OK, its time to dust off the old VW ... and get cracking to get it back on the road.

We are planning a road trip and holiday for Luke - a trip to the beach and at least one nights accommodation near the beach (so he can go back and enjoy it for more than just a few hours).

Sadly - the VW was taken off the road back in 2010 - for mechanical reasons - and now because of new laws relating to the use of such vehicles for paid employees - we have to modify and upgrade it - so that members of the DREAM TEAM can drive it.

The challenge -

1. to reinstate all of the extra features that made it suitable for use by Luke, and
2. get engineering certificates on all those modifications, to enable us to
3. get a new RWC, special registration, and the insurance to go with it.

Anyone interested ?  Please contact us at admin@justforluke.com

Any alternatives?  Yes - but they are hard to come by.  DHHS and other disability service providers do have vehicles that have been modified to suit the needs of some of the people they support.  In the past they were never as good as what we needed for Luke, but .. times have changed ... and I am now confident that they must have something half decent that we might be able to borrow, lease or even buy.

Any suggestions ?  Please contact us at admin@justforluke.com

To help us organise the road trip and holiday for Luke (and to get the VW back on the road for Luke s a "means of getting there")  we opened an account with GoFundMe

www.GoFundMe.com/holidayforLuke

For more on transport equipment for Luke visit - http://www.justforluke.com/PAGES/Transport.html

THE BIG MOVE - and the END OF AN ERA

On June 21, 2012 we drove up to DENI to pick up Luke and all of his belongings.

No sooner had we pulled up to the house when Luke rushed out and said "Mum, Dad, can you open the door".  With the door open Luke jumped in the back, put on his seat belt and waited patiently while we loaded all of his things into the trailer that we had hired.

 

Just before sunset we drove down the road, but then after no more than 5 km, the vehicle started to shudder and shake. The engine just would not pull anymore.  It seemed like the transmission had failed, and here we were, in the middle of no where, with a special passenger and a trailer full of stuff.

Happily the father of a friend of ours - Graeme - came to the rescue.  We unhitched the trailed and he pulled it into town and then later all the way to Bendigo for us. After a while the transmission seemed to be working again.  With no trailer we decided to take the risk - and drove all the way to Bendigo - to deliver our precious cargo.  The trip was uneventful and we all arrived happy, safe and well.

Sadly though the VW was not happy.  Even so, I drove it back to Melbourne.  Diagnosis - Complete transmission failure. Remedy - Replacement. Cost of repairs  ~$7,000.

... the end of an era.

The OWV - put out to pasture

With Luke now able, with appropriate supports, to travel in the front seat of a regular UTE, the OWV was deemed too old, too unrelaiable, and too expensive to keep roadworthy and registered, so it was put out to pasture.

On June 24, 2012 it was collected and sent off to be scrapped.

A COOL WAY TO TRAVEL

Here are some examples of the van in use, and the joy and opportunities it has enabled ...

Update - OWV stands alone ...

Imagine this ... the Old White Van ... broken down on the side of the road ... miles from nowhere, but surrounded by vast fields of rice ... and swarms of mozzies. Four hours later, the guys manage to get a lift back to the farm ... a little sore and ... itchy.  A few days later the van gets towed back into town, and is taken to the local Toyota dealer. Five days later - I give them a call - "I'm sorry mate .. its just not worth fixing" ... The carby this, the dizzy that ... and who knows what else we might find.

Well that may be the case for any other customer, but Luke needs that van. There is nothing like it - available to hire or buy. He has special needs, and those special needs demand a very special vehicle. He has no other form of transport ... except for this NEW WHITE VAN - but it sits, still in pieces, in my driveway.

Hmmm ...  I wish I had a magic wand.

INTERCOMM

Why is it that the last 20% takes 80% of the time? It is the little things - and the mounts for the C-PILLAR intercomms is no exception. It took me nearly 2 days to design build and fit, three different prototypes before finally coming up with a design that was both - robust, easy to fit, and relatively easy to build. Note - "looks good" wasnt included in that list - and so here it is - a bit of a dog's breakfast - but at least it works.

The main problem was the limited space and odd angles (nothing is square in the back of a car), plus the fact that it had to be fully gimbled (2 axis adjustment), spring loaded and able to withstand a heavy blow without breaking. It also had to return to the set position quickly and without misalignment.

Status Update

This is taking much longer than I had every imagined. Almost every day now I am spending several hours working on this thing. My family has been very patient, and for that I am grateful. There have been many times when I simply wanted to give up. However, there is no alternative. News from NSW suggesting that the old white van is "on it last legs" makes me realise that the need is still real. In a panic one day, I even stooped to asking DHS - "Can I buy one of your old vans?", but alas, no, there are none for available, and none likely to become available for sale in the near to distant future. So I have to continue, and assurances from NSW, and experts from GCSS, that the old white van is sill "OK" and "doing its job" gives me hope, and allows me to steal a little more time. I must press on, but with time running out, I am going to have to make some compromises - not on function or completeness, but maybe on finish. So while it will work - in parts - it might still look a bit rough and/or amatuerish.

Now, to complete the project (but not necessarily finish) and make it ready for use - I think this what I have yet to complete -

1. INTERCOMM - installation and test
2. C-PILLAR TRIM - modification to make more robust and fit
3. CENTRE CONSOLE - build and fit (easy job)
4. CEILING TRIM - extra strap to secure light fittings
5. CURTAIN RAIL TRIM - cut, glue and refit (easy)
6. CENTRAL LOCKING CONTROL - design and install

Phew - that doesnt seem llike much now does it ?

INTERIOR TRIM

With many thanks to Mr. Pranot Vancanchalam from THAI NAM PLASTICS (Ph + 66 2 810 3000) - I now have enough vinyl to complete the interior trimming of all surfaces in the back of Luke's van. He has supplied me with 12m x1200mm of a very special, very tough, foam backed, leather look, PU "vinyl" at a very good price.

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

Well here it is ... well at least the first prototype. Basically - its a 14" LCD screen with stereo sound, mounted in the front panel above the limo screen window. Main controls, DVD player, Digital TV tuner, Radio, iPod interface, XBox, are all mounted in the drivers compartment. Rear seat passengers get a wireless game controller, and your average TV remote. One set of speakers actually doubles as the speaker for the driver/passenger intercom.

REAR LOWER TRIM

Ok it might not look like much - and it yet to be finished with paint and vinyl covering, but it currently contains all of the desired features - arm rest, speaker (water proof and shock resistant), magazine/drink bottle holder  holder, and the all important - cup holder.

Yes - this version of the  cup holder is actually a piece of downpipe - but hey it works and it is very strong.

SIDELIGHTS

What's a sidelight? It is actually a window either side of the limo screen that provides the driver a small window for the odd "head check" and for the co-driver to see and communicate with whoever is entering through the rear doors. The special upper trim ensures a neat finish and is strong enough to serve as a hand grip.

Update on progress - so close and yet so far

Hi - just a quick update on progress - havent had time to post the photos - but the major structural works are complete, but there is still a lot of work to do before I can say it is finished. The specific items needing work are as follows -

1. Sidelights (windows on the side of the limo screen)
a) make padded trim for upper corner
b) make padded trim for lower edge
2. Intercomm (audio only) -
a) refit microphones (front and rear)
b) fit speakers (front and rear)
c) tidy up cabling
d) test and adjust
3. Curtain Rails -
a) remove, cover with paded vinyl, and then refit
4. Interior Lighting -
a) make supports, clamps and covers
b) run cabling
c) mount switches & lamps
5. Infortainment -
a) fit rear speakers
b) run cabling
c) make supports for and mount main console in drivers compartment
6. Intercomm (with video)
a) remount rear cameras
b) rerun cabling
c) make mount for front control unit
d) mount front control unit
e) modify front control unit to accomodate external microphone
f) mount external front microphone.
7. Climate Control
a) make mount for front control unit
b) fit front control unit.
8. Interior Trim -
a) rebuild and remount arm rests and cup holders (yes - they are important)
b) paint paintable surfaces
c) cover unpainted surfaces with padded vinyl and/or autocarpet

There is more ... but that basically covers the essential items that must be completed before I would allow it to be put to good use in Deni.

Any ideas, suggestions, or even a helping hand, would be appreciated.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

OK, it might not look like much - but it works great. The system was designed and built by WOLFELEC for the traditional London Taxi. From the drivers seat - and the engine off - you can hear the faintest whisper coming from the back seat. With the engine on ...


... am about to find out ... because by the time we got around to turning on the ignition ... the vehicle battery went flat.

Hmm... got to do something about that 450W of "ambient lighting".

AMBIENT LIGHTING SYSTEM

Oh drat ... I just couldnt resist ... still not finished but this should give you some idea of what I had in mind for a lighting system designed to give a very special kind of ambience. ... OK maybe this makes it look more like a party bus, than a serious piece of 'transport equipment". but hey - that was very much my intention.

Seriously though - the use of coloured LEDs will enable us to control the light temperature and the use of high intensity WHITE LEDS will give us the next best thing to day light from a blue sky - which we all know is essential for the production vitamin E and happy feelings.

INTERIOR TRIM - C-Pillar & Lower Rear

Not finished - but at least this should give yuo some idea of what I am hoping to achieve. C-Pillar trim, which is also used to hold the rear seat intercom (push button to get attention, two way comms, plus colour camera with IR to work in low light), is to be mounted to the C-Piller using four brackets.

This photo shows the C-Pillar trim as it might look (covered with foam and vinyl) the lower rear panel with armrest, rear speaker and cup holder / document pocket.

AMBIENT LIGHTING SYSTEM

Decisions Decisions. What I would really like to have is  a strip of SUPER BRIGHT COOL WHITE LEDS along the top of each curtain rail.  Superlight in Sydney can supply this in a preformed housing in any length up to 10m ready to install -

http://www.superlight.com.au/FWS/modules/estore/public/fes_catalog.php?id=164

Jaycar also have LED lighting strips - without the housing  - ready to just stick on to any surface, or in a flexible 600mm length. I figure the unprotected LEDS could sit on the top of the duct at the top of the curtain rail, and/or I could install several of the flexible packaged strips in the gap above the ducts.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SL3952&CATID=24&form=CAT&SUBCATID=375

The problem is - do I just get the SUPER BRIGHT COOL WHITE LEDS or do I get the MULTICOLOURED ones.  The cool white will guarantee a good quality of light - very close to daylight - but the coloured ones, while not as bright would enable us to vary the colour temperature to anything we find to be suitable at any time of the day.  Decisions decisions.

In the absence of any clear direction - I am going to put this idea on hold.  I already have one of the flexible strips - so I will install that first and see how that goes.  I figure we can always install the full LED lighting rails when I get the money to pay for it (total cost of LED strips down both sides would come to about $600).

P.S. If you were wondering why I would go to so much trouble to get the lighting right - I have a theory about the effect of Light colour temperature on Lukes mood.  For many years I have observed notable changes in Luke mood when the light changes from bright to dark, dark to light, blue to yellow - but as yet have been unable to prove it. Having total control of the light colour might not only provide a fun and comfortable environment  - it might also help us to understand and test a theory that, if proven, could lead to significant helps being provided to other people who carry a peculiar sensitivity to light colour temperature - myself included.

FIRST TEST DRIVE - A GREAT SUCCESS

On July 5, 2010 - we let Luke see the interior of the van for the first time - and we went for a drive. In short - I think he loved it. He inspected everything very carefully, but settled quickly into his seat, and really seemed to enjoy the view,  and the smooth and quiet ride. 

Some people are already calling it "Luke's party bus". 

Given Lukes initial reaction - I think its going to work out OK.

FRONT LIMO SCREEN - in place

From this ...

to this ...

OK ... it might not look like much i this photo - but it is finally in position - and it works. The big lump of yellow stuff is a piece of latex foam that will be covered with vinyl. The little block of grey and the front center is actually a foam block covered with cheap vinyl. Behind that block is an opening  - that is - an opening into the "transfer box".  The driver can put things in the box at the front (eg drinks food) - between the front seats, and push it back.  The rear passengers can reach into the box and pull it out for themselves.  Works a treat.

REAR ARM RESTS

Rear Arm Rests ...

... well at least its a start.

LIMO SCREEN window

POWERLITE - Doesn't look like much, but an internet search revealed that the original was built and supplied by "CR LAWRENCE". I contacted them and they told me that they stopped making them in 1982 and that all documentation was lost. Someone else told me that the original specification included the words "not bullet proof". The glass was originally provided by a company called "BLINDEX". Current listings show them as being the manufacturers of armoured cars in Brazil.

FRONT LIMO SCREEN ... rough beginnings

CURTAIN RAIL TRIM / AIR DUCT / WINDOW FRAME

Ahah - so this is what it could look like ...



I wish I could say - ahah - that's it ...



... but this piece of "trim" is currently just held in place by a bit of velcro.

The air conditioning ducts sit hidden on the top of the "panel".

LED lighting strips will also run along the top - providing a very soft reflective glow eminating from the edge of the ceiling.

Note also that the window frame IS fixed in place and it makes for very effective form of "double glazing".

What do you think?

Does it look OK?

CURTAIN RAIL TRIM (continued)

It has taken me nearly three whole days of trial and error, but I think this is going to work.

Picture 1 - a piece of custom duct work (and a lot of duct tape).















Picture 2 - a very nice neat and elegant piece of foamed polystyrene, bent to fit the main edge of the curtain rail.

Picture 3 - "tropical gutter" bent to create a custom, flexible but very strong piece on interior trim. Looks so good - I may not even have to cover it.

Picture 4 - One of the main requirements is that it provides some impact protection. This simple demonstration shows how (with just piece of neoprene to fill the gap) the trim can flex without breaking. The plan is to use foamed polypropylene to fill the gap. Foamed polypropylene looks like regular polystyrene, but is much stronger and resumes it original shape after impact. That's why it is used as the main support in the bumper bars of most modern cars.

CURTAIN RAIL TRIM

Whats so difficult about the curtain rail upholstery?

The objective is to construct something that -

1. looks good,
2. provide a certain mount of padding (because the rail is close to head height)
3. and accomodates an
a) air conditioning duct (about 50x100 mm)
b) air condition outlets
c) some LED lighting strips, and possibly
d) some controls (eg air con, sound system, intercom)

The biggest challenge - how to do all of that but accomodate the mouting strap tht is used to hold the front cargo barrier.

Now this is the way it was installed - according to manufacturers instructions - so I am not keen to change it - so I have to accomodate it.

Third picture - Not so squeezy. While there at first seems to be plenty of room to run the air duct - this roof rail gets in the way and leaves on 35mm. Hmmm.

CARGO COMPARTMENT TRIM

Not sure if I should have called this rear compartment trim or cargo compartment trim. Whatever - this represents several days of work. Not finished yet - but moving forward in the right direction.

The primary objective was to box in the gaps between the windows and the cargo compartment and provide protection for the rear airconditioning unit. Mission accomplished.

The "snorkel" is 90mm poly pipe being used to duct the airconditioning up into the ceiling so that we could run it along the curtain rail to the front of the passenger compartment. The idea was to provide - high volume low speed air flow to ensure maximum cooling without a lot of hiss. Again - mission accomplished. With this configuration - even at 40 degrees outside the rear compartment remains cool (ok 27 deg) with a mimimum of noise.