10 replies to this topic

[thecentennial]

Hi everyone, new to the forum but hope to be able to contribute from the middle east. I have a query for the members:

Is the factory LHD classic mini the same as a RHD to LHD converted mini, with respect to the pedal box set up etc?

I want to import a mini into the UAE. We can only register LHD cars here, and RHD to LHD conversions are not allowed.

My question...if I convert a RHD classic mini to a LHD in the UK prior to shipping over, would an inspection of the car reveal it to be a conversion, or do the factory LHD cars also have the servo bar setup..hence it would look just like a factory LHD mini. I believe the mini was designed to be both LHD and RHD with all the necessary bulkhead holes in place straight from the factory (?).

Any other tells?

Thanks guys.


I understand a check of the VIN would reveal it to be a RHD, but lets assume they wont do that.

Edited by thecentennial, 07 February 2014 - 04:40 AM.

[Dusky]

They indeed wont be able to see it IF done properly.

[thecentennial]

Good to hear.

Yes, would need a good garage to perform this.

Any recommendations in the UK? Who do the best conversions?

[klivins]

This of course is the matter of how well it is done, and who is checking!

[mrducati]

It is possible to see if you decode the chassis number. Most car manufacturers do this in one way or another. It would be a gamble to assume they won't check it. In Scandinavia many cars have been imported from Germany. They are reasonably priced since they have low taxes on cars there, and they are already LHD. Maybe that can be an alternative solution for you?

Edited by mrducati, 07 February 2014 - 10:11 AM.

[Guess-Works.com]

There is VERY little difference between a LHD and RHD mini, other than the wheel being on the wrong side ;)

 

The clutch master cylinder is the same, just the position is moved, the brake master cylinder also is the same and moves across unless the car is fitted with a combination Servo/master cylinder, where it stays on the Right and the Brake pedal is connected to the master by a steel rod which runs behind the heater...

 

The Pedal box is ever so slightly different, but everything else is the same. apart from the steering rack... and headlights.

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

What's the difference with the brake and clutch pedals? I converted my mini from lhd to rhd and never noticed a difference except in the accelerator pedal

[thecentennial]

Ill have to look into the local regulations in detail, its too risky to go to the effort of spending 20K on a car and not being able to use it.

I actually need a LHD car with AC..I have looked for jap imports, even on their car auction sites, but they are all RHD. Apparently its also very difficult to convert a RHD jap to LHD, according to GC minis who wont do this for me.

I could source a LHD from Europe but my challenge is then fitting AC. No one makes them anymore, jap kits wont fit as they are made for RHD cars. Im trying to see if I can use a generic small ac kit from e.g. Vintage air in the US. Needs to be very compact to fit in that engine bay.

Wouldn't have thought this would be so much of a problem but it is!

[tiger99]

The AC is going to be your only real difficulty, everything else is accomplished using standard parts. I suggest examining the parts catalogues on the Somerford Mini web site, as they show everything relevant, such as pedals and pedal boxes, steering rack, hoses, etc. If you have a central instrument cluster, there is a lot less work, nothing electrical except headlighs which dip the other way.

 

I have found an aircon unit which may be of some use:

 

http://www.carbuilde...ning-heater-kit

[A-Cell]

I think you will find the authorities will be checking the VIN number which would reveal the origin of the vehicle (1983on) and therefore show the Origin to be RHD or LHD, so the actual mechanics of doing it are irrelevant. Whilst you are checking you should also establish the emissions regulations.

[thecentennial]

Hey tiger99, I called and they were positive this would not fit the mini...thanks anyway.

A-Cell, you are right, I will have to make sure how and what they check. Not worth the risk.