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LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:38 am
by cutlass
Can anybody help me with advice on what is required to do a LHD conversion, plus any parts you know to be required for this job. Any information you may be able to provide will be very much appreciated. Many thanks for your assistance.

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:33 am
by mike.perry
Have a read of the 1098 MG Midget topic.
The brake master cylinder will need to be moved and pipes changed
LHD accelerator pedal which links to the present position of the cable.
MG Midget steering rack turned upside down = LHD Minor rack
Move dip switch.
Probably the wiring loom will need extending when the steering column is moved

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:31 am
by bmcecosse
And of course a LH clutch pedal assembly will be required - and have to be installed - along with changes to the clutch operating lever and front plate in the gearbox.

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:37 am
by Declan_Burns
As Roy mentioned, the clutch linkage and gearbox front cover need changing, which means if you want to retain the mechanical linkage, gearbox or engine out. Or to avoid this some use a hydraulic clutch .
And of course the headlights and new carpets.

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:13 pm
by charlie_morris_minor
I think you will find the wiring loom is ok..

at lease on the one i just ripped out the wire to the column seemed several feet too long, it would easily reach a column on the other side of the car and would mean that the factory only had to stock one wiring loom.. might be different on later cars though..

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:20 pm
by rayofleamington
What you need depends on what year your Minor is - but a few things are common.
If you have an early SII or MM then converting the dash to LHD needs time and parts.
The steering column is easy to move and the loom is the same.
The SII clutch and brake pedal assembly can be converted without extra parts (but does require work).
If you are an experienced DIYer the RHD accellerator pedal can be moved to the other side of the floor, but this needs some mounting points to be added to the floor. If you wan't 'originality' then the LHD accellerator pedal can be fitted with no mods to the bodywork.
I bought a Midget rack for approx £3 when I converted one to LHD (on ebay + free collection by friendly Minor owners near the item...).
The LHD gearbox front plate is not easy to come by secondhand - I was very lucky to get one from overseas, however these are available new (machined from solid) for a fair price considering the work involved. Bear in mind that the 1098, 948 and SII gearbox front plates are all slightly different so you need the right one! The 'easier' option is to go for hydraulic clutch.
Cars like the LHD MG Midget in the USA use a standard RHD gearbox because they are hydraulic clutch anyway.

One big issue with the ealier cars is the lack of exterior door lock on the front left door! If you fit an exterior lock to the quartelight (touchglass) window then you can use that (i.e. to use the door interior lever to unlock/lock the door.).

Re: LHD Conversion

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:32 am
by Pyoor_Kate
I think everything's been mentioned, but Jonathon of JLH might well be able to offer some sage advice, as they've just converted my minor to LHD.