Who here has a modified PT Cruiser?

[Theophania]

And how do you like it? Is it fairly easy to get in and out? Please tell me everything about it http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif I'm looking into getting one.

[marmalady]

Theo, we considered one for my son with the conversion on the passenger side. Basically what we discovered is that a power chair can't make the turn from its ramp into the front; also not very much head room - if you're short, that's not a hassle! Just be very careful with measurements, turning radius, etc when you're talking to the sales peeps - 'cause of course they want to sell you the car!

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[Theophania]

ok...thanks for the warning, marma

[NoDecafPlz]

I have other reports that it doesn't
work all that well with manual chairs
either.

Joe

[Theophania]

i have a power chair though...currently with the ez lock system installed under it.

[marmalady]

I believe I remember the salesman telling us the EZ lock folks won't do an install in a PT Cruiser for safety reasons. Unfortunately.

Too bad, it's a cool little car!

They did tell me, tho that the Honda ? Expedition - the funny looking little SUV that looks like a baby hummer to me - is on the design plans to be a conversion SUV - maybe by the spring Abilities Expo - so keep your eyes out.

Who have you been talking to re the Cruiser? We talked with the folks at FMI.

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[-scott-]

Marmalady, it's the Honda Element. Conversion also by FMI.

http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/element_front.jpg http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/element_interior.jpg http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/element_side.jpg

re: the EZ Lock & PT Cruiser, I don't see why it wouldn't be any different than a van. I'd call the EZ Lock company directly.

[Theophania]

well if they have an alternative to the ez lock that works just as well, i'd consider using that. i just really want this car http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

i havent talked to a dealer yet.

[-scott-]

also a good solution... hope you can make it happen tiffany http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Theophania]

thanks scott for posting the pics. i really dont like the honda element though...a bit boxy, but i will admit its better than a mini van.

[-scott-]

oh I don't like 'em either. just wait until you see my new jeep. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Theophania]

oh yeah? is it a jeep wrangler or a grand cherkee?

[McDuff]

This is the only alternative to the EZLock I have come across:

www.creativecontrolsinc.com/tie-downs/safety-lok/index.htm (http://www.creativecontrolsinc.com/tie-downs/safety-lok/index.htm)

I am interested as I'm in a folding chair and this claims to still allow you to fold whereas the EZlock doesn't.

It is made in Canada and passes their tests, don't know if there is some weirdness here in the states or not. Gonna ask a local shop here.

McD

"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

[marmalady]

Tx, Scott, for the name and pic - senior moment, lol!

_____________
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa

[Theophania]

so no one here has personal experience driving a pt driver then? uh, weird. i thought there'd be at least one person on here who has.

[Andy]

I tried getting in one once, except the ramp was too steep and the roofline got in the way of my neck. Sorry, no help here http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[-scott-]

Originally posted by Theophania:

oh yeah? is it a jeep wrangler or a grand cherkee?
Wrangler Unlimited w/ a bunch of offroad mods. I should have it back from the shop in about a month. It's been a long process to get it retrofitted.

[Theophania]

cool scott!!! how do u get in it tho?

andy thanks for the response....it seems a lot of peeps have had head room probs with it

[antiquity]

Hi Theo,

I met with an FMI rep. last weekend about getting the Honda Element which I love. I prefer boxy, sharp angles in a vehicle. He didn't have the Element to show, it's in circulation but he did bring a convertable PT Cruiser. I didn't drive it but did sit in it. The drivers seat was removed. I have a front wheel drive Permobil which traversed the nice roomy ramp well but it did take some doing to position myself in front of the steering wheel. It was a very tight fit in terms of width and length. I had about an inch clearance between my back wheel and the rear seat base. Its gear shifter requires the ability to grip which I don't have. The guy did tell me that a push button shifter is available. The ramp closed almost flush to the side of my chair which was much too snug. I wasn't impressed plus it's an ugly car. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I will have an opportunity to test drive the Element sometime in early in December. He said it's much roomier.

Ahh, to be able to drive something besides a van!http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Cspine]

hey cupcake, the pt is prone to door/ramp problems but they can be greatly reduced with frequent maintenance. you might be able to get an ez lock dealer to install one or better yet get a used one on ebay and have a friend/backyard mechanic install it. its as simple as installing a stereo amp. i'm available for tech support on that, i've installed 3 w/ friends helping {but dumb} hands!

Still alive

[BellevueBaby]

Can't say I've ever been in one or know someone that has one but if I were in the market for a new car it would totally be worth considering. I'm a para in a manual chair so I could transfer if I found an easy way to lug my chair in I'm set.

[Theophania]

thx seneca for that awesome review. i have an action arrow storm chair; no tilt, to rise to it. i wonder if it'd fit in there alright. i personally love how the pt cruiser looks.

cspine, thx for your offer of help.

[maryc1]

Hi,
I have a modilied PT cruiser. I have had it for almost a year. I have had some door problems but they were fixed at FMI. I love driving it. I do have an easy lock in place. it is turned so I back in and lock as I turn to front. Have had no problems with it. You can call FMI and they will bring a PT cruiser by. I did this and made sure I could get up the ramp and my chair would fit in the drivers side. Had no problems with this. I do have a manual chair. I tried my electric chair (I use it in snow). It does not fit.
Good luck. If you have any more questions please write.
mary

[luigi91377]

A PT cruiser?????
Another smash box http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif

every time you fall,
stand up tall....
come back for more

[bestpromotionals.com]

I used to design a web site for a company that sells wheelchair accessible cars and vans...
PT Cruiser was very very popular... Usually a ramp from the back door..

www.bestpromotionals.com (http://www.bestpromotionals.com)
Promotional Products and Ideas for every event, organization

[Sh0rty]

PT Cruiser was very very popular... Usually a ramp from the back door..

Then wouldnt you loose all the seats? How would you transfer into the drivers seat without also removing the front passanger?

[mrpockets]

A while back there was a pt cruiser modified being sold on the disabled dealer magazine. I think it's still there.

[Sh0rty]

anyone know of where I can find a picture of one modified with a rear entry?

[McDuff]

Was looking for a pic for Sh0rty and came across this negative story on PT. But it is the side entry style, just thought I would post for fyi to the space issue:

story (http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=1897159&nav=6uyBNQrM)

McD

edit: found this blurb on FMI's website. Sounds like the rear entry was passenger osition only.

"We realized people were getting tired of driving boring, bulky, full-size vans. The incredible amount of excitement and positive feedback we recieved from our first accessible PT Cruiser project, the rear-entry passenger PT, pointed us to what was really needed: the PT Driver. People were really excited about the rear-entry PT Cruiser, but everybody wanted to drive it, so we designed the PT Driver, which you can drive from your wheelchair. It is such an experience to drive this vehicle... this vehicle is so fantastic... it will just make your day, every day!"
Sieto van Dillen, founder and CEO of FMI



"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

[This message was edited by McDuff on 12-20-04 at 12:29 PM.]

[This message was edited by McDuff on 12-20-04 at 12:30 PM.]

[Theophania]

thx mcduff

[Sh0rty]

thx mcduff, looks like I am still on the endless search for something other than a van, ohhhh what fun!

[Cspine]

i saw a converted tahoe once. i'm too lazy to look it up but i think it's a canadian conversion.

please note my new email address: Cspine_ae@msn.com

[-scott-]

Originally posted by Cspine:

i saw a converted tahoe once. i'm too lazy to look it up but i think it's a canadian conversion.
http://kvb.ca/

[tvot]

That Honda Element has got to be the coolest thing since the invention of the wheelchair lift. To bad my 520lb. fat ass would bust the springs.