Converting US cars

[Sean 1979]

I'm about to move back to Sydney after a small stint here in Phoenix, Arizona and was thinking about bringing back a car with me.

Does anyone know if i will have to get the steering column converted over?

[ezzzzzzz]

You shouldn't have too. There are numerous cars in other countries built for left or right hand drive. Contact AU's equivalent of our DOT and get it straight from the source. You can probaly find it out on the internet. Down in the Virgin Islands nearly every car/truck is lefthand drive but you drive on the lefthand side of the road! Go figure.....

[240znz]

I would sell the LHD car in Phoenix and buy a RHD in Sydney. I doubt the cost of freight and all the bits you'll need to convert to RHD would make it viable.

But if you have to....you may want to buy a wrecked 240z in aussie (if you can find one and use the bits to convert. Remember its not just steering column, you got the dashboard, pedals and wiring looms to source and fit.

Other alternative is drive it like it is and play chicken everyday....oh joy!

[speedyblue]

When you say "bringing back a car with me" are you referring to a Z, or something else?? If it is before 72 or 73 (I can't remember exactly) Then you can drive it around LHD. When most people talk about importing cars it's usually old Chevs and Fords for cruise cars. If you are thinking Z, then you might be best off selling yours and buying another one over here. It costs about 2g's for the shipping so that would kill any value for money.

[halz]

I would buy a RHD car in Australia. If you are coming from the US, take the opportunity to bring in as many rare parts as you can (interior trim, centre consoles, rubber seals etc.). The cost of these things really stings in Australia!

[260DET]

What speedyblue and halz said.

There are a few US left handers that may be worthwhile bringing in though, eg a nice 280ZX turbo tin top coupe because we didn't get those. No big money to be made however, pm if serious.

[Gav240z]

I know a guy who did this as they say it's 2g just on import tax. Then converting is not hard at all but by the time you've sourced parts and all of that gear it makes it virtually not worth while.

Besides if you buy an Aussie 240z you get the Euro tail lights and a 5 speed

[speedyblue]

Bring over a nice 50's or 60's Chev and a bunch of 400cui chev engines. Sell them over here and buy a nice Z. Those things are in demand at the moment and it is impossible to get a 400 small block. Steady supply of 350's though. My old man is fixing up a HZ tonner for a work ute and can't get a 400. Everyone advertises them, but are currently out of stock. That and L28et's Turbo engines are rare as over here since we never got them.