Need the help of R3V - Amputee Driving a Clutch

[5Toes]

Okay look at my name. 5toes. Yeah I am a right leg above knee amputee.

Now that Im 16 I can finally buy my e30 soon, just my parents are being dicks about me getting a 5 speed. I am almost certain I would be able to drive it, just gotta do a few modifications.

Either way their argument is that I need to drive for two more years with an automatic beofre Im ready for a manual. WTF? Ive been on the road permitted for almost a year and I do fine. No close calls what soever. Even at Street Survival yesterday my instructor was like, "Wow you are far ahead of eveyrbody skill wise". Im great driver for my age.

Either way do you guys out there agree with them? My Mom is also like "its too much to think about with your leg." WTF again? Its the same motion as somebody with their left leg clutching in/out.

My plan is to make pedals from this

C B G

To:

G B C

That way my right leg would handle just the clutch. I think this is entirely possible, just saw off the clutch pedal, and weld an arm to get it over to the gas area. Then take the gas pedal (its a cable not an MC like clutch) and mount that where clutch was.

Sorry for the rant. Im just pissed, it has been a "son you can do that" day. I mother fucking hate that shit.

[Pussy30]

Wut

[Danny]

very do-able.

[bloodshot-e30]

du ittt

[5Toes]

Oh I would Dont worry. My parents are just asshats

[HarryPotter]

wut

you suck

[Ryan...]

How exactly will you operate the clutch with the fake leg? Fab something up to hold your foot on the pedal at all times?

Its pretty cool that you're determined to get a manual though, props :)

[evandael]

Sounds like a good idea.

But I would not change it. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for difficulty with any future car purchases.. ones that may not be able to be modified in that fashion.


While it's not recommended (especially by driving instructors), maybe practice left foot braking to alleviate any excessive motion of your right leg.

Good luck with your parents. A somewhat compelling argument is that a manual car forces you to be more aware of your speed and more aware of your car as it relates to the road.. as opposed to an automatic, where you can just mash throttle and end up going way too fast.

[5Toes]

^ oh forgot to mention.

I would put velcro on the pedal, and on the bottom of my foot. I heard of another amputee doing that, and its a good idea. I would just have to take my shoe off when stepping in. lol

[5Toes]

Sounds like a good idea.

But I would not change it. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for difficulty with any future car purchases.. ones that may not be able to be modified in that fashion.


While it's not recommended (especially by driving instructors), maybe practice left foot braking to alleviate any excessive motion of your right leg.

Good luck with your parents. A somewhat compelling argument is that a manual car forces you to be more aware of your speed and more aware of your car as it relates to the road.. as opposed to an automatic, where you can just mash throttle and end up going way too fast.

All our cars are autos, and I just drive with my left foot. I dont have the ability to accurately move my right leg from pedal to pedal, and driving with left foot braking is a BAD idea. I find too that I ride the gas if I try with my right leg, its too heavy. I clutch though would not have that problem

[HarryPotter]

I am not sure why you want to do it? Is it because you'll be having to use your right leg to operate two levers? You can drive an automatic so why not a stick?

Already answered the question i see.

[5Toes]

What Potter?

[Sagaris]

I think it is totally do-able. I think an automatic with a manual valve body would be a lot of fun too ( lots more work in an e30 though).

Let me know if you need help doing any of the engineering/design work, just don't let your parents be:

[5Toes]

Oh it would HAVE to work. Otherwise Im SOL. Big time

Brian enlighten me on your manual valve body thing

[Sagaris]

I am sure you know what a manual valve body is, but just in case:

A manual valve body is installed on an automatic transmission so that you control all the upshifts and downshifts, it does not do any shifting "automatically". In my opinion, having full control over what gear the car is in is the biggest reason why I like manual transmissions. I personally am not a big fan of manually operating a clutch. I much prefer a DSG style transmission since the car can operate a clutch much faster, much more smoothly, and with less wear, that I ever could.

I don't know of any manual valve bodies for e30's. I had considered taking that on as a capstone project but took something a little safer. However, some e34 and e39 automatics are GM-built units and may have some manual valve body compatability, or if you want to get really smart, create your own electronic control for it and run paddle shifters if you want.

It is all very crazy talk, but it is a viable option. Not so much for e30's but for a lot of other cars it is.