Hi all

Could any of you kind folk please tell me what is entailed in this conversion as I may buy a MK2 and would consider a LHD car as an option?

Many thanks

 

You'll need left and right dash assemblies (glove box and instruments display) for a RH car. These are all made of thick plywood with the outside surface veneered. The wiring loom to the central instruments is suitable for either RH or LH. If the steering is the normal Burman box, then no problem, but if the car has the later Marles Varamatic box the front subframe needs modification. I cant remember if the heater and battery are swapped over as well. Try looking at some photos on the internet. Also I'm not sure if the brake servo has to be moved over too. I rebuilt a RH drive Mark 2 in the 80s so memory fades, sorry !

 

Hi Fraser

Many thanks for your invaluable advice - very much appreciated.
I am aware some Jags are fairly straight forward to convert as the bodies are built to accept either LHD or RHD from new. I had an E Type many years ago and the bulkhead was made this way.
I presume the MK2 pedal box would be different too?
Just looking at the options for now. Ideally I will buy an original RHD car but I have seen a few LHD rust free cars popping up that might be worth considering.

Best wishes

 

It's very simple as Fraser says. They were built to configure in both ways other than new/different LHS & RHS dash pieces. No major change in position of any critical component. heater, servo, battery etc. all stay the same. Pedal box just needs to be changed from one side to the other & cover plates swapped over. Same with steering column. You will need a new steering box as they are sided. If you have the Varamatic PAS the dimple in the cross member needs fabricating on the other side. Burman & manual steering no X member change. Easy conversion. The US was Jaguar's largest overseas market so the car was designed to easily build either way.

Also remember Mk2's, S Types & XJ's were built in South Africa CKD. So RHD cars could be sourced from here much as I don't like seeing them leave. Better they find a good home than be scrapped.

 

Thanks Glyn.
So the hydraulic lines etc stay where they are then?
If I take the plunge I will but in the UK as its far to much trouble at the moment with Covid and our poor exchange rate to buy a car from abroad. A few California cars are popping up here but a SA car would be a great option so many thanks again for your advice.

Its great learning new stuff about classic cars!

Best Wishes

 

The hydraulic lines require slight rejigging for the move of pedal box and brake fluid reservoir. Simple and available ready made up from the likes of Barratts. Clutch fluid reservoir on a Mk2 is coupled to the master cylinder so moves with the pedal box.

Exchange rate GBP to the SA Rand is over 20 to 1 at present so keep an eye on the SA option.

 

Ah OK great thanks again.

 

I am doing this project. California shell off 3.8 Mk2 into Daimler V8. You will need to swop the handbrake lever and actuating rod over and the lever bracket parts are "handed". All the holes are there though.
I am thinking the door lock will be on the nearside so you need to get an offside drivers handle unless you fit remote system.
I have not got far yet so may find other things.

 

Thanks for the info - sounds like an interesting project. My late farther had a Daimler Dart and loved that V8 engine!

 

Do Mk2's not have locks in the push buttons of both front doors like S types do?

 

Mine does!

 

One thing I forgot to tell you. You are going to have to change the headlights from dip to the right to dip to the left. Most headlight lenses have an arrow on them telling you to which side they dip.


Lucas H4 dip to the left.

 

You will also have to do some import and registration formalities. Google 'importing a vehicle into the UK.' The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club have someone who can give advice on registration. However, it's good to read carefully all the info on the UK Government web sites as well.

For a car as old as Mk2, it should be a fairly easy process, most likely without paying tax or taking the car for a safety inspection. DVLA will (almost certainly) want a heritage certificate. You can obtain one (for about £50) from Jaguar Heritage - politely ask DVLA to return it without folding. If you can obtain an original registration document (or any other paper work) from the foreign owner, do so. It's not essential, but it helps if questions arise and makes you look genuine. Scan/photocopy it all.

I apologise for the 'most likely' and 'almost certainly', but, although DVLA and the other authorities are reasonably helpful, they aren't always absolutely consistent in their interpretation of the rules.

 

Many thanks for the info Peter - very useful.
I have very little experience in this area. I did go through the registration process with the DVLA many years ago when I purchased a car in the UK that had been re imported back from the USA. I have never actually imported a car though so thanks again.

 

Hi, I have a Mk2 3.4 manual RHD that would consider swapping for LHD car. Old English White with Blue leather 1966. Wires. All in very good condition and drives very well. I am moving to Spain.

 

Hi

Thank you for letting me know. I haven't bought anything yet as I have been very busy.

Best Wishes

 

Can you send me details of your car?

 

Yes! My mistake. Don't know where that thought came from. Sorry.