3.5.16

Things To Consider For Right Hand Drive Conversations

By Henry Anderson


Many car collectors and enthusiasts often decide to purchase and import an American manufactured vehicle. Whilst it is not compulsory to perform right hand drive conversions, many owners will choose this option particularly in Great Britain and Australia. Obviously the process is not just a matter of moving the steering wheel and pedals and there are many things to be aware of when opting for this modification.

Two basic options present themselves to the new owner. Firstly a specialist company can be retained to perform all the works. Alternately an enthusiast with some knowledge of mechanics, and perhaps the help of a local car club, can purchase a kit and do the work themselves. The kits are widely available online and through automotive stores and cost a few thousand dollars. The prices depend on make, model and type of conversion required.

Choosing to hire the services of a specialist company is oft times the easier and more practical option. Once they have completed the works you are presented with a vehicle which has a guarantee for life and has already been through your countries relevant safety checks. The cost is considerably more than a DIY kit, potentially running to tens of thousands but the prices includes the knowledge that the work is to the highest standards. These companies also provide after sales care which could be invaluable further down the line.

For the home mechanic who opts to purchase a kit and do the conversion themselves or in some cases as part of a club there are a few things to bear in mind. Many of the kits are very basic and when the job is completed, although fully functional can be quite crude and not pleasing to the eye with levers, chains and various other components visible. However the satisfaction of knowing you did the work yourself can be very rewarding.

While your kit will contain all the parts you need, it might not have specialist tools to complete the job. Taking on a job like this in your garage at home is not a simple task. When you have completed the mechanical changes, there are still the inspections required for your country to be done. This will ensure your car meets all safety standards.

Whether you decide to do the work yourself or employ the services of a specialist there are a few things to take into consideration. The work can often be complicated and may take many weeks or months as many hidden components will have to be moved. If you are a member of a motoring club and intend to enter into competition it is worth checking before commencing as a lot of shows will not accept a non standard model.

When insuring a modified vehicle in most cases the premium will be higher. If you have had the work done by a specialist company the repairs or servicing may have to be done by them to keep the warranty valid. Resale value can also be affected so it is worth doing some research before commencing.

If you are thinking of buying a pre-converted car get it checked by a professional. When you first go to see the car, take someone who knows that model well and can inspect it for you. There are clubs and associations that can help with this for a small fee.




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