Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Right Hand Drive Conversions After Import

By Henry Anderson


Lots of enthusiasts and car collectors opt to import a car which was made in the United States. Although there no laws which compel an owner to perform right hand drive conversions, there are benefits for those living in countries where LHD is the norm. If the owner does decide to proceed they will find it is not as straight forward as changing the location of the drive pedals and steering wheel.

There are two options. The first is to hand your car over to a specialist company to modify the vehicle. The second for the more adventurous do it yourself mechanic is to buy a conversion kit tailored to the model of car. There are many online retailers and automotive stores that can supply these kits for as little as 1500 dollars depending on the model and number of components required.

Handing your car over to the professionals is usually the way to go. The work will be covered by warranties and all paperwork to show the modifications pass the safety standards will be provided. Having this work done by a specialist will often be costly but the peace of mind that the work has been done properly and the expert attention is worth the expense.

Whether working alone or with a group of like-minded enthusiasts to perform the conversion, there are factors to consider when opting to buy a kit. Some kits contain only basic parts and are less than attractive once fitted. The chains, levers and other items may be functional but unsightly when in plain view. On the upside, the rewards of knowing you have completed the works yourself are priceless.

The more common vehicles will have kits readily available. However, also bear in mind that you may also need to purchase tools and other items to complete the work in your home garage. When the conversion is completed you will need to have all works inspected to ensure that in conforms to the standards of road-worthiness in your country.

Whichever option you choose there are many things to consider. The conversion process can often be very complex and time consuming. Apart from moving the controls to the other side many other parts may have to be relocated such as heaters, wiring looms, headlights and so on. Also it is worth bearing in mind that if you intend to show your car it is advisable to check before modifying as many clubs will penalize the owner for not having an original vehicle.

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.

Should you decide to buy a vehicle that has had the work already done it is useful to take a qualified mechanic with you to inspect the work. Most mechanics and clubs will provide this service for you. Also check all paperwork to ensure that it is in order.




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