Paraplegic Dreams of Roadster

[Iamnotacowboy]

My name is Justin, and I've been dreaming of a cobra for about 30 years, and I've started considering a roadster. I'm paraplegic, and my first step is to find someone with a roadster, relatively close to Atlanta, that I could verify compatibility with my accessibility needs. Sooo if you're willing, I'd love to meet wherever you suggest and take a look! I'm ITP in Atlanta but willing to drive wherever necessary. Once I verify that I can transfer in and out easily, I can start my journey.

Unfortunately, my car would have to be an automatic. I’m considering building, but I worry that the difficulty level would be beyond my abilities. I could probably find someone to help me occasionally, but it would mostly be just me. I thought maybe acquiring a lift could help me access a lot of the things hard to reach. My other consideration is purchasing an assembled vehicle, but I RARELY see cars for sale with an automatic transmission. Would it be ridiculous/difficult to purchase a car with a manual transmission and convert to automatic?

Sooo that’s what I’m working with. I don’t have a big budget, but I can’t keep putting this dream on the back burner. I’ve already learned a lot from other’s post, and I’d definitely appreciate any thoughts/advice/recommendations about reaching my goals.

Thanks! -Justin


P.s. My injury is T12 Asia A complete paraplegia. Sooo my legs don't help me with anything and mostly just get in the way.

[ggunter]

Changing over to an automatic is not that big of a deal. I believe a C4 ford auto box will fit. Probably have to change or modify the rear mount I don't know and change the drive shaft and related linkage. As far as your disability goes, is your lower half completely disabled or partially. If you are able to use foot controls, that would be great. Changing to all hand controls would be a challenge. These cars have a fairly small drivers cockpit so it may be difficult to get in and out of. You would likely have to change to a removable steering wheel for better access. Like you mentioned it would be a good thing to find someone in your area to sit in a finished car. Either way pursue your dream. Good luck.

[egchewy79]

I'd also be worried about the side pipes, getting in and out. You'd maybe want to consider an under-car exhaust.

[JTG]

I don't have any particular advice other than what's mentioned above, but I applaud your spirit of adventure in pursuing this dream!!

I sincerely hope you can find some way to make this work. For me there has always been something thrilling about getting in over my head and figuring it out along the way. There's so much great experience on this forum I'm sure there will be some more good suggestions.

Good luck!

[Geoff H]

Yes, keep fighting for your dream for sure! Not sure it will help but I found this thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?34145-Narrow-automatic-transmission-for-wheelchair-Cobra.

Please keep us informed of your progress!

Geoff

[Jeff Kleiner]

Welcome Justin! Frankly I'm afraid that entry and egress will be tough with a roadster...it ain't easy for some of us who don't face the challenges that you do. You have to go through a small and low opening and then get the legs forward into the footbox. A Coupe is even worse but I think that either the '33 Hot Rod or '35 pickup could accomodate your needs well, especially if they were built without running boards. The seating position in both is higher and more chair like, particularly when using the bench seat which I think would probably ease your transfer in and out. Both can be built with automatics and have steering columns that could accommodate hand controls. Would you consider either of those?

Good luck!

Jeff

[CobraManiac]

Absolutely follow your dreams, Justin! :cool:

You could do a lot worse than reach out to David Smith, CEO and President of Factory Five Racing. I've never met him, only seen him in videos online and read about him. However, he seems like the kind of guy that would relish getting stuck in and linking you up with the right help for a special build or a conversion to meet your needs, whether a Roadster or any other FFR model. It's just a thought, and he must be a very busy guy! Worth a try...?

Paul :cool:

[JTG]

Absolutely follow your dreams, Justin! :cool:

You could do a lot worse than reach out to David Smith, CEO and President of Factory Five Racing. I've never met him, only seen him in videos online and read about him. However, he seems like the kind of guy that would relish getting stuck in and linking you up with the right help for a special build or a conversion to meet your needs, whether a Roadster or any other FFR model. It's just a thought, and he must be a very busy guy! Worth a try...?

Paul :cool:

I second the idea of reaching out to Dave.
I've met him a couple times and he's happy to talk to anyone. My impression is that he loves a good story and unique build. You would definitely meet that criteria and he may have some good ideas and resources for you.

[Iamnotacowboy]

Changing over to an automatic is not that big of a deal. I believe a C4 ford auto box will fit. Probably have to change or modify the rear mount I don't know and change the drive shaft and related linkage. As far as your disability goes, is your lower half completely disabled or partially. If you are able to use foot controls, that would be great. Changing to all hand controls would be a challenge. These cars have a fairly small drivers cockpit so it may be difficult to get in and out of. You would likely have to change to a removable steering wheel for better access. Like you mentioned it would be a good thing to find someone in your area to sit in a finished car. Either way pursue your dream. Good luck.

I probably should've specified my injury level. I'm a T12 paraplegic. Usage stops a tad bit lower than the waist, so the legs don't assist at all. But I'm sort of the best case scenario for paraplegics? I just mean that I already had a pretty strong upper body and additional permanent injuries... so now I'm able to live a fully independent life. I only SOMETIMES ask the wife to get something for me from the top of the kitchen cabinets...but I also like to try myself.

I'm not really seeing the obstacle you mentioned with the hand controls. I've used many kinds, but the ones I've stuck to for the past few years are called "portable hand controls." It's nothing fancy at all. Literally two poles; one stuck to the brake and one on the gas. I can move them out of the way as needed. But I'm REALLY hoping to fine someone that would allow me to investigate their car. Even if it is a bit of a hassle to get in and out, along with other unknown obstacles, the roadster would be my second car for fun.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Iamnotacowboy]

I'd also be worried about the side pipes, getting in and out. You'd maybe want to consider an under-car exhaust.

I've also wondered about the pipes. I wouldn't be totally against an under car exhaust, but I think I might be able to get around them. I might also be a little unjustifiably confident. ����*♂️

[Iamnotacowboy]

I don't have any particular advice other than what's mentioned above, but I applaud your spirit of adventure in pursuing this dream!!

I sincerely hope you can find some way to make this work. For me there has always been something thrilling about getting in over my head and figuring it out along the way. There's so much great experience on this forum I'm sure there will be some more good suggestions.

Good luck!

I also share the thrill of a little challenge.

[Iamnotacowboy]

Welcome Justin! Frankly I'm afraid that entry and egress will be tough with a roadster...it ain't easy for some of us who don't face the challenges that you do. You have to go through a small and low opening and then get the legs forward into the footbox. A Coupe is even worse but I think that either the '33 Hot Rod or '35 pickup could accomodate your needs well, especially if they were built without running boards. The seating position in both is higher and more chair like, particularly when using the bench seat which I think would probably ease your transfer in and out. Both can be built with automatics and have steering columns that could accommodate hand controls. Would you consider either of those?

Good luck!

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. That's why I'm hoping to find one to see the obstacles firsthand, and if I want to live with them. I'm really unsure how much of an obstacle getting in and out would be. I can get myself back into the wheelchair from the ground, so I feel like it would be easier than that. (I REALLY need to find one to check out) If I couldn't do the Roadster, I'd probably look more at other classic muscle cars and possibly restomods. Not sure I have the budget for a restomod, or if I've only been noticing the really expensive ones. (If I can't do the Roadster, I'll just...not sure what....be sad? Poor me with my dashed dreams. (my sense of humor is not for everyone. I'm joking about the "be sad" part...kinda...))

[Iamnotacowboy]

Absolutely follow your dreams, Justin! :cool:

You could do a lot worse than reach out to David Smith, CEO and President of Factory Five Racing. I've never met him, only seen him in videos online and read about him. However, he seems like the kind of guy that would relish getting stuck in and linking you up with the right help for a special build or a conversion to meet your needs, whether a Roadster or any other FFR model. It's just a thought, and he must be a very busy guy! Worth a try...?

Paul :cool:


I second the idea of reaching out to Dave.
I've met him a couple times and he's happy to talk to anyone. My impression is that he loves a good story and unique build. You would definitely meet that criteria and he may have some good ideas and resources for you.

I never thought about that. Do y'all know any of his contact information? Appreciate ya!

[Iamnotacowboy]

While I'm saturating the forum with my responses, I have a quick question. Am I using the "reply with quote" function correctly? I think it'd be useful so you know what I'm responding to, but I don't want to frustrate y'all with my posts taking over the screen.

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Justin,

Would you like / need to take a wheelchair with you? The trunk is pitifully small on the roadster and may be an issue.

You are in the right place though. Keep posting with your comments and questions as there are so many great guys with all sorts of engineering talent, solutions to problems, and experience to share thoughts and ideas with.

From a point of egress, a late friend of mine was extremely weakened by cancer and his legs could no longer support him. We helped him into the roadster, went for a great drive. He was a stubborn nugget and on return, wouldn't let us help him to get out. We put his wheelchair alongside and while we went to get a beer from the house, he dragged himself out and into his chair. Probably took 15 minutes. Quite incredible.

Cheers,

Nige

[JTG]

I never thought about that. Do y'all know any of his contact information? Appreciate ya!

Sorry, I don't have his contact info.
We met at the open house, and then again when I went for a tour and to place the order. We're local in Massachusetts so it's easy to get over there.

If you call the main number and tell them what you're trying to do, I'm sure they could put you in touch with someone that could help. They were very helpful for me, but my question was relatively simple by comparison. I just wanted the specifics about registering a car in Massachusetts.

I hope you can find someone to let you try getting in and out of the car.

[Claybuster]

Hi Justin,
I used to live in the Gainesville, GA area, but we moved to Panama City, FL in 2017. If you find yourself in the Panama City/Panama City Beach area in the future, let me know. I am happy to meet up so you can get some ideas. I have a recently completed MkIV roadster.
Keep us in the loop on chasing the dream!
Jason

[Iamnotacowboy]

G'day Justin,

Would you like / need to take a wheelchair with you? The trunk is pitifully small on the roadster and may be an issue.

You are in the right place though. Keep posting with your comments and questions as there are so many great guys with all sorts of engineering talent, solutions to problems, and experience to share thoughts and ideas with.

From a point of egress, a late friend of mine was extremely weakened by cancer and his legs could no longer support him. We helped him into the roadster, went for a great drive. He was a stubborn nugget and on return, wouldn't let us help him to get out. We put his wheelchair alongside and while we went to get a beer from the house, he dragged himself out and into his chair. Probably took 15 minutes. Quite incredible.

Cheers,

Nige

My wheelchair is pretty small. I disassemble it and let it ride in the passenger seat in most cars.

[Iamnotacowboy]

Hi Justin,
I used to live in the Gainesville, GA area, but we moved to Panama City, FL in 2017. If you find yourself in the Panama City/Panama City Beach area in the future, let me know. I am happy to meet up so you can get some ideas. I have a recently completed MkIV roadster.
Keep us in the loop on chasing the dream!
Jason

Will do. Thank you sir.

[Cobradavid]

While I'm saturating the forum with my responses, I have a quick question. Am I using the "reply with quote" function correctly? I think it'd be useful so you know what I'm responding to, but I don't want to frustrate y'all with my posts taking over the screen.

Yes you are using the function correctly! :)

[BrianT]

You can do this! I have a friend that lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident. He served in the Marines. Amazing positive attitude. He builds, welds, has a Skat Pack Challenger that he converted to hand controls. Not only can you do it, it is just a fantastic trip for the mind! It isn’t as hard as I initially thought. I use AI often after reading the manuals to catch anything that is a common problem. I’ve been reading the forum for quite a while with morning coffee, great folks that love to help. You got this!

[Doublemyv]

Hi Justin, I didn't see that anyone mentioned a longer wheelbase Cobra replica, and that may be an alternative. I have a bad back, and initially wanted a Factory Five MK4 but the door opening and interior space were too tight. I ended up buying a Backdraft Racing replica with a 92" wheelbase, and a larger door opening and interior space, and under-car exhaust. I had that car from 2019 to 2024 and put 10,000 miles on it. I only sold it because FormaCars in Columbus Ohio came out with a 4" stretch option for the Factory Five MK4 and I jumped on that with a deposit. The 94" wheelbase translates to a 4" wider door opening, and a noticeably larger interior, and with under-car exhaust, the ingress-egress is way easier. Having said all that, Factory Five's new MK5 roadster might be something to consider, as the new chassis design contributes to lower seating, and that may work for you. Especially with under-car exhaust. I sold my car on the Cobra Country website, and they usually have several roadsters with under-car exhaust on their showcases. Good luck, Mark

[J R Jones]

Justin,
I have built prototypes and proof of concept vehicles in several industries. That experience often involved crossover technology, mixing conventional features in unconventional ways.
Motorcycles have more sophisticated hand controls than cars have, and boats have no foot controls. Personal watercraft have motorcycle like controls. Other than rudders, aircraft are all hand control.
Some of my mixed technology vehicles were so entertaining it was difficult to get evaluators to bring them back.
In your case I suggest looking to someone that will make hand controls for everything, obviously most stuff will be on the steering wheel.

My new experience recently is a Tesla S EV. It requires me to adapt my speed control and braking method. Most of my Tesla driving does not require the brake pedal. It is similar to my Kubota tractor hydrostatic transmission. When I lift on either Tesla or Kubota foot control, the vehicle slows and stops.
I can choose the level of regenerative braking on the Tesla. At max, when I lift, I must anticipate where I want to stop because it will stop without the brake. Sometimes I have to feather the throttle a bit to meet the stop point.
That technology would make paraplegic hand control of a vehicle easier to manage. Too bad I have retired, blending EV technology would be fun.
jim

[Lidodrip]

Hello Justin,

I applaud your determination and ingenuity, and feel confident that you are going to figure this out. I wonder if you could make a transfer seat work - https://waldochcustoms.com/products/turbo-slide-transfer-plate-left-side-fiorella-focaccia-group-copy?variant=50561766293636&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=&utm_campaign=RV+Products+campaign&hsa_cam=21216891280&hsa_tgt=pla-2346434757045&hsa_kw=&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=697248219340&hsa_acc=1978162613&hsa_grp=164357413387&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21216891280&gclid=CjwKCAjw-J3OBhBuEiwAwqZ_h_IK4xl0Z5Bk3uwGY4Wbs2WBE9uHPDVaF5z oYkL22KyeqDgNq1bJjhoC438QAvD_BwE

Or perhaps a seat base that has a motorized lift that can get you high enough to make transfer to/from a wheelchair easier.

Good luck!

James

[Dondero14]

Be persistent with ideas to chase your dream. I agree with an above post that if you could figure out an under the car exhaust that would help immensely for you to get in and out. What about trying to have some type of handle that can grab a hold of the roll bar to help pull you into the car. Either something that folds away or is easily removable that latches onto it. You could always veer away from the normal hooped roll bars and custom make one that can better accommodate something to grab a hold of and pull yourself in or out. One of the guys on here has videos on youtube under Random Werks of a custom single roll bar he made that extends the whole width of the car. A custom roll bar could allow you to put something on that swings and/or telescopes in and out. Good luck and be creative.