Saturday 27 February 2016

Options For Right Hand Drive Conversions

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.

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.

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.

Most of the popular models have kits tailored to suit. It is also worth considering that even though all parts are supplied, specialist tools and other equipment may be required to undertake the work in the home workshop. Also after completing the work you will have to submit your vehicle to the relevant inspectors to ensure that is meets the safety standards for that particular country.

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.

Another factor to bear in mind is the cost of insurance premiums. They are often significantly higher for a car which has been modified. Warranties given by the company who performed the work may require you to have it maintained or regularly serviced by them. The price you can achieve at resale might also be less, so be sure to research these things before starting on the works.

If purchasing a car that has already been modified certain checks should be made. It is always advisable to take an expert along when you view the vehicle. Many motoring organizations or qualified mechanics will provide this service for a fee.




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