AfterChris d-b's comment in another thread about hand operated clutch type of thing and after trip to foot doctors today with the subsequent very frank conversation that was had I wondered how feasible (if at all) that this could be done to my 165

Was told today that in my foot care specialists own opinion I am going to lose the foot at least, basically because it is the heel which is so load bearing and will probably just split into two.

So.... remembering Chris's part jokily post i wondered how hard this would be

I have looked about on the internet and have seen "duck clutches" but are two cost prohibative for me @£2000 starting point but very little else...obviously it would have to be something that is graduated ( maybe by air? i dont know )

You may wonder why i am bothering with such an old car etc and would it be worth it but to me it sort of is as its kept me alive with something to do adn if i kept her it probably always would.... besides i dont think i would get much for her tbh

Always did say that if i got her runing again then something would happen didnt I

I am going to have to cancel Ryan at 2Bar for the tune up and wonder if its worth re-booking it so she is running spot on if i cant keep her

Yes there is a very small chance the foot wont go.... but it IS a very slim chance but as she said she got it wrong last time so there is still a flicker of hope but i think that with her frank and openess about it today i think the decision is pretty much conclusive

Thoughts, opinions and ideas really really wanted as i dont want to plough any more money into her as i will not get that back and more importantly it would be great to think that having a hand operated clutch lever on the gear stick would mean i could keep the car that is actually good for me (even if i do moan about it) ( and i know some of you know that it is more about me that the car itself,,,its what it represents, how it helps and things)

Well I hope to get some good feedback....or just a NOPE, too cost prohibative, unworkable etc........at least i would know and can start planning getting rid of.

Thanks Chris

Actuator on stock clutch pedal then controled from a variable trigger system on gearstick.

like this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiXnVl_KZ70

Has to be on gearstick really as you only have 2 hands 1 on wheel and 1 to change gear..

Is there any autobox out there that could be adapted? I know there are some auto celicas?

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Yes i saw that one...( seems to be pretty much the only one out there tbh ) but at over £2000 i think i may have a problem

Here it is ( I hope ) on an Ariel Atom going around Cadwell Park

Obviously it has to be a graduated operation but i could see that it could be not too bad to get used too.
As for an auto i think it would be too difficult to do what with 4wdrive and the extra power

Please keep thoughts and idea's coming if there is anyway

Thanks

St215 caldina had auto option (most were auto) with regular auto box control and buttons on steering wheel.

May be worth looking at Auto RAV4 as well? 4wd and 3sge.

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JP
GT4DC Treasurer

Grey St185 RC
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JP is right - the Caldina did indeed come with an auto-tiptronic gearbox with buttons on the steering wheel.

I also know that a local tuning shop are currently working on a VW Polo for a disabled guy in a wheel chair which has been adapted with hand controls - I'll try and find out more.

Stay positive mate

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Vice Chairman
1990 White UK Celica ST185 - Project DTM
1997 Cream BMW R1200C (as seen in James Bond "Tomorrow Never Dies")
2005 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sovereign AWD Automatic
Blood Bikes - https://www.freewheelers.org.uk/

I didn't even give a thought about the Caldina

Nigel.... Thanks mate any info is something as just trying to grasp to what i can hold on to really. The car has kept me going a long time forcing me out there etc, will ALWAYS need something doing to it and cant think of anything else that will acheive the same thing

OOps.... Thank you

For those that know the Caldina or autoboxes in general - is the gear shift mechanism electronic or mechanical?

I can see two possible hurdles, if its mechanical then getting it to fit in the 165 shell and having the stick in the right place might be a headache. If its electronic then unravelling the wiring and control to make it work might also be a problem.

I'm sure its not beyond our collective ability though!

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Two ways of looking at it.

Auto box - My first thought was rav4, but it seems caldina is also an option. An awful lot of work to fit (engine back out etc.) and who thinks an auto is fun to drive ?

Hand operated clutch -

Really needs something linear for controlled pulaways & manoevering, but also needs something on the gearknob to allow gearchange & clutch with one hand. If I remember rightly, the rally cars retained the clutch pedal for control but also had the button for gearchanges.

Linear hand clutch is easy with a hydraulic clutch. Adaptation of a hydraulic handbrake plumbed in the clutch line thereby retaining footpedal for use by anyone else. Adition of a 'ratchet' would allow the clutch to remain diengaged while the hand changes gear. Wouldn't be quick but probably quite usable with a bit of practice.

As far as an option for a powered hydraulic fluid pump from a button, maybe an adaptation of an ABS pump, or maybe Motorised linear actuator plus master cylinder ?

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

ME
Having owned a Caldina auto-tiptronic and currently own an Audi with an S-tronic box...believe me you can have loads of fun!
To the extent that I don't think I'll go back to a stick shift!


BTW the Polo I know of has an auto box and it is the brake and accelerator that have been adapted to hand controls.

_________________
Vice Chairman
1990 White UK Celica ST185 - Project DTM
1997 Cream BMW R1200C (as seen in James Bond "Tomorrow Never Dies")
2005 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sovereign AWD Automatic
Blood Bikes - https://www.freewheelers.org.uk/

not really up on electronics but this may work with an actuator

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... r/k166.htm ??/

Caldina slushbox is driven from the main ECU so would potentially require mucho trickery to get working

Linear electric actuators would be the most elegant but challenging

Nibbles,
For hydraulic pumps you could possibly use the ps pump. Look at hydroboost brake systems (might ctually be a useful resource coupled with a brake lever off of a pushbike and some ingenuity)

The old fashioned systems used to have a ring added to the steering column much like the pre 2012 WRC setups. This ring was then used for any of the pedals, presumably with assistance where required. Might prove fruitful to search the old days archives for some info. I rember dad getting some car or other converted to hand controls

Bit of a grizzly subject but I would think even a prosthetic would be fine for operating a normal clutch assuming you still have the rest of the leg

Hiya all... thank you for some interesting thoughts
A question that comes to my mind is "why imparticular the Rav4 auto gearbox"? What makes that the gearbox if choice? Is it close proximity size wise, mates up easily etc.... I can understand the Caldina but......

Think I get some definitive answers regarding leg tomorrow as had MRI scan today

I must admit the more I have looked ( I know its not a DIY solution) the duck clutch makes the most sense.... I think lol

Hi Chris,

Putting a 3s-gte in a rav4 is quite a common modification so there is probably a fair bit of information out there on it.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Thanks Mike...nice short and concise, just what I needed