¦ December 1, 2006
55 Ford Panel
My Therapy

Sam Schmidt asked, "Who says that people who are physically challenged need to be relegated to the use of oversized rolling bricks (i.e. conversion vans)?" The former Indy Racing League driver who was paralyzed from the neck down in a January 2000 testing crash always drove street rods and muscle cars prior to his injury. Although his Explorer Van has all the modern features, he longed for the day that he could once again ride in something fun and cool again. The difficulty was finding a way for him to maintain 58" of clearance sitting in his wheel chair. Even with the standard height of most utility vehicles, there was not sufficient room in a standard RWD set up. Thus the idea of a late model FWD configuration with all of the required conveniences (A/C, PW, reliability, On Star and satellite radio) combined with hot rod looks. Thinking that the Ford would be easy to find, he called Greg at G&R; Auto Parts in Oklahoma City, who just happened to be taking apart a brand new 2005 Cadillac Sedan Deville. G&R; sent Tri-C Engineering in Valencia, CA the entire running platform with original dash, interior and everything. Unfortunately, it took Sam another 18 months (and shipping in two other rust buckets) before he located the relatively nice ‘55 shown in the photos. The body was merged with the Cadillac platform, leaving the vehicle with its wonderful (and adjustable) ride, and all of the complicated electronics intact. You'll notice body modifications to include suicide electric doors; hood pancaked 2" and stretched 3". Front fenders are lengthened in the rear 3" to fit the wheelbase, and the rear doors will be welded together and raise up in gull wing fashion electronically. The tail will lower with Air Ride Technologies bags and Sam will access through the rear via a Braun RA 200 commercial lift. Bucket seats will be located on either side of him for his young children and he expects this to be a daily driver. Sam says that the key to overcoming a disability is a strong faith, good family support system and a reason to get up every morning. Why shouldn't hot rodding be a reason?!