LHD Conversion?

J

jeepguy1948

Well-known member
A member of our local MAFCA club has a RHD Phaeton (from Argentina) for sale. I am giving serious thought to buying it but I have concerns about the RHD. I have always thought that RHD vehicles were kind of cool but I’m not certain that it will suit me in the long term. If I were going to to convert it to LHD what would be required. I am aware that at a minimum the pedals and steering column would have to be changed but what is required to actually do it.
 
A short list would be .....................

steering column/box (although not necessarily outer column tube)
both steering arms off the front spindles
accelerator linkage assembly
pedals
clutch bell housing
service brake cross shaft
upper steering column support bracket and/or gas tank with proper bracket

OTHER ????? You'll find out as you do the job
 
Bobbader lists a lot of items (not complete as he mentioned) that would need to be replaced. It isn't an easy job. A friend did the opposite of what you are contemplating. In fact, he converted 2 LHD model A's to RHD's. I think he was nuts for doing it. If you decide to convert it maybe he could supply the LHD parts for the conversion. We live in MN. Good luck if you decide to convert the A to LHD.
Rusty Nelson
 
I bought a right hand drive and had plans on converting it. It is so much fun to drive as is, that I would never convert it..........

also right hand drive cars can usually be bought for 10-15% less then the lhd.
 
I think having a RHD, especially a phaeton, would add a level of coolness that would be otherwise unobtainable. Certainly not (to me) worth the hassle of doing the conversion. Seems to me that here on the Barn we recently had a RHD that had been converted, upon examination it didn’t look like the best job that has ever been done.
 
I agree with you Jay, very much so but that said I also want to know what I might be getting myself into BEFORE I make the purchase. Just in case having RHD doesn’t work out for me.
 
jeepguy1948 said:
Shifting a non synchro trans left handed might be difficult, I don’t know.
Click to expand...
My first memories of “driving” were shifting my parents’ cars from the right front (to us, passenger) seat with my left hand while they handled the clutch, gas and steering. Back when I was a wee lad. Be confident, you can train yourself to do anything new.
 
Is the subject RHD phaeton a 2 door or 4 door model? Many 2 door phaetons came out of South America in the 70's and 80's. Most were in very bad shape. If the car you are considering is a 2 door model, be advised that the body sub structure is wood and will most likely need attention. Also some body parts are unique to the 2 door phaeton and if missing will require a lot of effort to source.
 
I just finished that conversion on my 180-A from Argentina and just transferred the boby to another lhd chassis. It made the process much easier.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayJay View Post
I think having a RHD, especially a phaeton, would add a level of coolness that would be otherwise unobtainable.
Agreed!

I guess that makes us one of the coolest countries! Ever considered attending one of our National Model A rallies. They are held every other year moving from one state to another on rotation.
 
Synchro909 said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayJay View Post
I think having a RHD, especially a phaeton, would add a level of coolness that would be otherwise unobtainable.
Agreed!

I guess that makes us one of the coolest countries! Ever considered attending one of our National Model A rallies. They are held every other year moving from one state to another on rotation.
Click to expand...

So Synchro - how is a LHD Model A viewed down under? Any possible coolness there?
 
5851a said:
Would you be able to insure it to drive on the road? If it's RHD.
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Yes. None of the insurance companies I've worked with have an issue.

I have a RHD Phaeton in the US and have no issue driving it. It does get far more attention than the standard LHD cars! :D At some point, it will be restored for fine point judging...hopefully in the next decade or so (life keeps getting in the way!)

Dave
 
Just talking to the in laws last night about their trip to Germany in 1969.
They bought a new RHD VW and drove it there for a couple of years.
People were often confused by a car with no driver.
 
JayJay said:
So Synchro - how is a LHD Model A viewed down under? Any possible coolness there?
Click to expand...

Different people, different reaction but when our dollar was worth more than the US dollar, many LHD cars came in from the US. Plenty were converted, plenty not.
For myself, I hardly notice.
 
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