Some cars are easier than others. where you can just move components from
ones side to another. Unfortuneately our car isn't one of them.
Patrick Bowen
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura.G@141.com [mailto:Laura.G@141.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000 1:03 PM
To: Bowen, Patrick A RP2; 'Ketil Oftedahl'; spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: RHD to LHD conversion
WOW! Thanks Patrick-Dave does it all the time and always tells me how easy
it is-(for him!) so, I never realized!
I think that you're right though-for the do it yourselfer-it seems to be
quite a job and should be left alone.
Laura G.
Vita brevis est: rapide agite, vigore strigate!
----- Original Message -----
From: Bowen, Patrick A RP2 <PABowen@sar.med.navy.mil>
To: 'Ketil Oftedahl' <ketil.oftedahl@datapoint.no>;
<spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000 6:33 AM
Subject: RE: RHD to LHD conversion
>
> Ketil, I am sorry to say that a rhd to lhd conversion would be very
> complicated and the easiest item would be moving the steering column.
Here
> are some of the items you would have to consider. The entire firewall
would
> be backwards, including the holes for the steering column, electrical
> harness, and fuse box. The battery and pedal/master cylinder assemblies
> would have to be switched, including the bump in the firewall that allows
> the m/c to fit (not sure what year that started), possibly the wiper motor
> (don't remeber this one). The wiring harness would be different as it is
> reversed and the relation of components would be changed. The wooden dash
> would have to be replaced. The metal dash back and all the supports for
the
> columns would have to be changed. door mirrors would have to be changed.
>
> The windshield wipers would have to be changed as they are wiping the
wrong
> way.
>
> Now that you have to move the column, you will also need to completely
> replace the rack and pinion. as it will no longer work.
>
> Another question, that I don't know, are turn signals located on the left
> side of the column on UK cars or on the right side, therefore keeping them
> outboard.
>
>
> This has not even touched on the many safety features that might/might not
> be required by your government.
>
> Personally, I would keep it RHD.
>
> Patrick Bowen
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ketil Oftedahl [mailto:ketil.oftedahl@datapoint.no]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2000 8:34 AM
> To: spitfires@autox.team.net
> Subject: RHD to LHD conversion
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
> I am considering to import a Spitfire Mk3 from the UK (to Norway).
>
> One thing I would like to do - as part of the restoration process - will
> be to convert it to LHD.
>
> Does anybody on the list have any experience with RHD-to-LHD conversions
> (or vice versa) ?
> I have been told that the only 'major' part that needs to be changed is
> the steering rack - is that right ?
> What about the pedal assemblies, relocation of other components
> (battery?), etc. ?
>
> Best regards,
>
> Ketil
>
|