LHD to RHD? Is it possible??

[Randall Raines]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

If only it was as simple and easy as on the old classic Mini, especially the original ones with the centre speedo which inspired the new MINI dash, a new steering rack and a few other parts was about all you needed to swap them over............................

You would've thought it would have been easier with cars being made for different markets all over the world (some cars are simpler than others to-do), some parts are universal when they start off, the dashboard carcasses set off to fit either LHD or RHD and then they are cut out to suite either LHD or RHD .

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniJD (original)

Thanks a lot Randall, list is extremely helpful. Well, I guess I have a couple of months so wish me luck

So your actually going to attempt it then , Good-Luck! .

I forgot about the carpet & mats on my list although you could get away with putting a set of RHD mats over the holes on the left-hand side.

I was actually working on a MINI today and I had a look at the heater-box unit (inside the MINI) and the center part of it looks universal (LHD & RHD) but the intake for the air that holds the pollen filter is on the left and would get in the way of the steering column & the pedals however the heater fan is fitted on the other side (right) but the fittings are the same, so you would be-able to remove both items & put the fan in on the left (giving you clearance) but you would have to buy the RHD pollen-filter housing that the pollen-filter fits into (or a complete RHD heater-box as a used parts dealer probably wont split the unit), ive just checked the part #s and the part # for RHD & LHD heater box housings are the same .

I've just checked & you may be-able buy this part seperate so that could save you some money see the link:.

(MICROFILTER/HOUSING PARTS)

I've attached a pic of the stripped out MINI that I was working on today and you may be able to see (pic may not be to clear) what I mean about the strenghthener (face-lift 1 Gen) behind the dashboard and the pollen-filter housing.

The door handles & some other parts AIRBAGs etc... etc... are universal they just need swapping over, & you may even get away with putting a RHD dashboard wiring loom in (to save on some wiring alterations, you may not be-able to do this as will depend on your main loom & you would still have to alter the main loom), but if you do get a used one out of a RHD car make sure the MINI that it came out of had the same spec as your MINI.

Are you actuall in the UK at the moment? .

[W44NE G]

I wouldn't do it... there's going to be a hell of a lot of costs involved in the work, nevermind the shipping to Aus and the re-registration and possible import taxes etc (unsure what they're like over there when it comes to taxes).

Also, although it's the same car it wouldn't be the same if you get what I mean. You'd be driving on the other side of the car and if it was my car it just wouldn't feel right I don't think.

Get some good pics of it, sell it to someone who seems like they''ll take care of it and buy a similar model in Aus I say.

[bgd.nenad]

Wondering what happened with this experiment, since I'm seriously thinking of importing one good Mini to my country from the UK. Just sold my 04 One D, which I've been driving for the last year, technically mint but without enough extras...
Seems to me that it's possible because all seems centralized ( windows, mirrors, speedo) dashboard stays the same, but I have big fear about the parts under the dashboard.
Anyway, anyone with any info is welcome