Looking for a fabricator to assist cutting in a "suicide door" rear of driver's door to allow loading of wheelchair by the driver while sitting in driver's seat(swivel) Have just started the build, hope to power with 427 side oiler removed from my boat, any advice?

 

You mean I'm not the only person in a wheelchair on here? Awesome...

 

Wow! That sounds like a project. Welcome to FTE!
Where are you located? If you put your location in your info (User CP) that will help us find someone closer to you.
I have ZERO fab skills, but I'm sure there are folk here who can guide you.
We would love to see pictures, especially when that build begins.

 

I was thinking of doing something similar, but I figured I would build a ramp or lift for the back doors of the panel, wheel to the drivers seat, and transfer while in the truck, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

Search for "Kripfink"'s build on here. He's a quad from England that did a 53 or 54 panel and rolls in through the back doors. Might be something useful for you there. Slightly different requirements as he gets Chauffeured by his family.

 

He's on here too? I looked into his truck on the hamb, and that's where i got my idea

 

I saw these guys at the local new car show at the begining of the year. I don't know if they do older vehicles but if they don't maybe they can offer some suggestions:

Wheelchair and Handicap Vans for Sale

 

I think it's a GREAT idea..as BACAGrizz mentioned, KripFink has done it.. let no barriers stop you in your quest..
As for a side door behind the drivers seat,my question right off the bat is..is there enough support and strength to support a side door?? may need to add a pillar or two, ..stripping pillars from another vehicle and installing it in yours may be is an option; seems that's common in some circles when converting a 4 door to a two door..just an idea..
I think the lift set-up is widely available...just need to draw out a plan,..look for pit falls,potential problems etc..
I'll be following this thread, PM if I can help..add your location so we know where you are..you can get some great info and insight from this site..
And Welcome to FTE!

 

Somewhere out there on the net I saw an old Dodge Humpback delivery that was Wheelchair Accessible. They had used the powertrain from an older Eldorado or Toronado (I can't remember which). The driver accessed through the rear doors and since it was a front wheel the rear floor was very low and flat for easy access.

Bobby

 

Having fell thru my pole shed roof a couple weekends ago and broke my back & pelvis in several places suddenly find myself confronted with mobility issues that i use to take for granted i FULLY understand your quest.... A friend of mine has a lift on his panel but it hangs outside not really cosmetically pleasing but i am sure it can be done.... forge ahead and concur!!! jwj

 

If you went with a design something like the company I posted, cuttiing out a larger area behind the door:

 

Bob, Your imagination and photo-shop skills are envied..

Kinda looks like the Honda Odyessy side door operation from this angle, or at least the pop-out and slide feature...but in reverse.

Notice you don't see any driver side cargo door openings in late-models..safety issue with traffic I'm sure,..

Very cool Idea!!

 

Actually, Chevy/GMC offers it in their commercial full size van line.

 

Bob your talent still impresses me--you've got the touch-- Where did you ever find a red Ford for the picture LOL
Mike

 

hi ..
I have a van which is wheelchair accessible by the Capital Special Vehicle company.There is a ramp in the left side of the van and wheelchair can be easily fited inside the van.I am using this van from last 1 year and happy with that.