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.
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 entrust your car to a specialist is often the best option. Many of these companies will offer a lifetime guarantee on the work they have done and your vehicle is returned to you with all the documentation to certify that it has passed all the necessary safety checks. Although this option can cost tens of thousands of dollars the quality of workmanship and after sales service are worth the outlay.
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.
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 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.
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 entrust your car to a specialist is often the best option. Many of these companies will offer a lifetime guarantee on the work they have done and your vehicle is returned to you with all the documentation to certify that it has passed all the necessary safety checks. Although this option can cost tens of thousands of dollars the quality of workmanship and after sales service are worth the outlay.
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.
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 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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