Mer'can pickup RHD conversion

[bogan]

I find myself looking around for a new cage. Quite keen on american pickup (dodge ram, f150, etc) due to the capability for 5+ tonne 5th wheel towing.

Just wondering if anyone on here has had experience with importing and converting to RHD, or experience with an outfit that does this. The prices on TM seem fairly high for already converted stuff, so looking into other options. Or is it possible these are on the list of ok cars for LHD use on private import?

[Moi]

Have a look on this site...

www.westcoastclassics.co.nz

[Gremlin]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

[Drew]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

I don't understand your statement about left hook imports. If a vehicle was never made right hook, you can import and get a permit to drive no stress. The rules got changed about twn years ago.

[Ender EnZed]

The prices people pay for used American pickups here is just insane compared to their value in the US.

I guess if you have the money to spend and keep it in good condition then you'll get most of your money back when you sell it, as well as getting to drive around in something a bit different. But if you're doing any actual work with it then it'd be more economical to buy an proper truck.

[Tazz]

The conversions are expensive because they are fawkin expensive to do :bleh:


I don't understand your statement about left hook imports. If a vehicle was never made right hook, you can import and get a permit to drive no stress. The rules got changed about twn years ago.

This, but there are rules around the on selling yeah or did they bin those too? You had to keep it for 10 years or something, or convert it when you sell if you want to flick it on sooner.

It is a year thing too, so there is a cut off where it is easier to deal with and get around with an older vehicle than a new one. Might even be the same cutoff for emissions/classics and come under those rules (which are relaxed).

LHD isn't that bad once you get used to it, like anything. It is more terrifying for passengers and you won't overtake out of a passing lane often.

[bogan]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

Specific types and anything over 20 years old it would seem. I reckon I could remember to keep overtaking on the right.

Yeh the roading is why I think 5th wheel is the go, good point about the RUC.

[Akzle]

git r fucken landcruiser. pussy.

[Akzle]

to expand on that. i've seen at least a coupley narvas with class 5 turntables dropped in the tray, pulling big fuckoff caravans.

and cruisers > narvas


what the hell are you expecting to pull? (asides from the obvious :blip: )

[scumdog]

The prices people pay for used American pickups here is just insane compared to their value in the US.

I guess if you have the money to spend and keep it in good condition then you'll get most of your money back when you sell it, as well as getting to drive around in something a bit different. But if you're doing any actual work with it then it'd be more economical to buy an proper truck.

The price of new Yank pick-up is right up there.

Enough that the $30,000 RHD conversion on an import is worth-while

[AllanB]

There is a huge F150 V8 late model one tearing around locally - a rather 'large' man drives it - hard - the rear end squats and front rises when he nails it .....


15 years back a crowd in Aucky were doing LHD conversions for $20 k - probably significantly more now. Depends on the model of course - some they were replicating the dash but mirror flipping it with customer molds.

[bogan]

git r fucken landcruiser. pussy.

Same towing class as the Ranger though...


The price of new Yank pick-up is right up there.

Enough that the $30,000 RHD conversion on an import is worth-while

Not over in US it isn't, could get two brand spankers (and a trailer) over there for what the same models go for here...

[Akzle]

Same towing class as the Ranger though...

but rangers are ghey.

[bogan]

but rangers are ghey.

and not in the towing class I want anyway

[ducatilover]

The thing you should be most concerned about is how fucking poorly built all their shit is.
They are all under braked to fuck, the chassis flex like fuck. Not sure about putting 5T on any of the yank junk I have driven and trying to stop down a hill. Or up one. Even near one.

But, I suggest you import one yourself. You can find a tidy Silverado from the late 80's, bring it over and drop a real EFI set up on it (trust me, you don't want anything to do with TPI) and you'll be away laughing and it won't cost fuck all

Leave it left hook too, they're fine to drive unless you're a drive through whore :niceone:

[AllanB]

Leave it left hook too, they're fine to drive unless you're a drive through whore :niceone:


Nah mate - just reverse your way into the drive-through!

Actually would they even fit a drive through?


And - what weighs 5 ton that you want to tow?

[Gremlin]

And - what weighs 5 ton that you want to tow?
I saw a horsebox being towed by a F250 I think, not the normal side by side box, the longer, multi horse layout.

Did 90-100kph climbing up a winding hill. No idea how many horses were on board, but probably wouldn't make a difference :crazy:

I did consider one, as a commodore ute was too small, not enough space for passengers, luggage and bikes... but still the same security issues. F250s are around 6m longer depending on spec (crew or single cab, 3 different length beds), which is fucken huge. Settled on a big Hiace instead... (and luckily I don't go through drive thrus as I can't fit anyway).

I remember touring in the USA, and stopping behing a reasonable lift big ute... I was eye level with the tailgate :eek5:

[carburator]

The better question to mr Bogan is what do you want to tow?

Having own yank tanks in the us some of the fifth wheels I've seen over the years
are pretty crap.

The rules have changed a lot! do your research first
also you might want to look in to the trailer rules as well.

[bogan]

The better question to mr Bogan is what do you want to tow?

Tinder-trailer, for versatility I'm thinking to go with the unstuck's-women weight rating :bleh:

[scumdog]

Same towing class as the Ranger though...


Not over in US it isn't, could get two brand spankers (and a trailer) over there for what the same models go for here...

Doh, that's my whole point - they cost so much here that a 2nd hand one imported and changed to rhd is cheaper.

[bogan]

Doh, that's my whole point - they cost so much here that a 2nd hand one imported and changed to rhd is cheaper.

New one imported and changed to RHD is probably cheaper than a 2nd hand one already done too...

Course for that I'd need reputable importers/converter to deal with. Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

[AllanB]

Average horse is about 500kg I think. I have friends with horses - she ended up getting her HT and buying a 3 horse truck with sleeping facilities. It was wrecking cars towing the horse floats!

[ducatilover]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/trucks/tractor-units/auction-829868412.htm just spend another 5 on this and tow anything?

[biggo]

I find myself looking around for a new cage. Quite keen on american pickup (dodge ram, f150, etc) due to the capability for 5+ tonne 5th wheel towing.

Just wondering if anyone on here has had experience with importing and converting to RHD, or experience with an outfit that does this. The prices on TM seem fairly high for already converted stuff, so looking into other options. Or is it possible these are on the list of ok cars for LHD use on private import?


You need to know what GVM the vehicle is before you think about importing it.
If it is under 3500kg it is classed as a light vehicle
If it is over 3500kg it is classed as a heavy vehicle.

Light vehicles : You can apply for a category A lhd permit from NZTA. They only allow 500 per year and I believe this years are already gone so you would go on the wait list for 2016.


Heavy Vehicles : NO heavy vehicles are allowed on the road LHD they MUST be converted and certified to RHD hence the high prices I think $ 20-25000 is the going rate for a rhd conversion .

There are a few vehicles around that have been registered illegally so beware of the too cheap ones on trade me :rolleyes:

[carburator]

New one imported and changed to RHD is probably cheaper than a 2nd hand one already done too...

Course for that I'd need reputable importers/converter to deal with. Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

The Toyota Dyna Van is cool, though you want to turbo the engine.
very low ratio box in them, The Iszuzu NPR turbo was a neat truck..

[Ender EnZed]

Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup

I'd be interested in the relevant numbers if you don't mind sharing.

I've never driven a Yank tank in NZ but I know a nice/not-even-nice/raped canter/dyna is a good bit of fun. That super short ratio gear box plus the need to double clutch every shift makes for a thoroughly engaging drive.

[ducatilover]

I'd be interested in the relevant numbers if you don't mind sharing.

I've never driven a Yank tank in NZ but I know a nice/not-even-nice/raped canter/dyna is a good bit of fun. That super short ratio gear box plus the need to double clutch every shift makes for a thoroughly engaging drive.

We use a Cunter to tow the rally car, no double clutching needed there. It does need some turbo though.
But she is an oldie

[Ender EnZed]

We use a Cunter to tow the rally car, no double clutching needed there. It does need some turbo though.
But she is an oldie

It's probably just the well raped ones. They're still pretty fun to try and drive fast-ish.

[Tazz]

Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

Good choice. Seen one (canter iirc) with a 5th wheel setup and enough room to park a smart car in front :laugh: (therefore at least 2 bikes!)

My old man looked at a 5th wheel camper and was put off by the restrictions of the tow vehicle, in the sense you need a good set of wheels. One trailer in particular that we looked at the owner was saying he was selling it because of the weight. He had some trick setup onto a 100 Series and even then had cooked two transmissions (second one had a decent aftermarket cooler) and shunted/knifed it into a bridge :O

I see a few Hilux's rocking around with a 5th wheel coupling and just shake my head, not up to the task at all.

If you go the light truck route just fit it out as something you can also use for other things and it will justify itself.

[ducatilover]

It's probably just the well raped ones. They're still pretty fun to try and drive fast-ish.

Gets more lean angle than most KBers :niceone:

[JimO]

i had a 82 chevvy c10 it cost 6k to convert it and it was pretty basic newer ones were around 30k to do at the time

[Laava]

My neighbour just did a RHD conversion on his 72 mustang. This is a car that never came out RHD anywhere in the world unlike previous model and some if not all subsequent models. Cost him around $10k. The hardest things to get right were the wipers and the dash panel. The thing that took the longest to do was the wiring. It now looks like a factory car, mirror imaged almost. But it has had major improvements because of having to change the powersteering rack and subsequently changing the powersteer pump to a japper. He reckons it is so much nicer to drive now and feels very modern in comparison.

[bogan]

I need this

http://2015pickuptruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/f650-super-truck-price.jpg

[scumdog]

[QUOTE=Laava;1130866226]My neighbour just did a RHD conversion on his 72 mustang. This is a car that never came out RHD anywhere in the world unlike previous model and some if not all subsequent models. Cost him around $10k. The hardest things to get right were the wipers and the dash panel. The thing that took the longest to do was the wiring. It now looks like a factory car, mirror imaged almost. But it has had major improvements because of having to change the powersteering rack and subsequently changing the powersteer pump to a japper. He reckons it is so much nicer to drive now and feels very modern in comparison.[/QUOTE

Didn't know '72 Mustangs had R&P steering???

[Latte]

Just buy one thats >20 years old, can leave it LHD. C10, 1500 Series Chevy, F150 , Early Rams.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/12/importing-a-left-hand-drive-vehicle.html

[Swoop]

I need this
Bugger that.

She's wearing chaps. No taste at all!

[Gremlin]

I need this
I dunno, it's only a double cab... wouldn't a triple cab be more useful?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsD4QnKS7Xo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Tazz]

I dunno, it's only a double cab... wouldn't a triple cab be more useful?

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsD4QnKS7Xo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Lol. Honda CRV would make that look easier than he did.

[Laava]

[QUOTE=Laava;1130866226]My neighbour just did a RHD conversion on his 72 mustang. This is a car that never came out RHD anywhere in the world unlike previous model and some if not all subsequent models. Cost him around $10k. The hardest things to get right were the wipers and the dash panel. The thing that took the longest to do was the wiring. It now looks like a factory car, mirror imaged almost. But it has had major improvements because of having to change the powersteering rack and subsequently changing the powersteer pump to a japper. He reckons it is so much nicer to drive now and feels very modern in comparison.[/QUOTE

Didn't know '72 Mustangs had R&P steering???

Good point, it has now! Was supplied from a guy in W.A. who specialises in doing, and providing the bits for, RHD conversions.