I'm looking into options. and one is having the rear drivers side door having a suicide conversion.

Are there any mk1/1st gen Neon owners who either are wheelchair users or know people who are who've done this?

This is not some random question on my behalf. I walked into hospital with an infection a few months back. And the following day they removed my right leg below the knee. I do not want to change my car, but know it's never going to be the same.

So any info & images on that being done to a 4 door's rear doors please


There are various types in the states but none really really for a similar sized car. This is a Chrysler 300c.

The youtube video shows a wheelchair user & his 4door with a suicide door for him to put his wheelchair on the back seat.

This particular option appears to have very little cutting of the structure.



But I know nothing so please educate me with details, photos & diagrams

 

Do you see a prosthetic in your future? That would kinda obviate the need for the suicide door, wouldn't it?? I know recovery is going to take some time..... but, prolly getting that conversion done ain't gonna be quick, or cheap. Is your Neon already a four door? (that would make it easier....)

 

Due to covid & China shenanigans. Things are taking double or triple the time. Before it would be 3 months to be referred to physio, a further 3-6 months after that to be referred for a prosthetic. So it could be over a year!

Even if you have a prosthetic leg. You won't be able to use it every day. There will be times [days, weeks or even months] when you can't use it.

The UK never got the 2door, all neons brought here were 4door.

 

I don't want to sound insensitive, but have you tried driving with your left foot? My right foot was in a brace for several months and I used my left foot. It took some getting used to and you MUST have an automatic, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy.

 

I used to have calipers on both legs for a number of years. Driving left footed is not new to me.

My cars for the last 10+ years have all been automatics. The mk1 Neon I have is a 4 speed 41TH with a V6 taken out of a Grand Voyager/Caravan. So there is NO way I'm getting shot my little monster!

 

THAT puts a different light on things. It's one thing to just get around. It's quite another for a custom built car, especially if you built it. I have seen several shows based in the UK where cars were custom modified. Granted, these are "Reality" shows so they weren't very realistic. Are there any trade schools near you that might be able to custom build something?

Now, there is a Crown Victoria running around town with a big white box on the roof. The owner is on his second Crown Vic using this box. It opens up and lowers his wheel chair. It will then put the chair back when he's done and ready to drive.You may not want to do that as his car is much larger than yours and it's pretty ugly.

 

A roof box like that would be a neon sign on the car to be targeted. The boxes are bloody ugly & hammer the aerodynamics of the car. Let's just say British weather & a high sided light vehicle!!! The cost of one of those boxes & cranes From £4570 & up!
https://www.steeringdevelopments.co....lchair-storage

A suicide door conversion is a damn sight more discreet. Not mention looking more & more cost effective!
I know with health & moving house then trying to get this rented property ready to receive 'Christine' my little monster. I've let her stand. I know a rewire is needed and a little bit of welding. But here is a link to my build on another neon forum.
https://forums.neons.org/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=374536
Enjoy

 

I looked at some of the posts, from 2011. I have seen RHD Neons here in the states. They were like Wranglers. Postal carriers could order them.