Converting a LHD to RHD - Need some parts but cant find them :-(

[uklee]

Hi guys , i'm new to the forum and have just got myself a LHD Mk1 project car - originally from Portugal .



I've already got myself a RHD wiper motor assy , and have made the new holes in the right place on the scuttle panel . I've spent the day sorting that out & even managed to get hold of the matching RHD wiper grill panel.

I'm struggling to find a RHD steering column - even just the outer would do , as i believe the inner columns are the same (?)
and also this little bracket in the pictures below



It's normally spot welded behind the dash under the heater bowl panel . It supports the steering column brace that runs behind the clocks (2x bolt holes) and bolts to the lower edge of the dash . It also secures the windscreen wiper motor (1x green clip nut) . The pics are of my LHD one that i've just un-picked from my shell - i'd imaging the RHD version is the same but symmetrically opposite .

Can anyone help ?

Lee

[Tony B.]

Try Darren at Escort Tec, they cut up shells that are too far gone to save.

[davemk1]

There's a column on eBay at the moment but can't you just cut the bracket off,turn it and reweld it on?

[uklee]

Thanks dave , got a link for the column ?

I can't just cut the brackets off and turn them around - they'd be facing the wrong way . I've tried 😕


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[davemk1]

401381477369
Here is the item number

[uklee]

Thanks Dave , i hadnt spotted that one.

Question - this is a 'short' column , intended to go with a 'long' stem steering rack (as fitted to the mexico / twin cam / bda)
I have a 'long' (LHD) column , and a 'short' stem steering rack - it's a brand new Mk2 quick rack (i understand the only difference between Mk1 & Mk2 is the track rod end threads ??)

So , are the outer columns the same for both the 'short' & 'long' type ? can i use my 'long' shaft in the ebay column assy to mate with my Mk2 Quick rack ?

Lee

[davemk1]

Hi.
Don't know the answers I'm afraid. What I can tell you though is I've got mine on a bench and my outer column measures 648mm and shaft is 1003mm.
Could ask seller the length of his!
Ooh er...
Sounds rude.
Cheers Dave

[uklee]

Thanks dave , I'm slightly reluctant to ask the seller the length of his shaft - but hey , what's the worst that can happen ? Lol

Thanks again


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[davemk1]

I'm looking at the bracket on mine and can't for the life of me see why I couldn't cut it off and twist it a few degrees the other way to make it rhd

[davemk1]

Just looked at it from a different angle and I can now see why it won't work

[davemk1]

Thanks dave , I'm slightly reluctant to ask the seller the length of his shaft - but hey , what's the worst that can happen ? Lol

Thanks again


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He might ask to meet up with you!

[Eccy1]

Hi any chance you can show whats involved with the changeover from LHD to RHD as I have just got a left hooker too and I am considering swapping it over

[uklee]

Searched the earth for that spot welded bracket , in the end a mate at work fabricated a new one for me - he's done an awesome job !



Spurred on with fresh enthusiasm , i've continued to work on the conversion from LHD to RHD .
After much drilling of spot welds , cardboard templates and painstaking measuring and marking - things are coming along fairly well









A new RHD quickrack , 6 dial dash pod and RHD dash top are already on their way , and i have a couple of leads on a RHD outer column
When that little lot turns up , i should be able to finish off on the inside

Lee

[uklee]

Hi any chance you can show whats involved with the changeover from LHD to RHD as I have just got a left hooker too and I am considering swapping it over

i'm learning too mate - this is what i've discovered so far

Parts
RHD outer steering column - inner shaft can be swapped over , as can the ignition barrel and key
RHD steering cowl
RHD Steering rack
RHD dash top
RHD plenum panel
RHD wiper linkage - you only actually need the main bracket . The motor , spindles , and linkage rods are all the same (just flipped around)

Fabrication

New holes in plenum for wiper linkage (when you remove the plenum panel , theres a very handy pressing near the centre of the screen which shows you where you need to make the first hole - then you need to drill the hole on the right hand side (using the fixed distance between the wiper spindles as a guide)
New holes in bulkhead for pedal box and steering column
New hole in dash panel for the clocks
New holes in dash panel to mount the upper column
Fill the old holes !

Lee

[Eccy1]

Thanks for the info that's great, Looks like youre doing a cracking job !