Monster Garage Season 2 Episode 7 Handicap Car
- TV-PG
- September 29, 2003
- 49 min
In season 2 episode 7 of Monster Garage, the team takes on its most challenging project yet, creating a vehicle that will allow a man with ALS to continue enjoying the thrill of driving. This episode, titled "Handicap Car," opens with a heartbreaking backstory of a man named Josh who, at just 29 years old, was diagnosed with ALS and was gradually losing his ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe. Despite the grim prognosis, Josh was determined to continue living his life to the fullest. That’s when the team at Monster Garage stepped up to the challenge.
Jesse James and his team of mechanics and fabricators at Monster Garage are tasked with creating a vehicle that can be operated by Josh, who has lost the use of his arms and legs. The team starts by working on a car that can be driven with foot controls, but quickly realizes that it would be too difficult for Josh to operate safely. They also try voice-activated controls, but the sensitive microphone is triggered by background noise and makes driving the car very challenging.
In a truly innovative move, the team decides to take a completely different approach- rebuilding a four-wheel-drive quad bike with adapted controls that Josh can operate using his head and chin. The quad bike is fitted with hand controls and a joystick, which Josh can use to steer and brake the bike, as well as operate the throttle. The team also modifies the bike with a trailer hitch and attaches a custom-built trailer that Josh can use for necessary equipment, like his wheelchair.
The building process is a mixture of excitement and frustration as they go through different iterations, fine-tune the controls, and try to make sure it will meet the needs of the driver. The team also includes several mechanics with disabilities who see the project as an opportunity to promote the idea that anyone can accomplish anything they set their mind to, with the right accommodations. Along the way, they face several setbacks, such as the joystick breaking during testing, and the trailer not being able to handle the weight of Josh's wheelchair. However, the team never stops working and eventually overcomes these obstacles.
Finally, the big moment arrives, and Josh is given the chance to test out the new quad bike. The team is nervous as Josh puts the vehicle through its paces, driving over rocky terrain and through tight turns. However, Josh proves to be a skilled driver, maneuvering the bike expertly and showing just how much the modifications have helped him.
The episode concludes with Josh expressing his gratitude to the team and sharing how much this new vehicle means to him. Jesse James and the team made a profound difference in Josh's life, allowing him to continue doing what he loves despite the limitations of his illness.
Overall, Monster Garage season 2 episode 7 is an emotional and inspiring episode that showcases the team's innovative problem-solving skills, their teamwork, and their commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives. Throughout the episode, the team demonstrates their creativity, tenacity, and technical know-how, culminating in the creation of a vehicle that allows Josh to enjoy one of his favorite activities - driving. It's a touching episode that shows the best of humanity when faced with a difficult challenge.