Specifications

587 Tilt Wheelchair
33
Installing and Replacing Vinyl Straps
The vinyl strapping has both elasticity and memory retention, which allows each strap to conform
to the resident as an independent unit. Occasionally a strap may lose memory or be cut, making
it necessary to replace them. The straps are installed under tension by heating the strap so that it
is soft and pliable, enabling it to be easily stretched during installation. They are held in place by
riveting them to the steel frame of the wheelchair and then wrapping them around the frame over
the top of the rivet. This is done the same for both ends of the strap.
1. Remove the old strap by cutting it in two and drilling out the rivets with a 3/16” drill bit.
2. Heat the strap either by placing it in a pot of boiling water for a couple of minutes or by
laying it out and heating it with a heat gun.
3. Rivet one end of the strap to the frame through the precut hole in the end of the strap,
using a 3/16” diameter by 3/8” long rivet. Ensure the crowned or shiny side is facing up.
Wrap the strap around the frame, over the top of the rivet.
4. Stretch the strap and wrap it around the other side of the frame next to the rivet hole (do
not cover the rivet hole with the strap).
5. Rivet the other end of the strap, through the precut hole in the end of the strap to the
frame.
6. Stretch the strap and move the offset strap over to cover the rivet.
Note: If the strap cools during installation, reheat it with a heat gun.