New TiLite ZR

[Jim]

Hi all, need some suggestions.

I got the aluminum fendered adjustable side guards on my new chair. Because I have to break the chair down to put in my car, they will get ruined from scraping on the ground unless I adhere something to protect them. What do you suggest I use?

Also, what can I use to protect the frame from being damaged?

Thanks

[juniorsenior]

Would plastic trim work?

https://www.mcmaster.com/edge-trim/f...lastic-trim-7/


Some people may recommend a clear protective tape such as this: https://smile.amazon.com/VViViD-Clea...edirect=1&th=1

but in my experience, even with the correct more durable one, it does not hold up to blacktop or concrete very well.


These work well for what they are: https://www.dmehub.net/TiLIte-Neopre...ors-s/2138.htm

[Oddity]

I haven’t found anything that works against concrete or asphalt. Maybe some sacrificial plastic you can replace every so often. Or small rubber grommets you can attach to the frame where it touches the ground. (I’m thinking like the small hard rubber “frame sliders” I used on my motorcycles, to keep the frame from touching the ground if (when) I dropped them on their sides. Like a small round high durometer elastomer attached that sits 1/4” proud of the frame at key spots.)

I’ve taken to developing a technique where the leading under edge of my footrest is my pivot point for moving my chair around when breaking it down, so it’s the only part that gets mangled. Here is a video of it getting into my old van. Works the same for a lower car too.

https://daleb.smugmug.com/Sports/My-...7fCj/i-BV6tNR8

I dunno if that helps, transferring is so specific to each person what works for them. (And my upper body works fine, of course, as a para. That probably helps.)

[baldfatdad]

there is a bunch of stuff by Lizard skin that might work.

[Brianm]

there is a bunch of stuff by Lizard skin that might work.

I use two different kinds of Lizardskins on my chair. In their Bike Protection section, I use their, Small Frame Protector - Matte Clear for the down tubes of the foot rest and I use the Carbon Leather to protect the frame bars to the castors. The Carbon leather is much thicker and more protective, the question is would it stay stuck.

[juniorsenior]

If you are handy with a 3d printer, you could probably make a replaceable frame slider type piece. And then share the stl with us too

[August West]

Hi all, need some suggestions.

I have to break the chair down to put in my car...

Thanks

How about developing a technique where they don't touch the ground? I turn the chair so that the footplate touches the ground while the back rests against the car door arm rest. The wheels are off the ground in this position so they can be easily removed. The footplate is the only part of the chair that touches the ground. It gets beat up but only on the bottom where it doesn't show. Nothing else touches the ground so nothing else gets beat up.

[Jim]

How about developing a technique where they don't touch the ground? I turn the chair so that the footplate touches the ground while the back rests against the car door arm rest. The wheels are off the ground in this position so they can be easily removed. The footplate is the only part of the chair that touches the ground. It gets beat up but only on the bottom where it doesn't show. Nothing else touches the ground so nothing else gets beat up.

I'll try but have no left tricep and limited hand function.

Thanks for the advice, all.

[juniorsenior]

Have you considered an Adapt Solutions speedy-lift? Then you can still drive from the regular car seat, not have the lowered floor or raised roof of a ramp van, and be able to get in and out of your car in 30 seconds, most of the time just waiting for the wheelchair to be raised and lowered. I may be in the minority here, and I'm sure you enjoy your vehicle, but I find no value in breaking down my wheelchair so I can drive a car instead of a van. My injury happened at 24, I do not want to destroy my shoulders doing something that I can easily prevent. I tried breaking down my chair and it's just...too much work. I'm using my vehicle as a tool to live my life though, not as a hobby. Idk. Not hating on your choices. It's just something to consider.

[Jim]

I was unable to get D's Locks or SureLocks for the new chair so went with the scissor brakes. After transferring into the car, how do you get the left side brake off so you can break down the chair? After putting the chair together, how do you lock the left brake?

[August West]

I place my left hand on the cushion so that I can lean and reach the left lock with my right hand.

[juniorsenior]

Can you transfer without locking the left side?

[baldfatdad]

look at the wheelchairbearings.com brakes they sell. i've got two sets. what about the flexible plumbing pipe that's used now. PECs i think its called. i also have some frame pads i picked up somewhere. pm me , i'll send you some pics.

[Joe-MN]

If you are handy with a 3d printer, you could probably make a replaceable frame slider type piece. And then share the stl with us too

"replaceable frame slider type piece"

What is this piece? Pic, or parts diagram??

[juniorsenior]

I meant for you to invent one (like motorcycle frame sliders) and then share the design for others to use