Need to see before I buy!

[wanapony]

I'm interested in buying a mustang..2010 to 2012.
I'm confined to a wheelchair and I'll only ever be able to be a passenger in the car.
Basically there is a type of wheelchair that ends up being the seat of the car without me transferring at all, and the wheels of the wheelchair gets put in the boot by who ever is going to drive it for me.

My question is... Is there anybody south of Adelaide that might have one these pony's that I could have a look at, before I make a purchase. I need to see things like how far the door opens, precise measurements, etc etc.

Any help would be much appreciated!!      

[Cruzn65]

It has to be converted to RHD and that will cost $40K plus purchase plus importing etc etc unless you buy one already done.  In most cases you will be looking at 100K+

[66 Hertz]

to the best of my knowledge there are no late model cars in adelaide that new.............

[ponyride]

It's a long shot, but if there's not one for sale, try specialist hire car companies? It might be worth a day's hire to get precise measurements and take a bunch of photos otherwise it could be a very expensive mistake if it's purchased and not suitable for your purposes.

Also, with the fitout you're talking about, if you make inquiries/ do searches on the net I'm sure you'll get heaps of information about how successful that seat/wheelchair lift would be in that model Mustang. I'd be surprised if it hasn't been done in the States, notwithstanding that you'd be looking at the opposite side (after RHD conversion) the measurements would be the same.

Good luck.  

[wanapony]

Thanks for the feedback guys..

Much appreciated! Here is what I'm trying to do
http://www.autoadapt.com/videos/carony.wmv

Cheers

[tim_morrison82]

i would also find out if the certified RH conversion company would be able to do the wheelchair fitout at the same time. would make sence.

late model cars are a definately a pain in the wallet... i quoted some new mustangs (GT's) a few years back, and they were going for 120k fully converted with manufacturers warranty and delivered to your door Australia wide.

if you did end up getting it all sorted i am definately interested in checking out the end result!

keep us posted, and good luck.

[66 Hertz]

I had a look at their website, couldn't get your link to work but found it anyway, what a great bit of engineering. That would be a great help for not only the wheelchair bound but their carers also....would be a big help getting folks in & out without busting a gut etc............Cheers & goodluck

[red066]

Theres a company in Bayswater in Melbourne who are Vehicle engineers  and also  build   vans and cars for this purpose and they also do engineering  reports on mustangs would be worth talking to them
Auto Mobility  think his name is Geoff Watters  
cheers Peter

[Macka]

Mustang Motorsports in Ferntree Gully should be able to give you info on the conversion and what would be required for the seating.  I imagine some of the air bag requirements could be overcome with an exemption from your Traffic Authority.

Ring Craig at10 Hayward Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 Australia
Open 8am - 5pm Weekdays, Saturdays by appointment. Tel (03) 9753 5799    They are engineering specialists and should be able to give you measurements for the build you want.  I'm sure the left door can be modified to open even further if thats whats required to get the chair in nice and close and/or grab handles.

It may even be worth the trip to Victoria as its a project you'd hope to make sure its right.   Good luck.

[mussy65]

Macka beat me to the punch.  I can only endorse his advice as the best way of getting the measurements you need ... and a good source for buying the car you want from the same people.  Craig will assist as much as possible and it will be good advice.

[wanapony]

Hi Guy's, just an update on what has been happening..

Unfortunately the mustang is a no go because the wheelchair turnout docking base (it's known as the Turny or Turnout, same design but the Turny is bit more advanced), will take up a lot of floor space (in height) in the car.

I then tried a current model Ford FPV, Chrysler 300C & a Holden commodore SSV, but the minimum measurements required were not met in certain areas of each car. :banghead:

I could get an SUV, but I really want - A) a car, and B) it has to have 8 cylinders!!

I've spoken to a guy who works for Auto Adapt in Sweden (Parent Company) who makes these mobility products and he said they are in the engineering phase of developing a product that could fit into low profile cars. But it's going to be awhile!

Here is another link of what I'm after http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9X7cuN_uAQ

Thanks again guys for your help... I hope in 2012 I'll be sitting in my dream mustang!!

[66 Hertz]

I hope in 2012 I'll be sitting in my dream mustang!!

Good luck Buddy.......

[soc123_au]

You may have more luck fitting that setup into an early Stang. If the seat riser were removed the turntable setup would take its place. If you can get measurements I can check for you.

I am also in a chair so i know what a pain in the ass it can be getting things to suit. I am lucky enough that I can still manage to transfer into a car with unmodified seating & drive. Just need hand controls.

[violet64]

Never give up..try an early model conversion you'll look cool and stylish.
Here's a link to our very own Australian wheelchair tennis champion David Hall's blue 1966 Ford Mustang fastback he converted a few years back now.
http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/my_1966_ford_mustang_fastback