13 replies to this topic

[tnysgrl]

I am a para, and I have a Monte Carlo that has the bucket seats (which I like) with the center console (which I don't like). Initially, I put my chair behind the driver's side seat by hopping onto the console and pushing the seat forward so I could reach my wheelchair to pull it in behind me. But almost 7 years ago, I had to have my right leg amputated because of a flesh-eating bacteria that almost killed me. I haven't driven since then, but I am able to now. The problem is, without my right leg, it is not as easy for me to hop up onto the console so I can put my chair in the back. Is there another way that I can do this? Is there a way that I can stay in the driver's seat and reach behind it to pull the chair in? Anyone who has this type of car and has been in this situation, I would really appreciate some advice. Oh, by the way, the wheels on my chair do come off, but I tried doing it that way once and it didn't go so well.

Edited by tnysgrl, 16 April 2008 - 10:04 PM.

[Tim13]

I recline my drivers seat and move the passenger seatback forward, (like someone is getting in back from the pass. side) that creates a pretty big space to swing the w/c across into the back seat. I do remove the wheels and fold the chair first but i've seen another para pull his out of a T-bird wheels and all.

[Texaswheelz]

i have bucket seats and a middle console, but I put the chair in the passenger seat, not the back seat. I guess if I were to want to put it into the back seat I would recline the driver seat and fold the passenger seat as far towards the dash as it would go, I'm pretty sure that I would then have room to bring the chair across my lap and over the console and passenger seat to put it into the back seat.

[lune14]

I have always loaded my chair the same way you described, by hopping onto the center console. My first car only hand the hand break there however, and it was recessed (84 Mercury Capri) so it was actually dropped down lower than my bucket seats. My next car was an 95 Grand Am and the center console was about 8 inches high with the power window controls set into it. I had the mechanics cut the center console just beyond the gear shift so the power window controls were still within the console itself. They moved the console backwards on the 'hump' of the rear floor and flush with the seat backs of the front seats so I could still access the window controls. In the now empty space between the front seats they constructed a wood block, layered it with upholstery foam and custom covered it with a leather slipcover. It was a very simple thing for them to do and since I was buying the vehicle brand new GM covered it under their $1000 conversion allowance. My hand controls were covered in this allowance as well. Maybe this could be an option for you. Ask the mechanics at dealerships , you'd be surprised how creative they can get. They are the ones who came up with this idea and it looked really great.

[Motor]

tnysgrl, on Apr 16 2008, 05:58 PM, said:

I am a para, and I have a Monte Carlo that has the bucket seats (which I like) with the center console (which I don't like). Initially, I put my chair behind the driver's side seat by hopping onto the console and pushing the seat forward so I could reach my wheelchair to pull it in behind me. But almost 7 years ago, I had to have my right leg amputated because of a flesh-eating bacteria that almost killed me. I haven't driven since then, but I am able to now. The problem is, without my right leg, it is not as easy for me to hop up onto the console so I can put my chair in the back. Is there another way that I can do this? Is there a way that I can stay in the driver's seat and reach behind it to pull the chair in? Anyone who has this type of car and has been in this situation, I would really appreciate some advice. Oh, by the way, the wheels on my chair do come off, but I tried doing it that way once and it didn't go so well.

I took my lessons in a 2006 Monte Carlo. Recline your seat and pull chair across your body. If your alone place it in passenger seat or behind passenger seat if front is occupied! You have to take the wheels off. Make sure you lock your wheels so chair don't roll away! Hope I helped!

Keep in touch!

Richie aka Motor

[tnysgrl]

Thank you for all of your replies. I saw the car that I am probably going to buy tonight and it is gorgeous! It's a deep red monte carlo 2007. I don't want to scratch the paint on the bottom of the car trying to pull it into the back seat, so I'm going to take your suggestions about taking the wheels off and reclining my seat so I can pull the rest of the chair in the front. I tried doing that before, but I didn't think about reclining the seat. Now I know better and it will probably be a lot easier the more I practice doing it. Thank you again for your replies. You all have been really helpful!

[Tim13]

Sounds like a nice car to keep my chair from destroying the paint on my newest car, i bought a roll of very thick decal material at PepBoys and cut pieces to protect all the contact points.

...wish i'd thought of it years ago.

[Hawkeye]

I do the same to save the paint on my cars and trucks. A strip of clear vinyl at the contact points works wonders. If you can find heavy stuff, it will last several weeks.

Also, custom auto upholstery shops can be a great resource for console modifications.

Joe

[RollerDoo]

What kind of chair do you have? I have a TiLite, prior to that I had a Kuschall. I have always loaded my chair this way:

throw cushion in passenger seat
take off wheels, lean them against the door
fold backrest down, put my arm in between backrest and bar and grab upolstry
pick chair up and go over the driver seat and rotate front of chair down.
the chair should come to rest on the front tubes on the back seat.
take wheels and put on frame in back seat
if you have a passenger put cushion in back seat.

btw.....awsome choice on the car. my mom has had one since 2002. shes had no problems with it at all. She even got 60,000 miles out of the first set of tires. Not to mention the monte gets great gas mileage.

[tnysgrl]

I have a Quickie 2 wheelchair. It's not a rigid one, it's the kind that folds together by pulling up the strap on the seat. I have a Monte Carlo now, and I loved it when I could drive it. Also, they are phasing out the mid-size two-door coupes, and the 2007 Monte Carlo is one of the last ones left. In fact, I read that it is the last model of Monte Carlo that is going to be made. In a few years when I want to buy another car, I guess my only choices will be a four-door car or a van, and I don't want to drive a van. That is why I'm going to try taking the wheels off of my chair to get it into the car without having to pull it into the back. If I can do it this way, it won't matter what kind of car I have.

Edited by tnysgrl, 18 April 2008 - 05:28 PM.

[Hawkeye]

I also use a Quickie 2HP folder as my daily chair. I hate the idea of being forced to dis-assemble my chair, since I get in and out of my vehicle several times every day. That's why I've stuck with a folder for so many years. I drove a 1999 split bench seat Monte Carlo for many years.

It's unfortunate that all (that I know of) auto companies have phased out larger 2 door cars. Especially those with out a shifter in the console.

What I've done, is to go to a truck.

Chevy Colorado extended cab, with the ZQ8 sport suspension. The ZQ8 suspension sits 2" lower than the stock version, and makes the transfer pretty easy. The rear hinged back doors allow a folded chair to be pulled right in. It's actually easier than in the Monte. The ZQ8 option was available from 2004 --> 2007, and unavailable in 2008. It wil be back this fall with the 2009 model year, along with a V8!!!

One additional bonus to the Colorado, is neither the shifter or emergency brake are located in the console, so it can be removed if needed.

All hope isn't lost for us folding chair users, but the options are getting to be fewer.

Good Luck...

Joe

[tnysgrl]

Hi everybody, I just wanted to update you all on my situation. My parents surprised me with the car I was telling you about. I didn't think I would be able to get it because I didn't have money for a down payment yet, but my parents took care of the financing for me and didn't have to make a down payment. It's in my mom's name, but I don't care. At least I have a car that runs now. I still haven't tried putting my chair in yet, but I'm waiting on my mom to have time to help me if I need it. I'll check back later and let you know how it goes.

[tnysgrl]

I finally tried putting my wheelchair in my car last night. It was really hard but I did it. I took the wheels off and put them behind the passenger seat, then I lifted the rest of the wheelchair across my lap and put it on the passenger seat. The wheelchair wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be, but it was really hard trying to position it once I got it in the car. I'm sure it'll get easier the more I do it, but it sure took everything out of me the first time.

[Critter]

Howdy,

I'm new to this Board and joined after reading this thread. I have just purchased a 07 monte and hope it will work out ok.

tynsgrl do you still have yours?

How difficult would it be to mod (lower The Hump).

I have always had Q2 folders with flip-up foam Loop style footplates(never get swing away’s they get in the way and are down rite dangerous)
And 26” Quick release tires (Much much more efficient)



I do as follows:
1. Completely transfer into vehicle (Start with your Feet)
2. Put cushion in front passenger foot space
3. Disengage chair brakes Important.
4. Fold up chair
5. Turn Chair slightly sideways toward front of car.
6.Rock chair away from you until all weight is off rear wheel remove rear tire and place it in the passenger seat while still holding wheelchair by the seat frame.
7. Tilt chair forward on Footplate stem tips. And rotate until it is pointing straight at you.
8. Hold chair balanced on Stem tips with left hand and remove the remaining wheelchair tire that is to the front of the car with the right hand.
7. while still holding chair with left hand bring the removed tire across an lay it on top of the other in the passenger seat.
8. Lift the tireless frame into your lap then and pass it into the back seat via the space between the front Seats. Place it in the Back seat Footplates toward the Passenger side.
9. Pop the Tires into the back one on each side drivers and passengers. They seem to stay up on the back seat ok.

To Get Out:
1.Open the Door
2. Reach between the seats and remove each tire, lean each tire against open door Both with push rims toward the door.
3. Reach between the seats and remove the frame, backside first from the back seat. Pass it in front of you outside the car. Balance it (still folded) on the footplate tips, footplates toward you.
4. Keep Balancing the Frame on the tips and hold it by the back of the seat Rails with your left hand.
5. lean forward out the door (use the frame to steady yourself like a big funny shaped cane)
6. Grab the first tire by the Hub(at this point you may need to slightly open the frame like ¼ inch, if you don’t the Axels will not be able to go all the way in)and Pop it on.
7. keep the chair folded tilt it back till the weight is on the tire you just mounted.
8. Pivot the chair counter-clockwise ¼ turn and mount the other wheel.
9. Unfold the Chain
10. Engage outer Brake.
11. Grab cushion and put on chair
12. Transfer out (Start with your feet)

Its Just that Simple……

I do this sometimes 10-15 times a day (like if I go Garage saleing)

Ya I know a Youtube Vid would be Better Maybe some-day with the Monte If anybody cares....

Comments welcome.

Edited by Critter, 01 December 2011 - 03:04 AM.