The right-hand driving style was introduced by Great Britain which later was copied and used by most of the other countries.
Since there are a majority of the cases for right-hand drive, you should always be familiar with the left-hand drive style as well.
Thus, the need for RHD to LHD conversion holds great importance. There are many countries where it is mandatory to convert right hand drive to left hand drive due to the strict and specific road rules.
Contents
- The Process To Convert A Car From Right To A Left-Hand Drive?
- Is It Dangerous To Drive A Car Converted From RHD To LHD?
- FAQs on RHD to LHD Conversion
- What is the right hand drive to left hand drive conversion cost?
- Can any car be legally converted from RHD to LHD in the U.S. or Europe?
- Is it cheaper to convert the steering only and leave the dashboard untouched?
- Can a DIY RHD-to-LHD conversion pass inspection or safety tests?
- Do I need to replace the firewall during a full RHD to LHD conversion?
- What hidden risks does a poorly converted RHD vehicle pose?
- Can I import LHD parts from a donor car of the same model?
The Process To Convert A Car From Right To A Left-Hand Drive?
The entire process to convert right-hand drive to left-hand drive is quite complex and thus should be done under the supervision of the expert.
Any minor mistake during the rhd to lhd conversion can result in some issues with not only the car but also the people driving in the car.
The following are the car’s components that are processed for the process of left hand drive conversion:
- Repositioning of the steering wheel
- Repositioning of the dashboard
- Exchange of rack and pinion
- Replacement of shift knob
- Angle adjustment and repositioning of the side mirror
Though the above steps may appear easy and simple, the overall process of rhd to lhd conversion is way more difficult and complicated.
Here are the following steps to convert right-hand drive to left-hand drive!
Repositioning of the steering wheel
Dismantle the entire steering wheel along with the portion beneath the steering wheel. The need is to reposition the steering wheel to the other side of the car.
Take good care while repositioning the steering wheel and the associated components of the steering wheel as many internal features like the braking system, the steering system, and car’s engine have to be modified with that.
Read More: Left Hand Drive Vs Right Hand Drive: The Reasons Behind The Differences
Don’t try doing it by yourself, if you don’t have any idea about it or have less knowledge. Trust the knowledge and experience of a professional to convert rhd to lhd so as to avoid any mistake or future problems.
Steering rack replacement
The next step is to replace the assembly of the steering rack. While doing so, there can be a bit of effect on the airbags so special care and attention should be taken while replacing the steering rack to avoid any damage to the airbags.
Pedal assembly repositioning
Once you are done with the replacement of the steering rack, the next step to proceed with for the RHD to LHD conversion is the repositioning of the pedal assembly.
If you have a manually driven car, you need to dismantle and remove the three-pedal mounts. Following this, you need to reinstall them on the other side which is towards the left-hand side.
Repositioning the brake master cylinder
As the brake master cylinder is one of the most important components in the car, you need to apply special care while repositioning it to the other side to successfully convert right-hand drive to left-hand drive.
Properly realign the brake master cylinder on the left-hand side of your car. It is advised to allow a mechanic or a car expert to do this as even a minor mistake in this step can be extremely dangerous for your safety.
If the brake master cylinder is not aligned properly, you won’t be able to apply the brakes properly after the RHD to LHD conversion which can eventually be dangerous while driving.
Reposition the firewall accessories
The firewall accessories include:
- AC ducts
- Blower motor
- Cables and wires, etc.
As all these firewall accessories are in between the passenger compartments and the engine bay, you may have to remove the engine to access these and remove these accessories to convert rhd to lhd.
If you have knowledge about your car, you can also do it. But it would be more preferable if any expert could do this, as it will then be done with extra care and focus without the risk of any faults or failures.
Adjusting the doors and wiper mechanism
The last step in the rhd to lhd conversion is to adjust the doors and the wiper mechanism.
If the door controls in your car are in the middle section, then there is no such need to change it or reinstall it anywhere. The need is when the door controls are with the doors on the right-hand side.
Is It Dangerous To Drive A Car Converted From RHD To LHD?
Some drivers assume that modifying the car steering conversion (right-hand drive to left-hand drive) is pointless.
Not certainly, however, if you don’t make this process with the correct technique, it can be dangerous for you when driving.
In fact, when you drive on the left in a car that is designed to drive on the right, it will cause a problem with the mirror and visibility for overtaking in the first place.
If you’re used to driving on the right-hand drive, “left” roads are marked against your experience. Turning right means going in the opposite direction, turning left does not.
We want to affirm that the whole process is not simple, at all. You should proceed with these steps under the supervision of the mechanic or expert
Just a small error happens while converting the RHD to LHD, and it can cause danger for your car and also for the driver and other vehicles.
FAQs on RHD to LHD Conversion
What is the right hand drive to left hand drive conversion cost?
Basic RHD to LHD conversions involving the steering, pedals, and minor dashboard work may range from $2,000 to $5,000.
More complex conversions that include adapting the HVAC system, wiring, and a full dashboard replacement often cost between $5,000 and $15,000, and can exceed $20,000 for rare or complex vehicles.
Can any car be legally converted from RHD to LHD in the U.S. or Europe?
Not always. Some countries have strict homologation or safety requirements.
In the U.S., a converted vehicle must still meet FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), and conversions can complicate import approval.
Is it cheaper to convert the steering only and leave the dashboard untouched?
No, partial conversions are dangerous and often illegal. Safety systems, like airbags and pedal positioning, depend on correct geometry, not just steering location.
Can a DIY RHD-to-LHD conversion pass inspection or safety tests?
Rarely. Unless performed to high professional standards, DIY conversions often fail roadworthiness checks due to alignment issues, improper welding, or electronics misconfigurations.
Do I need to replace the firewall during a full RHD to LHD conversion?
In some vehicles, yes.
The firewall is not symmetrical and may require fabrication or replacement to properly relocate brake booster, pedal box, and steering column mounts.
Inconsistent pedal response, incorrect airbag deployment direction, steering column misalignment, or even asymmetric crash protection are all possible dangers.
Can I import LHD parts from a donor car of the same model?
Yes, but ensure the donor is from the same generation and trim. Even small differences in HVAC routing, ABS module position, or instrument cluster mounting can cause major setbacks.
Watch this video from ruszkos6 to have a better understanding on RHD to LHD!
In other words, convert right-hand drive to left-hand drive with these steps and enjoy your drive!
Just be careful with all the conversions and have a happy and safe driving!
