"MegaSuper" (megasuper)
04/16/2015 at 20:55 • Filed to: None
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"MegaSuper" (megasuper)
04/16/2015 at 20:55 • Filed to: None | 0
| 19 |
People who are unable to use their left leg can have their vehicle modified such that they can operate the clutch with their hand, right?
Is this some sort of package offered by various companies just to fit "the majority" of cars, ie, just basic commuter/economy stuff? Or can it be fitted to any car with a stick-shift?
I ask because I have a dear friend with a disability that limits the use of his left leg. He can still walk (albeit with pain), but he can't operate a clutch or similar foot lever with any degree of finesse; it's either all the way in or out, so it makes driving a manual car impossible for him. He's wanted to get the Focus RS when it comes out, which is manual-only.
Is getting the clutch pedal modded for a hand-clutch impossible or is it just a matter of $$$? I have no idea if there are major companies who carry this out or little tiny garages or whatever.
TheHondaBro
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 20:57 |
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Ehh, paddle shifters?
CB
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 20:58 |
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You could totally get it done, I imagine. If it's only the left leg, he could probably get a handle mounted to the steering wheel that deals with the clutch.
Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 20:58 |
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Matter of $$$ only, can't tell you who'll do it or not though, but I've seen everything from a Mercedes Vito (V-class) to a Toyota Supra built for guys in a wheelchair.
Jedidiah
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 20:58 |
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Manual valve-body automatic, perhaps?
Put a shift kit in it and it will shift harder and faster than a manual with a clutch.
jkm7680
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:00 |
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It's possible, but probably not too practical.
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MegaSuper
> Jedidiah
04/16/2015 at 21:03 |
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Could you explain what a manual valve-body automatic is? Never heard of that before.
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MegaSuper
> TheHondaBro
04/16/2015 at 21:03 |
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Seems like the right solution, but how would that work really? You'd have to get an entirely new transmission right? Are there any off-the-shelf DCT transmissions? Like the DCT equivalent of an LS1 motor, haha?
Either way it'd probably void the warranty on the rest of the car, yeah?
Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:05 |
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Dusty posted this last year, I don't remember if it's a stick.
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/check-out-thes…
Funktheduck
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:06 |
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Enough $$$ can solve 99% of issues. The question would be if the costs were worth it.
I think a bad ass way would be a hand clutch like on a motorcycle attached to the shifter.
McMike
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:07 |
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http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/clutch/…
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MegaSuper
> Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
04/16/2015 at 21:10 |
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Wow that is amazing! Some company should adapt that idea for street use. Brilliant how you don't have to take your hands of the wheel to brake or speed up.
thereisnospork
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:11 |
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Certainly possible, especially with a hydraulic clutch. Simplest is probably a slightly less ghetto version of the old "work the clutch with a crutch" approach usually reserved for broken legs. Something fancier aught to be able to run a hydraulic line to what amounts to a motorcycle-style clutch level.
You could also go nuts and solenoid the clutch pedal and tie it into a gear position sensor to make an SMG-style box.
As for where, I'd start with shops that do other accessibility related mods on handicapped vans and the like on down to speed shops that do a fair amount of custom fab work.
Nibbles
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:12 |
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something I've been working on in my head for years. Turns out Abiliquip already solved my problem. http://abiliquip.com/handclutch
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MegaSuper
> McMike
04/16/2015 at 21:14 |
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Wow that is just incredible. Looks super easy to use. The link even explains that it doesn't drain the battery, and can even find the bite point of the clutch!
My friend lives in the States though, and the company appears to be based in Ol' Blighty. I wonder if the Duck Clutch can be used in the US. Would that be more of a Federal thing, or are adaptive-driving-devices (not sure what they're called really) handled on a state-by-state basis in the US?
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MegaSuper
> Nibbles
04/16/2015 at 21:15 |
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Awesome, thank you! This is just like the Duck Clutch that McMike posted, but it looks like this is the US distributor! Perfect!
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MegaSuper
> McMike
04/16/2015 at 21:16 |
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Never mind, it looks like Nibmoe found their US distributor! Thanks everyone!
http://abiliquip.com/handclutch
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Jedidiah
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:16 |
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A valve body directs the hydraulic fluid to valves that actuate the correct clutch pack and gear servo for the automatic to shift into the correct gear when it needs to.
Normally, it is controlled by a (electric or mechanical) governor and a (electric or vacuum) modulator so the transmission knows to shift automatically.
A manual valve body isn't controlled by these, so the driver has to select gears with either the factory shifter or some after market shifter (think Hurst or B&M).
A shift kit consists of parts you need to modify your valve body to change the transmission's shift points and eliminate gear overlap (thus reducing heat and slip) so that it shifts harder, faster and more consistently.
In situations where a traditional manual's clutch would be obliterated or provide inconsistent shifts (i.e. high power drag racers) people instead opt for manual valvebody automatics with shift kits when they want to row their own.
It also frees up your other foot.
jariten1781
> MegaSuper
04/16/2015 at 21:17 |
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The way they normally do it is with a lever you pull with your left hand that is attached to the clutch pedal. Can be done on any manual, but it makes no sense on a performance car. You use your right hand to move the shift and left for the clutch so shifting pulls both hands off the wheel meaning it can't really be done while hustling.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Funktheduck
04/16/2015 at 21:17 |
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I remember someone coming into a bike shop looking for parts to do exactly that, we told him that we would had zero interest in part of that liability. Could you get enough pressure out of a hydraulic handbrake to work a car clutch? maybe. Not with the cheap as we could find cable actuated one you are asking for though. Also, Im still not sure you could use a bike handbrake to get enough pressure or throw to disengage a clutch.