Converting a Minor 1000 between LHD and RHD

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:23 am

Has anyone done this or know of someone who did it?

I am guessing the parts needed are the
1) steering rack,
2) clutch pedal + shaft.
3) brake pipes to cope with moved master cylinder
4) throttle pedal
5) short loom to connect the steering column wiring to the new column location.

I have never messed with a steering rack, but I presume the LHD is different not just the same parts assemebled in a different way??
Any guesses anyone?

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:29 am

Wont the throttle cable and heater control if from the later type have to be altered as well.

Post by **simmitc** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 12:06 pm

And if you want the driver's seat to be adjustable you can swap them over too. Heater control you could probably reach anyway. If driving on other side of road, don't forget to change dip pattern on headlights. I think that you've covered eveything else, it sounds like a fun project. Good luck & let us know how it goes......

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:03 pm

Well it won't be until mid of next year if/when it happens. If it does happen, it will be well publicised

I'd forgotten about headlights and this pattern thing that may or may not be present on moggy lights. The throttle cable might be long enough not to be an issue, but they are cheap / easy to get. The bits I'm worried about are the special parts (mainly the steering rack and clutch/pedal shaft, but I could just order some form overseas

)
The brake pipe layout could actually just be swapped over but thats probaly more work than getting a couple of different ones.

Post by **winger300** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:38 pm

isn't the RHD midget steering rack the same part as the LHD minor, just assembled upside down?

Post by **pskipper** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:43 pm

The Bradford on Avon centre do RHD parts
http://www.morris-minor.co.uk/p10.htm#229

Post by **turbominor** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:56 pm

was wandering this, as Kata (Hungarian wife) is on about us going to live in Hungary, so i was also wandering if it can be done.

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:57 pm

i was also wandering

Careful Ian thats a sign of old age

Post by **turbominor** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 2:06 pm

strange you say that..

Wife said to Anna (my 3 year old) how old is your little sister.... how old is mummy...2x..... Anna how old is daddy.... he old....

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 2:31 pm

so i was also wandering if it can be done

oh yes, it can be done :-d It's just a matter of finding the parts.
Ther gearbox and chassis legs have all the fittings to make a LHD and RHD clutch.
The holes exist for the LHD and RHD steering column
etc..

I just had a thought - there are people occasionally importing non-rotted cars back to the UK. If any of these are LHD, then I just need to find someone in the right place at the right time to pick up some LHD bits.

Post by **Cam** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:56 pm

The clutch pedal shaft can be converted to LHD (the end comes off the shaft after a bit of grinding and can be turned over and welded on) it only needs new bushes for fitting.

Throttle cable can be modified as it's nearer to the carb (or it might work as is).

What about the fact that the clutch throw arm sticks out on the right hand of the gearbox (to couple up with the linkage). Does this mean there are left and right hand gearboxes??

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:14 pm

Does this mean there are left and right hand gearboxes??

There are definately both LHD and RHD holes in the bellhousing... but you've got me wondering as the pivot is on the frontplate and I can't remember if they have both.
I will look at a gearbox shortly....

I thought the pedalshaft would be more difficult, but only because I was having a dense moment and thought the brake pedal link would be the wrong way round.. Doh! Yes I guess that can all be sorted with the angle grinder and welder.

Post by **MrA.Series** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:15 pm

Cam wrote:What about the fact that the clutch throw arm sticks out on the right hand of the gearbox (to couple up with the linkage). Does this mean there are left and right hand gearboxes??

The cases and internals are all the same with the only exception being the arm mounting plate (which the clutch arm pivots on). Just replace the RHD plate with a LHD plate, swap the rubber gaiter with the blanking plate and mount your old arm, on the new plate, sticking out of the other side.

I can post a picture of the LHD plate as compared to the RHD plate if needed.

Post by **Cam** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:18 pm

Thanks for that Mr A! It seems that a knackered LHD box will do and a decent RHD box!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:22 pm

I can post a picture of the LHD plate as compared to the RHD plate if needed.

Yes please - am I to guess that you have a LHD box ?

Post by **Cam** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 4:26 pm

And possibly a LHD plate and maybe other LHD bits???

Post by **turbominor** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:13 pm

and a new dash for us mm and early sII owners

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:54 pm

and a new dash for us mm and early sII owners

you mean those funny gold glovebox lid things with the speedo and stuff? I think I binned some of those as it was too much hard work to cut them upo to fit guages.

Have found some LHD headlights now. Just a steering rack and gearbox front plate to go.

Post by **turbominor** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:42 pm

that was the one good thing with the later dash, you could drop 2 52mm guages in ( one on each side of speedo...)

though the gearbox was univarsal?

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Thu Jul 29, 2004 2:43 pm

I'm really interested in this project. If things go as planned, I may be emigrating to either Canada (I'm half canadian) or the states in 5 years or so, so Hebe would want converting...

Keep me informed Ray!

And good luck!

Nikki