Chevrolet
CCCUK Member
Aussie RHD conversion?
And this C3 recently sold:
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RHD '73 C3 in CollectingCars auction
- Thread starter Chevrolet
- Start date
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
That RHD will possibly appeal to some people, but most potential buyers/owners will want a LHD for that “true “ American driving experience, even if it is a bit driver unfriendly on todays roads.
I very nearly bought a 1964 convertible that had been converted to RHD in the early 90’s, but decided not to in the end.
I very nearly bought a 1964 convertible that had been converted to RHD in the early 90’s, but decided not to in the end.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Some of the early RHD conversions were pretty “heath Robinson” chain driven jobs. Very unsophisticated. Dashes well? Australia pretty much perfected the RHD dash manufacturing. Exact copies, just RHD.
I remember the 64 I looked at probably just had the clocks/surround just swapped with the glove box assembly as the dash top had the grab handle cut out still on the top.
I remember the 64 I looked at probably just had the clocks/surround just swapped with the glove box assembly as the dash top had the grab handle cut out still on the top.
Roscobbc
Moderator
'Er indoors had a UK spec; RHD Mustang 302 Ghia - she loved the car - being an automatic it only needed a couple of the same transfer linkages that learner cars have fitted, so literally a couple of rods suspended in rose type joints secured to the bulkhead ('mirrored' with pedals on the opposite side) - the chain driven jobs actually worked very well - an aluminium channel section with sprockets and chain linked each end - and actually worked very well with no 'slop'.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Was it the mustang 11? (1974-78) they were great cars, and of course available in RHD. Had quite a few of them, and used them regularly. The cobra of 1978 aka the Farrah Fawcett Charlie’s angles was lovely. Wish I still had it now. Obviously looked faster than it was, but it sure looked good.
Roscobbc
Moderator
People would take the wee wee out of Mustang 11's - and yes, the humble base body of a Pinto didn't help the image - nor did the 13" Wolferace lookalikey wheels. But they performed, drove and rode just like a full size Yank with lovely soft and wafty suspension and a really quite luxurious interior for the time (and for a smal Ford) - and the best and arguably strangest part really was the steering - superb, direct powered rack and pinion......really popular 40/50 years as a front clip for upgrading hot rods, trucks and muscle cars - and still the benchmark for front suspension design in the 'States!
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Nassau65
CCCUK Member
The new for 1974 mustangs caused quite a bit of controversy as they were so different to the big fat brutish 71-73 “ “ wedge “models, BUT the buying public loved them. 385k sold in the first year compared to 135k of the 73’s. It very nearly beat the 1965 sales record.
The first oil crisis obviously played a big part of the story. A friend who worked for ford got rid of his 429SCJ due to the cost of gas, and got a new pinto, which he actually loved.
The first oil crisis obviously played a big part of the story. A friend who worked for ford got rid of his 429SCJ due to the cost of gas, and got a new pinto, which he actually loved.
Roscobbc
Moderator
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Yes, if only we had a crystal ball back then. What were just” old yanks are now worth bundles. Not just confined to American cars tho, plenty of others could be had for little money. My friend bought a DBS for £600 in 1978 ( I think) all there, but a bit light on brakes . My GT500 cost dad £600 in 1977, boy did that like a drink.
Chevrolet
CCCUK Member
I was aware of the CollectingCars auction website, but had only looked once or twice. Talking to someone "in the trade" I know this morning and he tells me that Chris Harris and one of the Dick Lovett family is involved with it. I Didnt know that. He said he'd sell a car on it. Zero sellers commission according to the below:
www.bing.com
collectingcars chris harris - Bing
Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
C5Steve
CCCUK Member
Chris left the company a few months ago.I was aware of the CollectingCars auction website, but had only looked once or twice. Talking to someone "in the trade" I know this morning and he tells me that Chris Harris and one of the Dick Lovett family is involved with it. I Didnt know that. He said he'd sell a car on it. Zero sellers commission according to the below:
collectingcars chris harris - Bing
Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
Forrest Gump
CCCUK regional rep
I’d be very interested to see how the RHD has been done, lots of photos there but none give any clues. The brake master cylinder is still on the left so there must be a cross shaft to the pedal. C3 steering is not known for its “precision” with the stock set-up so I fear for the effect of more rods, linkages or even chains!
Roscobbc
Moderator
Even more challenging perhaps is that the l/h and r/h sides of the engine compartment/firewall are so very different........however the engine does sit 'off' the centreline of the and biased a inch or two to the left side of the car......certainly does on BBC powered C3's - presumably SBC too, so that would leave some additional space for steering column........imagine that A/C cars would be a challenge......?