12 replies to this topic

[Viktor]

Hi all,

 

Perhaps a stupid question, but worth asking. Is it possible to convert a 1970 mini 1000 from LHD to RHD? And if it is possible then, is this something really expensive or too complicated?

 

Many thanks in advance.

[sonikk4]

Yes, easily done but you will obviously need some other parts like steering rack, pedal box, different speedo if its in KM's. There will be other sundry items as well.

 

Moving master cylinder and clutch cylinder so new pipework needed. Things moved around from side to side in the engine bay.

 

Everything can be picked up quite cheaply.

[mab01uk]

If it has the original central speedo dashboard it is even easier to swap over as the dash stays the same for LHD and RHD.

Edited by mab01uk, 02 October 2020 - 09:39 PM.

[Viktor]

Yes, easily done but you will obviously need some other parts like steering rack, pedal box, different speedo if its in KM's. There will be other sundry items as well.

 

Moving master cylinder and clutch cylinder so new pipework needed. Things moved around from side to side in the engine bay.

 

Everything can be picked up quite cheaply.

That sounds good, thanks for the advice. I'm wondering if after the conversion the car needs to pass any official inspection? The car is 1970, so MOT and Tax exempt, but not sure if I would need to do anything in that respect? Many thanks again

[Viktor]

If it has the original central speedo dashboard it is even easier to swap over as the dash stays the same for LHD and RHD.

Yes, it has the original central speedo so that is why I thought it could be an 'easy' change. Many thanks for your comment, really appreciated. 

[mab01uk]

Just in case it is not obvious you can't just flip the steering rack over you need a complete replacement RHD steering rack. The RHD steering column holes in the floor, etc should all be there though blanked off with grommets. The steering column wiring may also reach over with some re-routing under the parcel shelf, if not the cables may need extending.

Tim at Minimail (see link below) are good for any new or good used/secondhand parts you may need:-

https://www.minimail.co.uk/parts/

Edited by mab01uk, 03 October 2020 - 10:21 AM.

[Viktor]

Just in case it is not obvious you can't just flip the steering rack over you need a complete replacement RHD steering rack. The RHD steering column holes in the floor, etc should all be there though blanked off with grommets. The steering column wiring may also reach over with some re-routing under the parcel shelf, if not the cables may need extending.

Tim at Minimail (see link below) are good for any new or good used/secondhand parts you may need:-

https://www.minimail.co.uk/parts/

 

Thanks for letting me know, I thought I can use the same steering rack. It is obvious that I'm a beginner on this, but it's great to have this forum to get help from people more experienced on mini projects. Thanks also for the link to minimail, I'm sure I'm going to need some parts! ;))

[Cooperman]

I bought a 1973 Innocenti Cooper which had been converted to right-hand-drive. As that was never an original option I converted it back to LHD.

It was a very easy job once I had the new rack, brake pipes, clutch pipe, etc. 

[Viktor]

I bought a 1973 Innocenti Cooper which had been converted to right-hand-drive. As that was never an original option I converted it back to LHD.

It was a very easy job once I had the new rack, brake pipes, clutch pipe, etc. 

That is good to know, thanks for the feedback! Cheers.

[Cooperman]

I'm wondering why you want to convet to RHD with all that it involves.

I've driven both RHD & LHD cars in the UK & Europe/USA since about 1963 and never found either to be a problem.

[mab01uk]

I'm wondering why you want to convet to RHD with all that it involves.

I've driven both RHD & LHD cars in the UK & Europe/USA since about 1963 and never found either to be a problem.

 

I have always preferred driving my own UK RHD car in Europe as on motorways it is actually an advantage to see further ahead down the inside of the motorway lanes in traffic and changing lanes is no problem using the passenger door mirror. Overtaking on non-dual carriageway roads can sometimes be difficult and I think UK insurance companies sometimes charge more for LHD cover?

Edited by mab01uk, 03 October 2020 - 10:02 PM.

[Viktor]

I'm wondering why you want to convet to RHD with all that it involves.

I've driven both RHD & LHD cars in the UK & Europe/USA since about 1963 and never found either to be a problem.

Good question indeed! This is something I'm just considering to see how much work would need the conversion, but you made a good point, thanks.

[Viktor]

 

I'm wondering why you want to convet to RHD with all that it involves.

I've driven both RHD & LHD cars in the UK & Europe/USA since about 1963 and never found either to be a problem.

 

I have always preferred driving my own UK RHD car in Europe as on motorways it is actually an advantage to see further ahead down the inside of the motorway lanes in traffic and changing lanes is no problem using the passenger door mirror. Overtaking on non-dual carriageway roads can sometimes be difficult and I think UK insurance companies sometimes charge more for LHD cover?

 

Good point about insurance. I think if I'm going to drive the car mainly in the UK, perhaps the conversion could be a wise move, but again many other things to consider. Thanks for your comment.