) wink..
• Single motion parking brake
• 250lb (weight capacity)
• Anti-tip design (why because we care)
• Adjustable safety belt (I'm using 2”) is that good ???
• 6ft, 8 panel umbrella (don’t get to excited) this is $14.00 Target umbrella
• Spacious storage bag area (you supply your own bag)
• Sliding footrest
• Comfortable cushion seat (IE Target!) $12.00


Benefits:
• 4-wheel design prevents tipping
• Large wheel design for snow and other soft soils


Project Specifications:
• 41” high x 34.5” wide x 41” deep
• Seat Height 25”


That’s all for now I’ll start cutting up things after dinner! I should have it completed by the weekend.. I'm also going to do dye the PVC what color should it be?? I'm thinking HOT RED or Blue ??

(Help!)
I NEED WHEELS and suggestions for the SEAT!.. Any and all help is deeply appreciated!..

Thanks guys..

Shaun.

P.S.
If someone can please give me the dimensions for a child chair I can make one too.

[Arct1k]

?

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-STROKE-50CC-70...3286.m20.l1116

[BL_RV0]

Originally Posted by Arct1k

?

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-STROKE-50CC-70...3286.m20.l1116

Problem- only 1 available and $56 for it!

[BL_RV0]

I think you should paint it a dark/burnt orange colour. Check out harbour freight for wheel ideas. A go-cart seat or similar would work well.

[dirt101]

a tire with an agressive tread patter like the 4 wheeler tire posted earlier is going to have alot of rolling resistance especially in soft stuff like sand.

I would looke for a tire with little to no tread, or something that isnt going to fight the terrain. maybe some mower tires if you cant find any smooth ones.

I just found these, and they seem ok. they have very subtle treads, are fairly cheap, have bearings, and are 16 inches tall.

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Wheelbarrow-Ca...3A1%7C294%3A50

[Arct1k]

This is what I was trying to find...

[dirt101]

yeah thats pretty much the tire I had in mind but I didnt feel like going through multiple pages on ebay, and then when I finaly did see one when I went into the description it said "tread pattern may vary". and I couldnt find one that had bearings.

seat............http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...=0180101070502

[TDC57]

Originally Posted by entjoles

seat............http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...=0180101070502

I think that's GREAT!!

thanks sir..

[JERRY2KONE]

You can count me in Shaun, but as you have seen I do not just babble unless I think what I have to say will benefit in some way. I think what you are doing is a great idea. Especially with the prices some of these knuckleheads are charging for these different styles of wheelchairs. I think that you may be on to something with this project. In fact it may turn out to be a great side job/money maker, and yet still save people some money by providing an alternative that is affordable. BUT for sure you have to charge Harold double for his chair. Don't fall out of your chair laughing old man.

[TDC57]

Thanks for all of the great ideas guys and (Dirt101) thanks for stopping and helping out. Actually thank you all for helping out!!


Ok I did some research too and found this out:

These are the industry standard wheels, I don’t know why but the one I need 19x9 is $119.99 per wheel (WTF) halfway down middle of the page:

http://www.beachcartsusa.com



Lucky for me!..
After some great ideas posted earlier (BL_RVO, Arct1k) “a light went off” and I checked into golf course lawn mower wheels and Baja buggy wheel and found these bad boys (18x8) for 59.99 each wheel..

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ategory%20Page


These are still a lot of money but my best option at this point, what I’m really looking for are fiberglass ones.. Something that are balloon shaped and (big) the lighter the better.. thanks..

Quick recap:
Their wheels @ $480 for 4 19”x9”
My wheels @ $240 for 4 18”x8”

I'm thinking it real hard to justify spending and extra $240.00 for 1” (or am I missing something) Is it in the overall weight?? The one I'm looking at are about 14lbs per wheel, unfortunately I cant find the weight of the “Wheeleez” wheels but the rims do look plastic.. so I could be missing the boat??? Gentlemen your thoughts please!!!

I also found some 1” axels for $29.00 each (?) can anyone make them for me cheaper??. It’s just a hollow alum tube that is 1 Inch X 34 Inch

And last but not least I found some quick clip retainer pin for easy off / on for the wheels. These are $4.54 for two.

So the total cost for the wheels (everything) is the following:
$240.00 for (4) Wheel, rims and they come with sealed bearings
$60.00 for (2) 1” x 34” axels
$10.00 for axel / wheels clips

Total $310.00 for parts
Another 1hr of labor used up..

Builders Note:
WHAT DO I DO???? I'm at a impass and I really need some to step in and HELP ME.. Do build this chair with 4 BIG WHEELS or do I build it with two BIG wheels up front and use a two smaller one (12x8) in the rears on Swivel Casters ?? I'm thinking that swivel casters wont really do anything in the sand or snow but I’ve seen some with them and some with out them.. YOUR THOUGHTS PLEASE..

Thanks Guys.. sorry to be pain in the butt..

Team help required:
1. Your thoughts on the proper wheel selection
2. Your thoughts on an alterative axel IE $60.00 for 76” of 1” alum is a lot (wright??)
3. Your thoughts on the 4 big wheel vrs the two big and two swivel..

[TDC57]

Hey guys
I'm looking for a few kind harted soals / people I can PM / bounce email / ideas off of and I was wondering who would like volunteer to get to know me a little better

Preferably you need to have first hand experience in the areas of wheelchair knowledge IE what will work and be comfortable for the end user!.. I can’t pay you (sorry) but I will include your name in all upcoming How to video’s

Thanks for your time guys..

[hoovhartid]

hey guys.

I too want to help anyway I can. This is a great project.
I did some searching on the net and found some things/sites that may help;

I saw this;


It was here;
http://www.wheeleez.com/

I thought maybe they would have more info on it, but have not contacted them yet.

Their site has some better prices on wheels and such.

I also found a guy who makes his own wheels for the beach. He setup a How-to of sorts here;
http://www.geocities.com/mec_coleman/tip13.htm

anyway, hope that helps some.

[TDC57]

Originally Posted by hoovhartid

hey guys.

I too want to help anyway I can. This is a great project.
I did some searching on the net and found some things/sites that may help;

I saw this;


It was here;
http://www.wheeleez.com/

I thought maybe they would have more info on it, but have not contacted them yet.

Their site has some better prices on wheels and such.

I also found a guy who makes his own wheels for the beach. He setup a How-to of sorts here;
http://www.geocities.com/mec_coleman/tip13.htm

anyway, hope that helps some.

GREAT!!! thank you SIR.. the first thread I've seen and the wheels are $119 each.. Yikes!..

The second one is the BEST!!! I'm trying that tonight / when I got off work!..

BIG TIME!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[TDC57]

Why do Wheelchairs don’t have shocks??

Would it better to install them at the wheels or under the seat??

Thanks guys!..