Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!snorkelwacker!mintaka!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!157!3!Pandora.Nigh
From: Pandora.Nigh@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Pandora Nigh)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Information
Message-ID: <13847@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 4 Sep 90 18:31:08 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: Pandora.Nigh@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org
Distribution: misc
Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/3 - Nerd's Nook, Rocky River OH
Lines: 35
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 10107

    Hi Tom, one of the things that you have to and the agencies consider 
in the modifying of a van is how much "chop" work has to be done to fix 
the van. This means does this style of van have to have the floor 
dropped, the doors removed and replaced with wider and higher doors, 
does the roof have to be removed and a new higher one welded on. All 
this can realy jack up the price of a conversion. Also the van can't 
have factory rust proofing on the undercarriage and floor. (when they 
have to lower the floor and cut through the floor, rust proofing 
ignites). One of the most thought out in design for conversion that I 
have come across is the Volkswagon Vanagon and it takes, unless you are 
unbelievably tall) non of the structure changes to handle a lift and 
some of the pluses on design for a driver are really fantastic. The oil 
and water are at an easy access point at the back of the vehicle and the 
gas cap is at wheelchair height. They are also offering s $1,500 rebate 
for conversions.
     I have a Chevy van right now, it is a commercial 1 ton van. We got 
it very cheaply. But the problems in putting in the lift were really 
great. The lift itself had to be modified with extenders to reach the 
ground because even lowering the floor in this still wouldn't make it to 
a height the lift could handle. I am short so that I didn't have to have 
the roof raised but for someone of average height that would have had to 
be done also. When this dies I want to get a Vanagon.
     One of the best sources for help on any specific van that you have 
in mind and also how to help you figure out your style of driving and 
usage is the conversion shops. It depends on a lot of things about where 
the lift should go for you, how much it will cost for specific 
modifications and what modifications that the van you choose will need 
and the conversion shops can tell you this.
                                  Pandora

--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!157!3!Pandora.Nigh
Internet: Pandora.Nigh@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org