This post is about a 2011 Toyota Hiace Welcab Wheelchair Lift Van that was involved in a serious accident and was brought to a Gold Coast Smash Repairer to have the lift removed, the back tailgate replaced and major repaires to the rear of the van. Below are some pictures and text showing the processes involved in repairing the vehicle over the past three months.
This what I first saw when the insurance company asked me to look at the vehicle.
Took awhile to clear all the broken glass but the lift was still working so it was quite easy to remove the deck of the lift once slide back without jamming on the glass.
Once the deck was off the lift it was just a matter of unbolting the lift from the floor and getting it ready for the forklift. As you can see most of the impact was on the bumper and underfloor area which was quite lucky as it saved the lift from any major damage.
This photo is after the panel beaters have repaired the floor ready for the wheelchair lift to be fitted back in the van.
Also a new rear door was fitted, this can cause issues if the new door lock is different than the original Welcab Hiace Door lock is not used as the Lift computer will not let the lift operate because it is not receiving the signal to say the rear door is open.
This photo show why it is highly recommend to replace the original OME Wheelchair Restraints as they are not really designed to take heavy weights like power wheelchairs as the front restraints broke free and the rear restraints had to be cut off by the Fire Brigade.
This photo how the front restraint hooks are missing because they completely pulled out from the floor mechanisms, and the rear restraint had to be cut free of the wheelchair due to jamming.
Once the lift was bolted back in the floor of the van it was time to check and straighten the cradle frame.
New nylon rollers and a 12v Deck motor were installed.
Now the wheelchair lift deck platform is ready to go back on the lift.
Fitting new wheelchair restraint mounting points and vinyl flooring.
Finished putting the deck back on the lift with the new restraints and fitted some English translation safety stickers.
All Done ready for the lights and trim to be fitted.