LHD conversion

[schoonbeek]

Has anyone out there ever converted a LHD S1/2/3 to RHD as I am considering the opposite (RHD to LHD) I wouldn't mind buying a LHD S3 (or S2) dashboard for example.

Ben Schoonbeek

[shnozz]

would imagine this would be a very costly way to do it (thinking Alfa Spider)

did you see the nice looking silver LHD for sale a few weeks back on PH?

[schoonbeek]

I've seen the extensive photo coverage of an S2 dashboard being reupholstered. That seems pretty straightforward. The only thing that really need major adaptation are the speedo and rev holes and the glove box. The steering rack can be exchanged pretty straightforward by a LHD example. As far as I can judge the firewall is symmetrical, so not many problems to switch the pedalbox either. I don't know yet about the mounting bracket for the steering column.
But I'm still tempted.

[roy c]

schoonbeek said: The steering rack can be exchanged pretty straightforward by a LHD example.

Are you sure? The company that produced the original steering racks (which seem to be from GM Vauxhall Chevette, but with different internals) no longer exist. So RHD racks have to be reconditioned.



>> Edited by roy c on Friday 7th March 07:31

[RichardR]

shnozz said: Did you see the nice looking silver LHD for sale a few weeks back on PH?

That'll be this one I'm guessing.

[shnozz]

yep, that be the same one. very nice. I do like silver cars and the wheels are rather different too.

[johns3c]

Two years ago I also checked out the RHD to LHD conversion route for an S3C. Unavailability of LHD steering rack & dashboard plus wiring loom hassles, and general extent of work, made me seek out a genuine LHD instead. My estimate was that their generally higher cost compared to RHD's was offset by the cost one would have encountered in the event that LHD parts had been in stock..
Best bet: get a LHD TVR instead!

John,Oslo(now proud owner of ex-German LHD TVR S3C)

[Podie]

shnozz said: yep, that be the same one. very nice. I do like silver cars and the wheels are rather different too.

Hmm... Ford do wheels that look pretty much like those... never hugely popular, but they are still available...

[se1lad]

Well if you do convert an RHD S3 to LHD then I'd be interested in buying the lower dash panels as they are difficult to find in RHD form!

Cheers