RHD conversion

Hi Bulldog,
I don't remember ever seeing one for sale.
If the DTDC can't find you one - then I'd go for the cut it up option.

Fibreglass is pretty simple to cut up and stick back together - I've done a BMW motorcycle fairing in the past (after a crash). It's easy to do with an angle grinder, some new fibreglass mat and a bit of filler.

Are you going power steering?

Bulldog,

I was at a BBQ for the local Reno Tahoe Pantera Club the weekend and believe it or not this subject actually came up. Jack De Ryke had heard of someone that was or wanted to do a RHD conversion. I thought he was talking about a guy who bopught a US car and shipped it back to Australia (where it is mandatory to be RHD), maybe it was you though?

Apparently there were as few as around 25 Panteras made in RHD, so coming across a dash or any other RHD specific parts will be literally like looking for a needle in haystack.

At least one of the US vendors sells the later single pod dash in bare fiberglass and may even be able lay up a RHD version, who knows. If you have the later dash the OEM will fetch premium $$, so maybe sell the OEM and get a new fiberglass one to cut up? Bear in mind that there may have also been a RHD wiring loom too, although with so few RHD cars produced maybe they just added extensions to the LHD loom? Be interesting to know which side your fusebox is located?

I haven’t had much experience with the Pantera rack, but from what I have seen it’s a simple affair and you may even be able to simply swap it around without too much hassle.

Definitely get friendly with other UK owners and look at the detail differences between your LHD and their cars. One suggestion would be to get in contact with Johnny Woods (located in Devon), he's a wizard at fabrication and also totally rebuilt a burned out GTS. I don't know to what extent he had to fabricate parts for his rebuild or if his car was a RHD to start with, but he'd be just a great resource to know on the GB scene anyway. He frequents this board under his own name and you should be able to find is contact details under the members list.

Jack De Ryke is also probably one of the most respected resources for Panteras out there, he is also just an overwhelmingly helpful guy. He hangs out on the 'other site' 'The De Tomaso Mailing List', either post there or drop me an e-mail at julian_kift(at)hotmail.com and I'll put you in touch with him.

Julian

For whats it is worth, I used to see Panteras during layovers in Sydney, and in fact, there was a dealer (or lot) near the airport. We would pass it on the crew bus to and from the hotel. Don't know if it is still there, but bet it would be a good source. Good luck
zz

Just covering the bases, have you checked with Roland to learn if he has any of the parts you need? (dash, gage console).

your friend on the DTBB

Hi Bulldog.
There are 2 RHD Panteras for sale at www.pistonheads.com
Maybe it is easier to buy the right thing, than to make a conversion.

The MGB I just restored was orignially left hand. The previous owner converted it to right hand. It was awkward (not from a driving standpoint) but from a people stand point. Every time some one saw it they said "Hmm, was it originally a RHD?". Well no.."Why was it converted?". Since it didn't come from the factory that way it was kind of corny. I returned to left hand drive in the restoration.

Gary

Bulldog, I am sorry, I didn't realize you were in London. That certainly makes more sense then doing it over here!

There was only one road car ever made with the driver in the absolutely correct position and that was the McLaren F1. No right or left hand BS there, you sat dead center where you should be.

This was a conversion I partially finished, long story. I have most of the parts you will need. A 4 pod dash, converted to RHD, a brand new unused RHD Pantera steering rack, the alum pedal assm with the correct pedals, templates for the pedal box that is welded in, a modified centre console. Let me know if you are interested.