Right hand to Left hand drive conversion
- Thread starter Nulla
- Start date
Sputnik
Well-Known Member
Anything is possible with enough time (and money.)
Probably 'easiest' to get a LHD parts van from Taiwan and salvage parts from it. Or better yet, buy a running one from Taiwan and swap the camper body to it.
Obviously, most of it is going to be a mirror image (dashboard (and the subframe that makes it up), steering linkages, rack & pinion, throttle linkages, brake pedal linkages, dashboard driver controls and buttons, etc.). You'll also have to make room for all that stuff by moving other components around and move/extend/route lots of cables and wires (there are at least 4 relays in the glove box area (but wiring is probably the least of challenges) . And if you can't source the parts from LHD nations, then you'll have to fabricate bits and pieces.
Anything is doable, I guess, but is the effort/cost/time worth it?
Probably 'easiest' to get a LHD parts van from Taiwan and salvage parts from it. Or better yet, buy a running one from Taiwan and swap the camper body to it.
Obviously, most of it is going to be a mirror image (dashboard (and the subframe that makes it up), steering linkages, rack & pinion, throttle linkages, brake pedal linkages, dashboard driver controls and buttons, etc.). You'll also have to make room for all that stuff by moving other components around and move/extend/route lots of cables and wires (there are at least 4 relays in the glove box area (but wiring is probably the least of challenges) . And if you can't source the parts from LHD nations, then you'll have to fabricate bits and pieces.
Anything is doable, I guess, but is the effort/cost/time worth it?
warthog
New Member
Hi Nulla. Here in Chile where I currently live, it's not only possible but is regularly done on all RHD imports as only LHD vehicles can be legally registered.
My rig is a Mitsubishi Delica JB470, and it was converted to LHD by the importer. Basically as Sputnik mentioned, the dashboard was replaced with a LHD unit. The other components were just moved from right to left, including the steering column and linkage, and pedals. A few body modifications were needed in the cab, such as cutting a hole in the floorboard of the passenger side for the steering column (and welding a plate over the old hole), cutting out a small section of the engine cover so that it could be lifted without hitting the LHD steering wheel, and similar. Dashboard wiring did not need to be replaced (as far as I can tell) but was simply rerouted.
When I received the vehicle after the conversion, it was obvious that the steering column was simply turned upside down and reinstalled on the left side, as the steering wheel and the turn signal and wiper controls were all upside down. I removed and reversed them to the correct position myself pretty easily. The transmission shift levers also were left their original locations which was very awkward, causing me to grab the 4wd lever by mistake a few times when reaching to shift gears. I was easily able to disconnect and move them into their correct position for LHD.
Overall the conversion works extremely well, with the only slightly awkward things remaining being that my windshield wipers are still for RHD so don't completely clear the windshield for a LHD driver, the parking brake lever remains in the same location so is now next to the passenger seat (not a big deal) and the rearview side mirrors are not ideally adjustable (but also not a problem).
My rig is a Mitsubishi Delica JB470, and it was converted to LHD by the importer. Basically as Sputnik mentioned, the dashboard was replaced with a LHD unit. The other components were just moved from right to left, including the steering column and linkage, and pedals. A few body modifications were needed in the cab, such as cutting a hole in the floorboard of the passenger side for the steering column (and welding a plate over the old hole), cutting out a small section of the engine cover so that it could be lifted without hitting the LHD steering wheel, and similar. Dashboard wiring did not need to be replaced (as far as I can tell) but was simply rerouted.
When I received the vehicle after the conversion, it was obvious that the steering column was simply turned upside down and reinstalled on the left side, as the steering wheel and the turn signal and wiper controls were all upside down. I removed and reversed them to the correct position myself pretty easily. The transmission shift levers also were left their original locations which was very awkward, causing me to grab the 4wd lever by mistake a few times when reaching to shift gears. I was easily able to disconnect and move them into their correct position for LHD.
Overall the conversion works extremely well, with the only slightly awkward things remaining being that my windshield wipers are still for RHD so don't completely clear the windshield for a LHD driver, the parking brake lever remains in the same location so is now next to the passenger seat (not a big deal) and the rearview side mirrors are not ideally adjustable (but also not a problem).
Nulla
Active Member
Sounds great! Problem is finding someone to do it here in the USA. I am fine driving on the right side. The reason i am researching this option is because we want to take it to the Philippines in 2004 for overland travel, only LHD drive vehicle can be driven there. Thx
Nenw
Well-Known Member
Just get a fisher price kiddie steering wheel, attach it to the dash and leave everyone guessing.
warthog
New Member
Setting up your Delica for time travel back to 2004 sounds far more difficult than a RHD to LHD conversion! I’m sure that your same mechanic can handle it . All kidding aside, here in Chile there are several shops that specialize in these conversions based in the port cities where RHD vehicles are imported. Since the Philippines have a similar “LHD only” law as here, perhaps the same cottage industry of conversion shops exists there also and the conversion can more easily be done after your rig arrives. Anyway, good luck with your travels!
Nulla
Active Member
2024 yes they import a lot of vehicle from Japan there and they do the conversion but I have not run into anyone doing it on L300. I will keep looking. thx
Jumbo_shrimp
Active Member
not worth it. ask delica usa
they converted one and said would never do again.
Huge PITA
they converted one and said would never do again.
Huge PITA
Nulla
Active Member
Ok thx
It would be interesting to get some details and pictures.
Delicatessan
Well-Known Member
I claim you’d come out way ahead financially buying a LHD in Philippines and selling it upon departure.
Nulla
Active Member
I am also exploring that option.thx
jayramble
Member
Here in the Philippines are plenty of LHD drive conversions, maybe better to purchase one here for your trip and then resell, there are plenty available here - how long is your trip, maybe you can hire one