15 replies to this topic

[Bigstep]

Does anyone have experience with converting a Left Hand Drive car (Opel Speedster) to a Right Hand Drive car (VX220)??? I have spoken to an experienced Lotus Elise mechanic who thinks it should be possible but I have concerns regarding the bonded chasis and also I would not want to compromise the driving experience as a result of performimg the conversion. Any help would be appreciated.

[2GOOD]

Probably not economical, don't forget that your going to have change the seats & runners as well as the centre thingy with the gear knob/handbrake. A few years ago, I knew/know somebody that had the bright idea of converting a couple of Lotus Omega's to RHD & rebadging them as Carlton's & they weren't nice.

[Arno]

I have spoken to an experienced Lotus Elise mechanic who thinks it should be possible but I have concerns regarding the bonded chasis and also I would not want to compromise the driving experience as a result of performimg the conversion.

No problem to convert.

The chassis is not 'handed' and all holes are present for both LHD and RHD.

It is not very cheap though. Often it's done for Elises imported from the UK to mainland europe because Elise prices are so much higher outside the UK it's an economic option.

What you would need to get new at least:

- Headlights
- rear lights
- dashboard top
- dash covers
- seat runners
- footwell divider
- steering rack
- heater
- center tunnel cover

Then work-wise you'd need to do:
- move battery
- move pedal box (labour-intensive!)
- move ABS unit, redo pipework
- move steering column
- move rear-view mirror
- re-shuffle wiring harness in dash
- move center tunnel/gearlever to other alternative postiion

and loads of little bits...

It's less involved than a conversion on a 'normal' car as most of the bits are basically 'bolt off - bolt on' (no cutting, etc.), so a converted car basically becomes no different from a 'native' LHD or RHD car.

It's just the part and labour cost that can make it un-interesting.

Bye, Arno.

[Bigstep]

Great Arno, thanks for reply! The list you provide I think will prove invaluable and i'll be referring to it a lot when/if the conversion gets underway. I'm actually in Australia (cars not here yet though, sadly) and like the Elises into Europe, I think the expense of the conversion can be partly justified by the price of Elise like cars here. And the fact that Opel/Vauxhall parts are readilly available as Holden bits (engine at least anyway) should help me, whilst if I ever get my car on the road here, I think it would be unique! However, I don't think the local Holden market will be able to provide me with a lot of the parts you mention!! I knew I would need to get a new dash from the UK but I don't understand the need for new front/rear lights: seat runners and centre tunnel.....I thought seats could just be swapped over and that central divider was just that, central and would be the same for lhd or rhd?? Anyway, thanks again and as I say, all help is much appreciated. Bigstep

[Bigstep]

Don't you think it's possible to just swap over seat runners and that because "centre thingy with gear knob/handbrake" is central it works equally for both lhd and rhd??? Sorry if I'm being a bit stupid, but I haven't actually sat in my car for quite a while so exact layout is a bit of a blur!!! Bigstep

[Monique]

Don't you think it's possible to just swap over seat runners and that because "centre thingy with gear knob/handbrake" is central it works equally for both lhd and rhd??? Sorry if I'm being a bit stupid, but I haven't actually sat in my car for quite a while so exact layout is a bit of a blur!!!

Bigstep

I hava an OZ mate who wanted to do the same... gave up on the basis of cost.

Open comment: unless you own the car already, I would buy a RHD right off.

Even if you own the car now: I'd sell it and source a UK RHD. The lowest priced VX220's on the planet are in the UK. All LHD cars are much more expensive... (why??? No clue) As well, the GBP is SOOOOO low compared to other currencies that you will be better off financially.

Good luck

[Arno]

However, I don't think the local Holden market will be able to provide me with a lot of the parts you mention!! I knew I would need to get a new dash from the UK but I don't understand the need for new front/rear lights

If you get an LHD car from europe then the headlights will have the beam pattern reversed as for an RHD car. Difficult to modify.

Also the reverse light and the rear foglight will be on the wrong sides for an RHD car, so you need RHD light units.

: seat runners and centre tunnel.....I thought seats could just be swapped over and that central divider was just that, central and would be the same for lhd or rhd??

No.. The Elise/VX interior is not symmetrical. The driver gets more space than the passenger and the seats are angled in the car. Seat runners are therefore also different (mirrorred) between LHD and RHD.

The center footwell divider is also shaped differently on LHD vs. RHD cars because of the need for a foot-rest on the clutch side on the RHD car.

Bye, Arno.

[ianrm]

I wouldn't like to even begin adding the price up of the parts required to convert it over . You could probably buy a VX220 for less.

[mandarinvx]

Is there any reason why you can't buy a RHD car

[Ceedy]

I've had my Speedster in the UK for the last 3 years - LHD is not ideal, but you do get used to it. However finding some second-hand RHD headlights is the real art - Vauxhall prices for these is downright theft.

[Bigstep]

Thanks again Arno - I am printing out your advice and will take it with me to the mechanic here in Australia when trying to establish his price for the job. Getting those spare parts, I'm sure, will then be the big frustration. And to those who might be wondering why I am considering going to all this expense and effort to import my Speedster to Australia and convert it to RHD...... firstly, I owned the car for more than 12months whilst living outside of Australia which entitles me to import it now I'm back in Oz (couldn't do that if I sold it and bought a UK RHD), secondly, I've owned the car from new, LOVE IT and want to own it for ever!!! The idea of replacing it with someone elses (or someones elises!!!!!) doesn't appeal to me! Cheers, Bigstep

[Ferguson]

Just drive it as LHD (if you are allowed). I drove my friend's RHD car in Switzerland for several years and rarely had problems with sightlines etc.

[vocky]

I converted a manta gte from lhd to rhd many years ago, it's quite straight forward it does look easy to do on a vx220, but probably not as cheap

[ianrm]

I can understand the reasons now you say you have owned the car from new. Good luck with the project and keep us informed on the progress.

[Arno]

Thanks again Arno - I am printing out your advice and will take it with me to the mechanic here in Australia when trying to establish his price for the job. Getting those spare parts, I'm sure, will then be the big frustration.

First big step will be to get import approval in Australia.

make sure you get all the paperwork and import-approvals in Australia done BEFORE shipping the car over in a container.

They do not take it lightly if a car arrives in port and the right paperwork has not been done (crushing cars etc..)

Has the VX220/Speedster ever been sold in Australia? If not then it may need to be put through some sort of certification procedure before it's road-legal there.

Bye, Arno.

[Monique]

I gave my 2 bits earlier. But now, an acquaintance needs a LHD Speedy. If interested, send me a pm. I'll put you in contact. NOTHING in it foe me. Just trying to help...if you want this help.