Vixen 2500 : from RHD to LHD
Discussion
I think You would need to change the pedal positions/pedal box, dash template, steering column, cannot think if you can opposite hand the steering rack? Someone will be along soon to clarify this, think you may need a new one.
Re plumb brake lines.Small amount of wiring?
It would be relatively easy as most of them were made to be exported to USA.
Hope this helps
Re plumb brake lines.Small amount of wiring?
It would be relatively easy as most of them were made to be exported to USA.
Hope this helps
THREEFISHORANGE said:
I think You would need to change the pedal positions/pedal box, dash template, steering column, cannot think if you can opposite hand the steering rack? Someone will be along soon to clarify this, think you may need a new one.
Re plumb brake lines.Small amount of wiring?
It would be relatively easy as most of them were made to be exported to USA.
Hope this helps
Depending on the shell used, (there were different variations) you would also need to cut sections out of your bulkhead and reverse positions right to left etc.Re plumb brake lines.Small amount of wiring?
It would be relatively easy as most of them were made to be exported to USA.
Hope this helps
Mechanically though it isn't difficult
N
hi. lhd conversions on a 2500 vixen / early m is quite straightforward. i've done a number over the years, and it was only with the later m series (1977 onward) it became a real bugger because it needed taking out the bulkhead/firewall and replace it by a lhd one.
you can't re-use the steering rack, unless you familiarize yourself with the habit of turning the wheel left when you want to go right and vice versa. if you get used to it: ok, but will the wife ..................??
and then: which way to look when you turn the wheel.....
a good photo of the bulkhead area would come in very handy to see what exactly needs doing, but in general the following goes:
before fitting the existing pedal box on the left hand side you have to reinforce the bulkhead on the inside similar to the rh side one. you can use plywood or a preshaped piece of metal that goes underneath the glassfibre to prevent it from flexing and cracking. especially the force needed for braking can get quite high, not to mention heavy clutches.
the heater assembly goes to the othr side here the pedalbox was. as said before: the instrument panel can be mirror imaged, leaving only the glove box internal a bit of a puzzle. a tr6 lhd one is easy to amend and made to fit. depending on which trim you intend to have on this panel you facing an easy or a very painstaking job. covered in vinyl you blind off all the miseries that the back of the panel reveals ( now being front ). if the finish is to be in any kind of veneer, rosewood, burr walnut and what have you, then this will be the major job in your conversion, apart from some electrics that have to be rerouted.
all other parts are to be used again. some of the later 2500 chassis already have the guide eyelet on the chassis to support the steering column halfway next to the engine. if it isn't in your case, you have to weld one on. it is best to line it with a nylon bush instead of the early tvr solution of a plain steel eye with retaining rings on both ends of the steering column next to it.
of course you have to re-route the brake- and clutchpipes and alter the accelerator/throttle mechanism. if you use a cable clutch there is a problem, because a longer cable would have to be made and they are very heavy to operate, but as far as i know all 2500's had hydraulic clutches. may be you can use the opportunity the create a hanging throttle pedal instead of the one fitted to the floor ( like vw beetles !)
i don't think i left anything out. with the proper tools and all the bits at hand it should take about 40 hours to convert it.
if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. since i don't really visit the forum on a regular basis, it is best to mail me direct ( scimitar-tvrcentre@hotmail.com ) good luck with the conversion, cheers, geert van hout
p.s. i'm specialised in classic tvr's and reliant scimitars since 1982.
you can't re-use the steering rack, unless you familiarize yourself with the habit of turning the wheel left when you want to go right and vice versa. if you get used to it: ok, but will the wife ..................??
and then: which way to look when you turn the wheel.....a good photo of the bulkhead area would come in very handy to see what exactly needs doing, but in general the following goes:
before fitting the existing pedal box on the left hand side you have to reinforce the bulkhead on the inside similar to the rh side one. you can use plywood or a preshaped piece of metal that goes underneath the glassfibre to prevent it from flexing and cracking. especially the force needed for braking can get quite high, not to mention heavy clutches.
the heater assembly goes to the othr side here the pedalbox was. as said before: the instrument panel can be mirror imaged, leaving only the glove box internal a bit of a puzzle. a tr6 lhd one is easy to amend and made to fit. depending on which trim you intend to have on this panel you facing an easy or a very painstaking job. covered in vinyl you blind off all the miseries that the back of the panel reveals ( now being front ). if the finish is to be in any kind of veneer, rosewood, burr walnut and what have you, then this will be the major job in your conversion, apart from some electrics that have to be rerouted.
all other parts are to be used again. some of the later 2500 chassis already have the guide eyelet on the chassis to support the steering column halfway next to the engine. if it isn't in your case, you have to weld one on. it is best to line it with a nylon bush instead of the early tvr solution of a plain steel eye with retaining rings on both ends of the steering column next to it.
of course you have to re-route the brake- and clutchpipes and alter the accelerator/throttle mechanism. if you use a cable clutch there is a problem, because a longer cable would have to be made and they are very heavy to operate, but as far as i know all 2500's had hydraulic clutches. may be you can use the opportunity the create a hanging throttle pedal instead of the one fitted to the floor ( like vw beetles !)
i don't think i left anything out. with the proper tools and all the bits at hand it should take about 40 hours to convert it.
if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. since i don't really visit the forum on a regular basis, it is best to mail me direct ( scimitar-tvrcentre@hotmail.com ) good luck with the conversion, cheers, geert van hout
p.s. i'm specialised in classic tvr's and reliant scimitars since 1982.
Edited by geertvanhout on Tuesday 12th January 15:34
Gassing Station | TVR Classics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff