Lhd conversion on clasic cars...
Discussion
If they made them in LHD originally, then it would be much easier. If they didn't it would still be possible, but could be far more expensive.
I've just had a look, and the MG and Spitfires appear to have come LHD. I'd sell the RHD, and buy a LHD one.
I've just had a look, and the MG and Spitfires appear to have come LHD. I'd sell the RHD, and buy a LHD one.
Edited by MX7 on Wednesday 19th May 13:34
123hey said:
Thank you!!!BTW...where are they made originaly?USA Canada??
Made in EnglandOK UK then
They were built in the same factories, same tracks just with different build specs.
Abingdon were building LHD and RHD at the same times on some assembly lines, just collecting different parts from the stores according to the model spec
A conversion either way on a British car which has been available overseas shouldn't be a problem but to keep costs down you do need a donor car.
I would guess that the conversion is done most frequently left to right on cars over here which have been repatriated so someone somewhere has plenty of right to left bits!!
I would guess that the conversion is done most frequently left to right on cars over here which have been repatriated so someone somewhere has plenty of right to left bits!!
perdu said:
123hey said:
Thank you!!!BTW...where are they made originaly?USA Canada??
Made in EnglandOK UK then
They were built in the same factories, same tracks just with different build specs.
Abingdon were building LHD and RHD at the same times on some assembly lines, just collecting different parts from the stores according to the model spec
Regarding the original question, yes it's possible but I wouldn't bother. Most of the conversions are left to right, converting imported dry-state cars from the US to RHD so just buy a dry-state car from the US, import it and DON'T convert it to RHD!
MX7 said:
//j17 said:
Actually not always true (depending on car). You also get locally produced cars in some countries or KDK cars (Knock Down Kit - all the parts/panels boxed up in the UK and assembled overseas).
Were the Midget or Spitfire ever made overseas?Hmm lots of Spridgets were sent as CKD to Australia for assembly, also some were exported as CKD to Italy where they became donors for Innocenti to build Innocenti Sprites on the chassis sections
looks like maybe 25,000+ spridgets were CKD in all
There's quite a lot about the CKDs and other production stuff in my favourite Midget and Sprite book, "Original Sprite and Midget" by Terry Horler with lots of numbers quoted.
Cant help with Spitfires though, not in my interest sphere, sorry
I once looked at getting my 7 series from RHD to LHD, so I could take with me when I moved back to Europe, Interestingly, I found 2 places that would do it free if I let them keep the RHD parts, LHD to RHD is more common and they could sell the RHD parts, they had loads of LHD parts laying about they could not use.
10 years ago so I've lost the adress.
10 years ago so I've lost the adress.
Any specialist would be able to convert a Spitfire or Midget from RHD to LHD. Certainly on the Spitfire and I would guess the Midget, it is a very simple job and, as I understand it, really only requires a new rack and, depending on model, a new dash and possibly pedal arrangement (not sure about this), the rest would just transfer over with the mounting points usually already there.
As has been said before though, unless the car you want to convert has particular sentimental value, then it would almost certainly be cheaper to buy a LHD one in the first place. Most British sportscars of that era were aimed directly at the US and sold there in large numbers. If you don't want to ship it then they are also for sale in Europe.
As has been said before though, unless the car you want to convert has particular sentimental value, then it would almost certainly be cheaper to buy a LHD one in the first place. Most British sportscars of that era were aimed directly at the US and sold there in large numbers. If you don't want to ship it then they are also for sale in Europe.
I'd look for LHD cars, as they are less desirable over here, and can be cheaper.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/
And of course the classifieds on PH. Just do a search with 'lhd'. Car and Classic has almost a thousand.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/
And of course the classifieds on PH. Just do a search with 'lhd'. Car and Classic has almost a thousand.
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