subject: Brief views on Right hand drive cars conversion to Left hand drive [print this page] Brief views on Right hand drive cars conversion to Left hand drive
Fist view : As recent as 20 years ago conversion of Transporters was not as complicated as it is now the same can be said for cars which were nowhere as complex as what you have now,
Before getting into all the complexities of new dashboards, pedal clusters, servos, wiring looms, steering racks and such like, simply run a tape measure across from one end to the other.
Most Ford cars are typical examples that have a complete difference between the RHD and the LHD version. To the extent that in particular types the body was 50mm wider so the RHD dash would not fit, and the engine block & bell housing where handed to accommodate the starter-motor which was mounted on the other side out of the way of the steering column. These two items alone made it a non-viable project, let alone all the other complexities that one may encounter.
Second view : I think it is all about choice. Taking your car down to most African countries at least Nigeria (where this view came from and have experience of) is far better than wanting it converted in London I will definitely say forget that side
I had Japanese Honda accord done in 2009, it was done really good but this comes with some caution because I was given a lot of recommendations including a man I had never seen yet he was meant to be a pastor and started saying some "witchcraft" stuff on a car before he even started commencing any conversion work on it, Thiswas in Lagos and I was later told that he converted it very well!
Third view : This is the problem I have with doing it in Lagos (Nigeria). . . .
Will all the electronics be converted to the left. . or will they remain on the right hand door?It will seem a bit odd to have all the driver controls on the right when the conversion has been completed. Won't it?So can they convert everything, I mean every single thing to the left?
Fourth view: I am a vehicle converter based in UK for all those interested in the conversion business, i would like to add the following information to the forum,
1) From an engineering perspective, European vehicles (Not only cars) are much easier to convert than Japanese or Korean vehicles.
2) Parts are easier to get hold of for European vehicles.
3) RHD Cars are considerably cheaper to buy than LHD cars.
The down side of this is that currently the Russian / Polish market are buying a lot of RHD cars out of UK, transporting? Or driving them to their own country, buying used LHD parts and converting the vehicles, some are for domestic consumption and some are for re-export to Africa, very few find there way back into Europe as they would have problems in complying with EU standards.
As a result of this upswing in the Russian / Polish market, the price of good used LHD parts is on the increase.
We have researched the market and a kit for a quality conversion (Including Headlamps) is now on average between 800 and 1200 (Depending on make & model). Therefore the end cost of your vehicle whether in Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Cameroon's or wherever the country especially in West Africa is also getting more expensive.
My advice to anyone considering this operation should consider the following before purchasing any vehicle.
Automatics are easier to do than manual gearboxes (A general rule)
Manual windows are easier than electrics
The steering rack can be inverted on some vehicles, a universal rack can be purchased (depending on where rack is mounted)
Do you want Lights that dip in the right direction ? if so remember the fancier the car the more expensive the lights.
Rear wheel drive cars are normally easier to convert than front wheel drive vehicles.In-Line engine vehicles are easier to convert than Transverse engine cars.Vehicles with Symmetrical Centre consuls require less parts than vehicles with "Wrap Around" dash.Beware of vehicles with fully electric seats, wiring looms are difficult to re-position.Always remember, if anything goes wrong with the vehicle in the country where you are going to use it you could have difficulty in getting parts because the VIN number will no longer relate to a lot of parts on your car, this often gives suppliers / repairers the opportunity and excuse to overcharge.The safest bet is to keep your car as simple as possible with few gadgets, bells and whistles.You must also consider the savings on the purchase price versus the risks you are taking.An original LHD vehicle is almost instant, choose your car, pay for it, ship it, clear it and enjoy it.A converted vehicle is a protracted exercise, choose the car, buy it, pay a sizable deposit to the converter, wait for completion (You may or may not be satisfied), ultimately pay the balance or loose everything paid so far (Or Go legal ), ship your car, clear it and pray that you don't have any problems (Particularly flashing lights and fault codes)In closing gentlemen, all i can say is think long and hard before you embark on this journey.Please remember it normally costs the same to convert a 10 year old vehicle as it does a 2 year old vehicle, it takes the same amount of labour and the parts cost about the same.
4) I've had the same issues converting Japanese cars to LHD, and as such, am not keen to get involved. Euro cars are definitely easier to convert, whilst retaining a factory-look. As per costs, you're also right - the age of the car doesn't alter the cost, as in make it cheaper than a newer one. So, one has to be careful in choosing a car to convert. The labour may be less on a newer Euro model, as most newer cars / light trucks have a common body shell, with provision for both LHD and RHD components. The current Peugeot, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Volvo and Saab are prime examples. No welding or cutting is involved.Trucks are also considerably easier to convert than cars, due to space to work in.
Fifth view: I think it is time to allow free flow of vehicles in some African countries. The few things I will suggest is for such vehicle to be road worthy and the driver in question to be licensed /insured to drive the vehicle. In United Kingdom, I drive with ease left hand cars without problems. There are even some insurance companies that give you better deals. I was able to insure my Chrysler grand voyager LHD cheaper than my RHD TOYOTA liteace. Both are 7 seaters. Why can't we put in place such opportunities in the West African countries as well. See what some people ride as cars or taxis in rural parts of Nigeria, you will notice cars for scrap yards in UK are many times better than they are.
Sixth view: After long search and looking and asking, The answer to conversion RHD to LHD is : Find spare parts and get a good mechanic to do the job!!
