Wounded Wheels. Restoring Heroes and Hot Rods

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Moses Tucker
5 years ago
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1 Wounded Wheels Restoring Heroes and Hot Rods

2 The big Three Engineering and design concepts applied to commonly available resources that provide accessibility in new ways The manifestation of some of these concepts are demonstrated in a 1970 Chevelle SS A forum for bringing together people, concepts, innovators, needs and solutions to pave a way into the future for creating things that have never been created Living quarters Vehicles Quality of life environments

3 WHO AND WHAT WE ARE A federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization Modifying iconic American muscle cars Intended recipients are paralyzed and multiple major amputee combat vets Targeting warriors from the Vietnam War through the present-day Southwest Asia operations in Iraq and Afghanistan The program is open to all who qualify

4 mission To build disabled heroes an unforgettable muscle car that is: Wheelchair accessible and operational Outfitted with a modified powered wheelchair Tailored to the vet s specific needs Provides swift vehicle entry and exit without assistance Operated by user friendly controls Our wish is to provide a vehicular mobility degree-of-freedom similar to individuals without disabilities and profoundly change the lives of these selfless heroes by returning to them the ability to drive the car of their dreams. At Wounded Wheels our motto is Restoring Heroes and Hot Rods one car, one hero, one dream at a time.

5 Concept overview Enemy use of IEDs results in increased numbers of lower-limb amputations The effect of these injuries is far-reaching and long-lasting Military amputee care focuses on short-term and intermediate care Current options for transport sacrifice the WOW factor for functionality Wounded Wheels aims to return a level of confidence and independence to wheelchair bound vets by restoring access to desirable vehicles

6 Present day modified vehicles Typically a stock van modified to accommodate a wheelchair Two configurations o Config 1. Occupant drives in through the rear hatch via ramp or lift Wheel chair acts as passenger seat o Config 2. Wheel chair occupant transfers into vehicle seat Wheel chair loads separately Ingress / egress is time consuming and strenuous Not a preferred vehicle for styling / appearance

7 Standard Build Timeline* Recipient selection 2 weeks Vehicle acquisition 5 weeks Parts acquisition and vehicle rehabilitation 10 weeks Suspension & drive train modification 10 weeks Chassis modification 8 weeks Conversion system Installation 5 weeks Body work, paint, interior 5 weeks Vehicle assembly 5 weeks Platform testing & evaluation 2 weeks Estimated time for full conversion 1 year * Build timeline determined for a conversion vehicle that starts in no less than level 2 (Show) quality

8 recipients Must have complete loss of the use of both legs as applicable to driving a normal four wheel vehicle A general medical classification of eligible applicants is as follows: Tetraplegics who have the loss of the use of both legs Bilateral above-the-knee amputees, other major limb amputations Must have been an active duty US military veteran serving in a combat zone at the time of the mishap If discharged, must have been discharged honorably Must meet general moral and ethical standards All applicants to be reviewed by a panel of military and Wounded Wheels staff A DoD flag officer or SES equivalent will select awardees

9 Features 1970 Chevelle SS Recently restored 350 Small block Automatic on the column A/C Current build Repairs/upgrades Power steering system leaks sealed Brakes from front drum to disc

10 In the beginning there was a Chevelle, and it was good Join us on a journey of turning a muscle car into a fully automated handicap drivable muscle car. Feb 12 we purchased a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS for the prototype design integration for the Wounded Wheels program.

11 Creation of a Third Door Our first problem: There was not enough room to get a wheelchair into the Chevelle with the current door configuration. Solution: We cut into the driver s side rear quarter in front of the wheel well to create a third door.

Solution: We cut into the floor and created a modified floor

12 In the driver s seat Our Second Problem: There was not enough height in the Chevelle for our chair to fit in the driver s spot. Solution: We cut into the floor and created a modified floor section and platform to lower the wheelchair into the driver s spot.

Solution: We added a servo-actuated ramp and it took a several attempts.

13 Ramping It up Our Third Problem: How does the wheelchair get into and out of the Chevelle? Solution: We added a servo-actuated ramp and it took a several attempts. Trial ramp #4 is seen above and trial ramp #6 is to the right. Trial ramp #8 is currently on the car and trial ramp #9 is in the works.

They include a new door latch for the third door as well as the driver door and interior

14 System Integration Several other modifications were made to the Chevelle to make it complete. They include a new door latch for the third door as well as the driver door and interior controls for the third door and the ramp. We ve had many challenges in creating this amazing vehicle, but if it were an easy thing to do, someone would have already done it.

16 The Pros and the Cons Cons of the Muscle Car Pros of the Muscle Car Not everyone wants one It s not as convenient as a mini-van Headroom during ingress and egress and degree of difficulty are suboptimal No airbags It has poor gas mileage It s not a family car It isn t as comfortable as other cars It may not be great in bad weather It s heavy For The Individual It provides a sense of what was It returns them to a better time It creates some normalcy in their life in ways unavailable to them before now For The Car It s powerful and sexy It s fun in ways that a minivan can t touch It s an iconic American muscle car For The Future It s blazing the trail for new ideas It s the first in a future of product developments that pushes the envelope It s creating new avenues for better ways of life

17 Prototype and Production This is a first generation prototype. Below are lists for what we have completed and put into production. Prototype Automated ramp Automated table Track guide system Floor drop system Basic internal hand control system for automation Basic external hand control System for automation Third door latching system Production Base Chevelle Base powered chair Driver hand controls

18 Future Components Below are lists for what we will complete in future generations of this process. Wounded Wheels Mods Wireless RC for ramp/door(s)/table Resized ramp: modify to fit below the drivers head when folded into the car Driver and chair restraints Powered chair that raises, lowers, and tilts Powered chair that charges off of the car Better back seat configuration Head restraints And many things we haven t thought of Car Modifications Remote control mirrors Power windows Tilt column Airbag vehicle drop system Courtesy light system Backup cameras

19 Fund raising efforts

20 Ways to Find out More Website: Facebook: Twitter: YouTube:

21 Thank you!

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