Converting RH to LH Drive

[weeds]

Converting a TD5 from Right hand Drive to Left Hand Drive?

Too big of a job?

Or is it achievable?

Can I keep it registered in Aus??

I see a few America’s have converted perenties...might be simpler to do than a TD5

[grey_ghost]

May I ask why? Planning a big OS trip or selling in a LHD country?

I would have thought that because it was originally a RHD, converting it to LHD would need engineering - depending on which state you are in of course.

I know that in Vic the rules have changed and LHD vehicles of a certain age no longer have to be converted to RHD, I wonder if the rules apply in the other direction (RHD > LHD) ?

Certainly a very interesting question.. [thumbsupbig]

[weeds]

May I ask why? Planning a big OS trip or selling in a LHD country?

I would have thought that because it was originally a RHD, converting it to LHD would need engineering - depending on which state you are in of course.

I know that in Vic the rules have changed and LHD vehicles of a certain age no longer have to be converted to RHD, I wonder if the rules apply in the other direction (RHD > LHD) ?

Certainly a very interesting question.. [thumbsupbig]

Have been planning an overland trip..shipping the defer to Hamburg in 2021

I have another grand idea......just thinking out aloud.

I’m guessing the authorities would be scratching their head about converting in Aus and might not be allowed.

Main question is a TD5 any harder to do than say a Perentie??

[100inch]

If it is 'just' for a trip I wouldn't worry. I shipped my LHD 90/110 to AUS/Asia and back, drove probably 15 times from main land Europe to the UK. You will get used to it quickly and a fully loaded Defender travels better in the slow lane anyway[smilebigeye]. m

[weeds]

If it is 'just' for a trip I wouldn't worry. I shipped my LHD 90/110 to AUS/Asia and back, drove probably 15 times from main land Europe to the UK. You will get used to it quickly and a fully loaded Defender travels better in the slow lane anyway[smilebigeye]. m

Not really just for one trip.....there is a bit more to it than that.

We are already happy to Overland for 12-18 months in its current setup regardless of the countries we pass though.

[100inch]

I see. I think in general if the LR is not special or highly modified then buying a car locally can make financial sense over a conversion. m

[pop058]

So do the big trip and finish in a LHD country and sell it ????

[100inch]

That could be difficult. I don't know your plans but I traveled a few times under a carnet which prevents you from selling in another country. m

[pop058]

So do the big trip and finish in a LHD country and sell it ????


That could be difficult. I don't know your plans but I traveled a few times under a carnet which prevents you from selling in another country. m

Sell it before you go and take 12 months to "deliver" it.

[Dervish]

If you are going to do the conversion in a LHD country it wouldn't be as difficult, but there's still mountains of parts needed.

I imagine on a TD5 the loom would need to be changed over, as it doesn't pass through the centre of the bulkhead like earlier ones do. That will be a pain. Besides that I imagine it's much the same; unimaginable amounts of fiddly little things like finding brake pipes and dash parts and heater bits.

[weeds]

So do the big trip and finish in a LHD country and sell it ????

Nope...

[rick130]

The worst part would be changing the bulkhead/firewall.
That'd be a PITA.

[Red90]

You don’t need to change the bulkhead. It is not a big job.

I can’t see the point. I have one of each and it makes no difference when driving other than there is more space on the right side.

[rick130]

Fair enough, I thought they were different

[PhilipA]

I remember many years ago, researching what was needed on an 81 RRC to swap LHD to RHD.

it was pretty simple but what many don't realise is that you cannot just swap over the axle ends as the castor and camber are right out.

You have to buy specific LHD axle ends .

AFAIR , the steering rods etc were the same as was the steering box. ( not sure of that bit). I think the column was also OK.

I recall about 10 years ago we had a thread from an Indian bloke who just swapped over the axle ends and ended up with horrific camber and castor.

Regards Philip A

[Red90]

You need a steering box and hoses. You might need a swivel housing (some have arms for both sides) and a heater.

The dash parts are the biggest pain. They are not available so you need to find them from a wreck.

Pull the dash. Swap controls. Swap/install axle and steering bits. Install left hand drive dash.