Factory RHD Evo?

[thecolonel]

Oi, I think I said that several posts ago....
 

[fay66]

I think that was Bell & Colvill that converted the Alfa Spiders. Am I right in thinking that it was Mike Spence that did some integrale conversions?

Remember looking at a RHD conversion once, although I can't remember by whom, the hole in the bulkhead for the RHD column, looked like it had been done by the new workshop boy, who was given a tin opener to to the job with as his only tool.

Lancia quality engineering it wasn't!
Brian
8227 .

[jimb]

I either heard or read somewhere that Radford converted 50 new 8 valve Integrale to RHD. Not many are thought to have servived as they were not rustproofed where the hole for the steering column was cut. Maybe this is where the story of the 48 factory units comes from?

Jimb

[Kevin MacBride]

Just as further confirmation, taking one simple component...The Steering Rack. Lancia did not manufacture a RHD version for any version of the Delta 4WD models. I could list all the other components they did not list in RHD, bulkhead, pedal box etc. It's daft to assume they did produce these parts for a few 'factory models' and then not proceed with manufacturing the model in RHD. While the car is obviously RHD, and could be a very good example, why not just list it as a RHD conversion, instead of claiming it to be what its not.

[HPEHF]

It must also be said that the 2 special editions that went only to Japan which also drive on the right were not converted from LHD. This would then have made the run that much more economical for production, altough I suppose they did not think they would have done the 2nd run at the begining.

Regards

Simon Davis
8477 

[038tipo]

Correct, the main converters were Mike Spence and John Whalley.Regatta diesel racks were used and assorted other HF Turbo parts.
The amount of travel for the hydraulic pipes on the brakes was over double over a standard car for instance.
Paul.

[frankxhv773t]

I agree. No factory built right hand drives. I have a feeling John Whalley in Bishops Stortford did some too. I suspect that if the seller has documentation it may be paperwork from Lancia UK saying the warranty is still valid?

As to avoiding conversions, Peter Dicks, the Herts & Beds organiser has a RHD 8 valve and has no issues with it at all. I think there was some variation in the quality of the conversions. Those that use the Regatta steering rack are said to be far too low geared for the performance of the car. However Peter assures me that his has the same number of turns lock-to-lock as any other 8 valve. I think another issue was how securely the rack was mounted on the less good conversions, lack of reinforcement in the bulkhead.

At the end of the day, if it's a good conversion and the price isn't silly it could be a perfectly decent car.