Hey guys, I thought I'd share my RHD conversion photos with you. It's not something you gets get to witness everyday (if at all). It's a lot of coin to get it done professionally but it makes life a little easier being a daily/weekly runner in the land of the right hand. Took around 6 weeks to convert at Eagle Automotive in New Plymouth, New Zealand (of course) which is around 4-5 hours drive away from me. This question would have come up so I'll answer it now. RHD laws: A vehicle must be converted to RHD if it's not older than 20 years at time of import. Eg: 2008 - 20 = 1988. Any vehicle older than 1988, like 1986 is fine and exempt. All other LHD cars must be converted (if they can be, not all can). Rams, Mustangs and F150s are the normal, others may not be convertible. You can "bypass" this law if you buy and own the vehicle in question for 90 days (or more) in the country of origin. You can then import it back, register it in your name and show your ownership in the US and it's fine to keep LHD. For me, I wanted RHD, for this truck. Anyhow, I got my truck today and man. What a blast and it's suprisngly easy to drive, just trying to get use to the "bigness". They don't breed them THIS big down here LOL. Stalled it once and just a little jerky, the pedals are touchy, more touchy than I expected. Still , first drive this stuff is to be expected. Few days behind the wheel and you guys will almost be able to see my grin from up there LOL. Anyhow, sorry for the long post, but I've waited (patiently) for 9 months to get this truck since I paid. I LOVE it, it's a f#%ken beast! Oh, as for the rattle of the Gen-X, yes it is noticeable. I actually thought it was the truck's engine and it wasn't until my 4th or 5th outing that I clicked, "Oh shit! It's the shifter - duh!" It's not too bad, kind of sounds like "performance" whine. The shifter feels nice too. Haven't missed a gear yet, well, I actually took off in 3rd twice LMAO, smooth as too LOL. Enjoy the photos of the conversion. I'll be posting some "scenic" shots later next week, photography is a hobby - setting: beach front, no people, just coast line & Night Runner, same location as the very last photo. Cheers, Carlwalski Freshly landed sitting in Mainfreights import holding area/zone. Filthy from transit.....poor thing lol Engine prior to conversion Interior prior to conversion The factory MPH Speedometer cluster The new OEM KPH Speedo imported from Canada The RHD Conversion begins! Protection galore. They're very thorough at Eagle New RHD firewall holes for brake booster and steering column, etc From below....... After being mocked up and painted Underside with the transmission out The T56 6-Speed manual transmission out Inside the cabin The newly completed RHD dash! Closer up, bloody mint! The new RHD dash, KPH speedo, pedals and X-Metal short shifter in place..... From the (now) passenger side. New RHD engine bay Yay!!!!!!!!!! From the passengers side 100% road legal: conversion complete, Vined, Reg, WOF, RHD cert/plate and NZ plates. Ready to roll...... A good groom, wash, wax & polish then on to the delivery truck and on it's way to it's new home 6/6/08 - truck arrives around noon YEHAAAAAW! What a f#%ken BEAST! Gently mate, gently........... New engine bay configuration in person New brake, clutch, steering column setup, etc From above....... Another view....... The "old" drivers side The new RHD cockpit The shifter and dash area. The console that surrounds the shifter had to be altered and the "previous" coin/space in front of the console had to be sacrificed in order to fit the aftermarket shifter. It required 45mm. LHD, it would have been fine, RHD was not. So, I lost a place to put coins or gum, I'd rather have a performance shifter thanks! Cleans the top of the console up too IMO. New RHD driver controls Up the drive after several trips taking the family for their first drive and getting use to it's size and driving habits Safe and sound in it's new home. Welcome, Night Runner, welcome Photos next week from this location, a nice 1 hour drive..... :rock:
Thats cool Carl. Alot of your pics are just red X's. Don't know it its just my computer or yours. Take it easy until you learn how to drive it. They like to get away from us every once in a while.
Thanks Voodoo, I got all the photos working now, half them were missing, slight boo-boo made in the links, all working now. EDIT - Thanks Sleeper, see above answer. Had "jpg" on the "red x" ones instead of "JPG" lol Yup, I plan to run in the clutch & shifter 1,000 miles and just take it easy. Get some confidence up first before trying to tear the shifter out lol.
Thanks lads. Moparracing - I never talk price but it wasn't cheap. It sucked LOL. Guess if you have a passion for something you will learn to eat bread, drink water and sleep on a couch for months at a time to get what you want. Sacrifices were made including holding off my 71 'Cuda resto for the best part of 6-8 months. It hurts but, the decision was made.
Glad to see you finally got the beast Carl..:congrats: ..I will let you know how it's "track experience" turns out...
Very nice conversion:rock: Have a friend in Melbourne AUS had to do the same RHD change on a Lincoln Navigator he bought from me.
Thanks guys, definitely is a lot of work but it's all but a must for us downunder (and possibly elsewhere). Well worth it though. I love Dodge Rams and the SRT/10 version, well, no need to say anything else on this board is there LOL.
Very nice first class job bro. You must be a proud man.:rock: Make sure you take care of that beauty. Is this the first converted 10?
Thanks everyone. Brad - lol Thanks, I will do. Nope, there are a few RHD Rams roaming around NZ. But I think I have one of the only 06 regular cab Night Runners. Cheers, Carl
Kalani posted the pictures of his being converted also. Damn near made me sick to see those pictures. However, your's, the same has his turned out beautiful.:rock: Congratulations.:congrats: