Ideas on making a 47 pick up handycap friendly

Browniepetersen

One of our local Hudson friends was out trimming a tree over thanksgiving and fell out of the tree and broke his back. He has no motion or feeling from the waist down. He is retired and now selling off most of the toys that he can no longer enjoy. He has had his pick up since he was in High School and would like some ideas on modifying this truck so he can drive and enjoy it. It is totally stock now. Anyone have some thoughts?

bent metal

Wasn't there a red and black Hudson truck that was built for a parapalegic? Maybe a Bonnaville diesel powered truck? It's been a while, but I remember seeing that truck here. I'm sure they have some good ideas built into that truck.

Jon B

Here's a short discussion on the subject at the AACA Forum: http://forums.aaca.org/f169/handicap-controls-302304.html

Although today's hand controls are probably only made for automatic-transmission cars, surely there were hand controls in use back in the 30's, 40's and 40's for handicapped operation of clutch-equipped cars. Maybe some "vintage" hand controls could be obtained, which would add to the "period look" of this fellow's Hudson.

Maybe this is an opportunity for a PRACTICAL use of Hudson's automatic clutch! Rig one up, but not with all the complicated bells and whistles of the standard automatic clutch. Just the vacuum cylinder and linkage, controlled by a simple pushbutton, maybe attached to the steering column. There might even be a simple way to mount a switch so that it senses whenever the gear lever is being moved, so the clutch is truly automatic. Like VW's "Automatic Stickshift" or Packard's "Electromatic".

Browniepetersen

Glen Johnson tells me that he is not sure than anyone has bolted up an automatic to a 232 stock 47 engine. Does this mean that you would have to have a 308 to make it work?

keithfullmeryahoocom

I don't think I can be much help regarding the information you're looking for, Brownie, but "tip of the hat" to you for trying to help a man like this in need. If I were closer, I'd definitely jump in with any "grunt" help where I could lend a hand.
Best of luck to you and your pal.
Keith

Glowplug

One of our local Hudson friends was out trimming a tree over thanksgiving and fell out of the tree and broke his back. He has no motion or feeling from the waist down. He is retired and now selling off most of the toys that he can no longer enjoy. He has had his pick up since he was in High School and would like some ideas on modifying this truck so he can drive and enjoy it. It is totally stock now. Anyone have some thoughts?

The attached photo has the website for the foundation that built this truck which is turbo diesel powered.

Quadster

I drive my 53 Hornet 4-door w/ hand controls, an automatic & 54 Hudson power steering.
Hand controls are available on ebay for about $300 and are an easy install for anyone with mechanical ability.

Most states require people driving w/ hand controls to have auto trans & power steering--adapters for GM auto trannys are available.

I have electric power brakes as well--required 12V conversion--made by abspowerbrake.com
Brakes work as well as any modern car and I have drums all around.

Power steering might be a tough one on this truck without switching out the front end. With 1 hand on the wheel and the other on the controls, it's hard to steer a non-PS vehicle.

I don't think the red bonneville truck pictured is driven by the fellow in the wheelchair--he is a highlevel quad-I think it's used as a fundraiser for a nonprofit he has--they have a web site but I don't have the url.

I have been using a wheelchair for almost 40 years and have had a variety of vintage cars.
Anything is possible--but safety should be your primary concern!

Uncle Josh

If your Hudson PU is hard to steer, the box and/or centerpoint and/or kingpins need attention. These things sit on ball bearings on top of the kingpins like the other Hudsons. Make sure you have the original 18 inch steering wheel, and bias tires on the front for easier steering.

Spencer Yarrow

There is a fellow here in AUS. who races a Toyota Celica with hand controls for the brake and throttle and has a button on the gear shift to work the clutch via an air compressor and cylinder attached to the side of the gearbox.
He doesn't just drive it to make up numbers he usually finishes in the top 3 or 4 in his class.
Anything is possible just need to give it a go.

Spencer.