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Old 01-15-2017, 11:59 PM   #1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
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Building a wheelchair accessible skoolie

The bus I bought has a wheelchair lift so I can get in and out. I will lay out the interior so it is accessible and easy to use. Stay tuned.

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Old 01-19-2017, 08:12 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
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Here it is. 2003 Blue Bird TC2000





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Old 01-19-2017, 08:35 PM   #3
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Year: 1999
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Cool!
Can't wait to see it built. I almost bought a converted 70's greyhound that had been owned by a paraplegic. He had joystick controls custom built and everything, it was really cool.
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Old 01-19-2017, 08:57 PM   #4
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Outstanding Disbus! And Welcome! --- Ya...this will be a blast to follow. Looks like a pretty sweet platform to build on. Keep the pix coming.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:20 PM   #5
Skoolie
 
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
Cool!
Can't wait to see it built. I almost bought a converted 70's greyhound that had been owned by a paraplegic. He had joystick controls custom built and everything, it was really cool.
Obviously the wheelchair lift is part of the bus by design. Much better than modifying a flimsy RV. I have a set of hand controls for it and I plan to install a transfer seat in the driver's position to make getting in and out of the seat easier. Anyone who uses hand controls should be able to drive the bus.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:28 PM   #6
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Outstanding Disbus! And Welcome! --- Ya...this will be a blast to follow. Looks like a pretty sweet platform to build on. Keep the pix coming.
We all see interiors designed with things along the sides. I am considering building a the kitchen in the middle from floor to roof. Make it 18-24 inches wide so I can get up and down both sides of the bus. At the wheel wells i will build floor to ceiling storage. Bed in the back.

So from back to front will be a bed, bathroom, now we are to the front of the rear wheel well. It is a center isle that is accessible from either side. A sink with the faucet on one side or the other. still developing the idea.
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Old 01-19-2017, 10:31 PM   #7
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A center island...this will likely be a first...and interesting to follow. Just take & post lots of pix!
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Old 01-20-2017, 07:14 AM   #8
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great lookin bus!!! nice to have the lift in the front of the bus so it doesnt disrupt your plans for the rear!!

-Christopher
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Old 01-21-2017, 02:18 PM   #9
Skoolie
 
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great lookin bus!!! nice to have the lift in the front of the bus so it doesnt disrupt your plans for the rear!!

-Christopher
There are a lot of buses out there with the lift in the back side. Not only does it limit design but it is a safely factor getting out of the bus in a hurry for whatever reason.
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Old 01-21-2017, 02:28 PM   #10
Skoolie
 
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Looks like I need a new turbo on the motor. I may upgrade to something better. 2003 5.9 Cummins.
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Old 01-21-2017, 02:54 PM   #11
Skoolie
 
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I will remove the seat, the frame work behind the seat and the seat mounted to the wheel well and install a transfer seat.



Like this one.

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Old 01-21-2017, 05:03 PM   #12
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One of those transfer seats would be nice for ANYONE with a FE bus!
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:57 PM   #13
Skoolie
 
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I would like some Alcoa wheels if anyone knows where I can get a good price.
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Old 01-22-2017, 08:25 PM   #14
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Yes, so would I!
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Old 01-22-2017, 08:31 PM   #15
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Nice Bus ! I just bought same make, model, year and motor bus !

I'll be following your build.
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Old 01-22-2017, 09:18 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Disbus View Post
There are a lot of buses out there with the lift in the back side. Not only does it limit design but it is a safely factor getting out of the bus in a hurry for whatever reason.
If some one needs o get out of the bus quickly and there using a wheel chair ramp. I think its fair to say your not in a hurry or your not going to do it very fast. I wouldn't let this be a build issue for design.

A wheel chair sure adds to the limit space issue. How does it effect your bathroom design? I can see 30 or 36 inch isle to roll down. My grand father was in a chair and he had his bathroom remodeled and it was quite a bit bigger when they were done for him.
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Old 01-22-2017, 10:17 PM   #17
Skoolie
 
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I want the bathroom to be big enough that I am not banging into crap all the time. I want to do a center isle to maximize floor space. Knee space is important too. if i can fit my knees under then I can turn around in a 36 inch isle. I will try to draw an example soon. and post it.
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Old 02-12-2017, 06:11 PM   #18
Skoolie
 
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I will remove the old suspension seat, and the partition behind the driver's seat, and remove the seat mounted to the wheel well.

Install the transfer seat base i found. The seat base rotates 180 degrees. It can point straight forward for driving, rotate to the right and face straight back. I hope to use the old seat for now. Should bolt right up.





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Old 02-12-2017, 06:39 PM   #19
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thats a neat idea.. i didnt know they made transfer seats.. i was thinking you had to strap your chair in and drive from that...
-Christopher
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Old 02-13-2017, 12:17 AM   #20
Skoolie
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
thats a neat idea.. i didnt know they made transfer seats.. i was thinking you had to strap your chair in and drive from that...
-Christopher
I considered driving from my chair but long distance it's just not that comfortable. And a nice captains chair will be a lot better.
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