Now, we get asked by folks from overseas (especially U.S.A.)
many questions about Right Hand Drive cars, here's some answers to some common questions.
Yes, the gear shift pattern remains the same, we don't modify the transmissions at all.
Yes, the pedals remain the same, just moved to the right foot well. (Usually
a bit tight in a C3 OR a C4 for that matter!)
No, we don't keep the red tail lights, we are only allowed amber indicators
in Australia.
Yes, our freeway fast lanes are on the right and our
'slow' lanes on the left.
Our National average maximum highway speed limit is 100-110 Kph (70Mph) but in parts of Northern Territory we have no maximum speed limit!!!
(I think I'll move THERE - WEBMASTER) As fast as you like but remember, we have
kangaroo's,
wallabies, koalas, porcupines & platypus'
to contend with (to name but a few Australian animals) that like to cross
roads, but usually you only find such animals 'out west', NOT in the big cities! (These are quite rare in their road
crossing frequency, thank-fully!)
Note the amber turn signals.
So, how do we convert them, it's not easy, all
six models differ in the conversion process (we currently don't have anyone
doing conversions on the new C6 due to certain rulings relating to importing etc
but I'm sure in time this will change). In the following example we'll use a
C3 model...First the firewall is cut away either side or completely, usually the engine is removed for this. The brake booster is swapped with the A/C box or fan box
on a whole new modified glass firewall, the brakes are re-used usually also, however the lines are re-routed as too
is the accelerator cable and other
lines/cables on the engine, most dash/engine wiring is removed and replaced (&
sometimes extended where necessary). The dashboard is cut out and replaced with a new modified one, many parts are
re-used though, eg. glove box or map pockets etc. Steering column is generally kept un-modified. In
a lot of C3 conversions a (dare I say it) Ford steering unit is used
as the drag link and other parts can not safely be modified from original. Most common modifications to rear lights takes the form of cutting out the
centre reversing clear lens and replacing with
an amber turn signal lens, this is usually moved to the outside position.
Lots of other small items are generally changed too, eg. often the external mirrors are swapped
so the driver has a flat glass not curved. The car then goes through a rigorous Australian Standards test before being passed and
'road worthied'. I think we must epitomise
the word enthusiast after going to this much trouble for our cars. On the down side, after so much
modification it is impossible for us to keep our cars in perfect "Survivor condition"
so Bloomington Gold or NCRS awards will never be bestowed upon our cars.
Average commercial price to fully convert by a business is between say
AU$10-12000 for a C3 or C4, up to AU$25000 for a C5! This is why SOME
people take the time (& it takes a LOT of time!) to 'Do It Yourself' kits, starting
from about AU$8000 Retail.
So where are we?
Brisbane City skyline
Because Australia is so remote and because it is so large many people are unaware of it's exact location
or what it comprises, the following map may help you out. We have 6 mainland States and 1 island State,
the smallest state is Tasmania around the same size as Ohio (US) and the largest State is Western Australia, it's
almost three times the size of Texas. Queensland is the second largest State and is where our club is situated,
in the south-East corner, in the city of Brisbane (About 30 - 40 minutes drive
from the well known 'Gold Coast'...Brisbane is the dot in the centre of the red
square on the map below. Queensland is
one of the tropical States to the North East and is about twice the size of Texas,
U.S.A. - Much of Queensland comprises
true Australian 'Outback' but the Eastern coastal fringe includes some of the worlds nicest beaches and of
course 'The Great Barrier Reef'; the largest coral reef in the world.
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