quote:
Originally posted by George Davis
I'd guess it's pretty difficult to convert. The cars aren't made to easily go one way or the other, like MGBs and Spridgets. I'm reasonably sure the dash would have to be cut out and replaced, and maybe the front floors and bulkhead as well. The steering box and idler arm support would have to be swapped, idler support is welded in. Might need a RHD-specific steering box? Different exhaust manifolds and pipes. Major project to do it right.
George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual
I have parted out a RHD 280SL. It seems the parts are in great demand in Australia, New Zealand and in South Africa.
If you wish to convert, you must have all of the parts out of a donor car. The biggest task at hand is hanging cowl form the LHD for the RHD. You must cut out the entire front cowl since that contaons all of the steering, braking and varous compnents that are moved over to the right hand side.
Then all of the componentsmust be exchanged. You can use the same engine, but must exchange the power steering plumbing, brake booster bracket, exhaust manifolds, radiator plumbing, etc.. Then the interior of the car dash trim is changed as is the dash padding to accomodate the instrument binacle moving over to the right side.
It's a big jib, but I assume RHD cars in those countries where it is normally mandated are worth more there than LHD cars.
I do have some parts left over from the parts car if anyone is interested, email off line.
Pete Lesler, W113SL@aol.com