RHD to LHD

[Mikey_Boy]

Hi folks,

I know people have done a LHD to RHD conversion, but has anyone done it the other way around? Would I be right in assuming that the body shells are NOT identical...? I am not worried about the wiring (as its a track car so the harness will be changed anyway), its the other stuff that is on the my mind such as steering column mounting, pedal holes etc.

Most of me is thinking just to buy a LHD car from mainland Europe and start there...

All help appreciated!

[pacerpete]

Save yourself the hassle and buy my LHD S50'd 320is track car

[DanThe]

its the other stuff that is on the my mind such as steering column mounting, pedal holes etc.

That is about the start and end of it really, door mirrors too, its all LHD specific, personally id keep my known good shell and use some euro sourced pedals/rack/brackets etc to get it swapped over.
Ive often thought about doing the same to my track car, at the same time id make a new bulkhead/trans tunnel so the engine could be moved backwards, but it would be a while off yet, plenty more messing to do in other areas

[Billwill]

Stupid question probably but why is preferable to have a LHD track car?

[Mikey_Boy]

Good question - when you have an S14 installed in a RHD shell, quite a bit is compromised!!

[daimlerman]

Bulkhead is a slightly different shape between RHD/LHD.

I guess for a track car it will not be too much hassle as noise insulation will not be a priority.Wiper pattern may be an issue,LHD motor/linkage is very different to RHD,leaving it gives an unswept area in front of the driver.
On the plus side,exhaust manifold options open up!

[Mikey_Boy]

Exactly my point on the exhaust manifold....!

No worries on the wipers, I have a full on council single wiper conversion that I would transfer over to the new shell..

Also I am not overly worried by pedals either given that I am thinking about pedal boxes for this build..

Anything else I should look out for? Steering column mounting??

[daimlerman]

Pedal box is very different between LHD and RHD.

Upper column mount could probably be adapted from the l/h dash support bracket,lower is a cup type gadget that bolts to the toeboard,over a hole down to the rack.The important bit is to get the hole on the toeboard opposite the rack pinion,the upper mount just needs to be strong enough to do the job and can be adapted to suit the driver,so a slightly lower steery wheel rim can be arranged.

I think I have pedal box photo's,I'll go have a hunt for you.

[daimlerman]

Here you are!



As you can see,the LHD box does not include the throttle pedal,that mounts in two seperate brackets welded direct to the bulkhead.Getting those in just the right place will be a proper bugger of a job.