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#1 Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:04 pm
by Dave Maddock
I have a 1973 series 3 OTS LHD and want to convert it to RHD.
I am in Cheshire and am looking for someone to do it for me, ideally someone who has done it before and go all the T Shirts to avoid surprises.
Does the engine need to come out to do this? Plus it has air con, is this a problem for he conversion?
Any ideas? Any help much appreciated.
Thanks
#2
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:53 pm
by Heuer
Suggest you go to the Forum Knowledge Base where you will find a full set of articles on LHD to RHD conversion.
#3
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:57 pm
by Dave Maddock
Hi David.
Thanks for getting back, I will search for the articles, i am new to e types and the forum.
Tell you what though, what a joy the car is.
#4
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 8:40 pm
by MarekH
There was a thread recently about the power steering rack conversion using a kit that had been listed via ebay.
The aircon will have to go unless you want to fabricate a new housing as it will foul the steering column on the rh side.
kind regards
Marek
#5
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 8:55 pm
by Dave Maddock
Thanks Marek
Do you know of anyone who could do this for me?
#6
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 9:14 pm
by Bob.
You don't have to take the engine out but unfortunately you cannot convert to RHD and keep the original aircon since its fan is integral with the unit in the dash and is in the way of a RHD steering column. Jaguar did not make any RHD S3s with aircon so there isn't a Jaguar RHD A/C unit. Some specialists like Clayton Classics have come up with new systems but they won't be cheap.
RHD power steering units are becoming hard to find and if you are going to one of the established specialists for the LHD to RHD conversion expect budget prices of ?5k to ?7k plus VAT.
#7
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 9:16 pm
by Bob.
Oops - I was a bit slow there!
M&C Wilkinson - Doncaster
XK Engineering - Coventry
CMC - Bridgenorth
E-type UK- Kent
Angus Moss - posts on this forum
There are others
#8
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 9:36 pm
by Dave Maddock
Many thanks
#9
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 10:01 pm
by Heuer
Have a look here:
viewtopic.php?t=700 and scroll down.
#10
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 10:14 pm
by madjack4
Hi Dave
I have converted my s3 roadster over from left to right hand drive i run my own garage in wakefield west yorkshire i would be happy to quote you on the conversion you have to remove the aircon fit new lower dash panels and centre console the column will change to the other side but it is the wrong way round so a right hand drive column is needed if u want a proper looking job call me on 07778807739 if you are interested
Regards Rob
#11
Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 3:39 pm
by Dave Maddock
Hi Rob.
I will ring you on Monday or Tuesday depending on work load.
Is it best to ring during the day or evening?
Thanks
#12
Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 9:22 pm
by madjack4
Hi Dave
Anytime that is best for you
Regards Rob
#13
Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 8:08 pm
by madjack4
Hi Dave
Checked availability of parts and worked out a price
Regards Rob
#14 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:29 am
by angelw
Dave Maddock wrote:I have a 1973 series 3 OTS LHD and want to convert it to RHD.
I am in Cheshire and am looking for someone to do it for me, ideally someone who has done it before and go all the T Shirts to avoid surprises.
Does the engine need to come out to do this? Plus it has air con, is this a problem for he conversion?
Any ideas? Any help much appreciated.
Thanks
Hello Dave,
The only part of the PAS Steering Rack that is not truly ambidextrous is the aluminium housing that the Pinion Tower assembles to. Even the LHD Pinion Tower can be used, but a custom set of tubing is required. Instead of the connection points on the Pinion Tower pointing towards 5 o'clock (viewed from sitting in the RH seat), they will point towards 2 o'clock when the Pinion Tower takes on its new orientation. Using the LHD Pinion Tower and custom tubing is not noticeable and you really have to go looking to pick it.
If, however, you want everything to be exactly right, a Pinion Tower from a LHD Series 1 XJ6 is exactly the same as a RHD S3 E Type PAS Pinion Tower.
The die casting that incorporates the Ignition Switch needs to be turned around on the Steering Column so the the Ignition Switch is toward the centre of the car and the Turn Indicator stalk is toward the outside (Right side of Steering Column). This needs to be done so that the shape of the plastic housing that incorporates the Turn Indicator Stalk fits the curve in the bottom edge of the Dashboard panel. I have done many complete conversions and have supplied even more kits to those withing to do the job themselves. If you care to email me at the following address, I can give you all the information you require to complete the job with the minimum of fuss.
bill.angel@bigpond.com
With regards to the aluminium housing that the Pinion Tower attaches to, I manufacture these in both Left and Right Hand Drive configuration. Outwardly they are indistinguishable from the original equipment (they're an aluminum alloy casting), but the internal machining is superior to that of the original part. I can supply any part you may want from just the finished machined aluminium housing, to a complete, ready to install RHD PAS rack assembly.
Regards,
Bill
#15 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 11:40 am
by Davj
Hi Dave, did you succeed in changing to rhd, am in the same boat, any advice much apppreciated, davj
#16 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 12:29 pm
by lowact
Hello Davj, you might need to clarify. Is the question about how to do it or is it whether or not he found someone to do it for him?
#17 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:46 pm
by Davj
I have just joined the forum,I was wondering if he was successful in converting and if he had someone to do it. beyond my limited capabilities. I have a lhd Series 3 arriving from USA in 2 weeks. I had a Series 3 rhd from South Africa in the late 1990s ,unfortunately I sold it. It turned into a kitchen for my ex wife
#18 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 5:39 pm
by Gfhug
Davj, if you look in the knowledge section there’s a complete set of articles for conversion LHD to RHD. Although based on the six cylinder cars most will apply to the V12. Read through and see if you can manage that sort of work. If not start finding reputable companies to do the work. Beware a reputable company will have a waiting list and don’t go chasing after any old back street mechanic to do the work. You’ll get what you pay for.
Please also include your name and car type in your signature. It’s much more pleasant to address you by your name and if we know what car you have it’s easier to reply appropriately.
Good luck
Geoff
#19 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 9:13 pm
by Davj
Thanks for the advice
#20 Re: Right hand drive conversion
Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2024 7:39 am
by PerryGarrod
Hi
Dave, did you do the conversion?
If so, don’t suppose you have any redundant LHD air con parts?
Would be very interested to hear from you/anyone with same.
KR
Perry