Convert R107 Steering from Right to Left - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

denis gow · #1 05-23-2006, 02:30 AM

In regard to the R107 MB ,would there be a company in USA that can convert a right hand steer car to a left hand steer car .

I want to bring my own personal R107 to USA from Australia and have it converted to left steer as I am going to reside in LA .

I have restored this car from ground up over the years and do not want to let it go to purchase another .

Hope you can help.

Den Downunder 1982 500SL Euro.

t walgamuth · #2 05-23-2006, 08:42 AM

i dont know.

but if there is, it may shock you at the price.

probably better to sell off yours and buy a different car in cal.

in terms of money. of course the emotional attachment of the car you have poured your soul into may override.

but there are a lot of cars to choose from in cal. the 500sl euro would be a rarity though.

tom w

kbannister · #3 05-23-2006, 01:31 PM

California is probably the hardest state there is to federalize a car. Rumors still float about having to change lights, bumpers, and of course the tougher emission standards.

There are a couple of Euro SL owners living in CA that probably have the answers.

Welcome to the USofA

kitchenrat · #4 05-23-2006, 09:31 PM

this makes no sense on a couple of levels. 1st it's totally impractical to attempt this conversion. i would expect cost to range from 10-15,000 usd and the potential to screw it up and cause continuing, primarily electrical, problems is huge. the value of the car as a collector will also take a dive.
2nd why in hell would anyone leave OZ to live in a pisshole like LA?

ericdee · #5 05-23-2006, 10:39 PM

Not sure if that's needed, I see right-hand drive cars here from time to time. But as stated above to federalize the car it would cost you a small fortune, you'd be better off buying one here. Drop me a email when your in town, I'll buy you a beer.
Cheers!

t walgamuth · #6 05-23-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitchenrat

this makes no sense on a couple of levels. 1st it's totally impractical to attempt this conversion. i would expect cost to range from 10-15,000 usd and the potential to screw it up and cause continuing, primarily electrical, problems is huge. the value of the car as a collector will also take a dive.
2nd why in hell would anyone leave OZ to live in a pisshole like LA?

tough crowd!

hey, he is coming for a job, i bet. or a woman. cut him some slack, man.

tom w

Strife · #7 05-24-2006, 12:46 AM

As though doing this job wouldn't be tough enough, I wonder if those who could do it won't because of liability issues.

nobby · #8 05-24-2006, 01:22 AM

Why not turn it into a station wagon at the same time?
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
That would really be an undertaking with a large cost attached.
I thought the value of SL's was higher in OZ, and if that is the case, why not sell it and buy another when you arrive in the US? I know you are attached to it but once it has been switched would it REALLY be the same car?

Bondavi · #9 05-24-2006, 03:46 AM

Cars like mine with federalization papers and work done in the state of CA back in 1991 when laws were more lax "stick" to the work performed documented to pass the AiR lab testing. So I get to keep my low profile bumpers, euro headlights, and no air pump (wheeeeee!) Just cats, a lambda system which is easily disabled, and EGR.

Yes, RHD cars are legal in the US.

* Any car imported into the US must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (FMVSS). Canada has a very similar standard, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (CMVSS). The biggest difference is that the CMVSS requires daytime running lights. European standards are different. Most European countries operate off the ECE standards, promulgated by the European Union. There are significant differences between European and American standards. Some involve such things as turn signal location. Significant differences include different crash standards.

* Any car must also meet the EPA emissions standards. There are two sets in the US. California is allowed to set their own, and other states have the option of following either the US standards or California - but they can't modify either.

* There are exceptions to this rule. Automotive manufacturers are allowed to drive (under special circumstances) various cars that do not meet the FMVSS. In Michigan, all test cars (which these are classified as), have a special license plate as well ("M" plates).
If you drive around Detroit, especially near certain automakers facilities, you will quite often see a wide variety of foreign cars.

* I'm not familiar with the registration requirements. Check with your local DMV.

Say, weren't you the one who put in a stick shift in your 500SL? If so, how'd she run?

denis gow · #10 05-24-2006, 04:04 AM

WWWWWoWWWW,

What an immediate mixed responce , it was great, but did not provide the name of a company that could do the conversion. There is more to this than money.

I just won't part with the magic Euro 500SL .

There must be a company in LA that can do this conversion as LA is the home of the auto.

There is a group in LA that is going to race the NASCAR races with a Toyoto Altise , so you guys can do anything, even put a man on the moon 20+ years ago,so to change the steering on a MB , I thought this would be a walk up start in USA.

Appreciate any further answers and I will have a beer ( FOSTERS ) when I arrive .

I am starting a business but I wish I was hooking up with a USA woman.

Den Downunder 1982 500SL Euro Red.

Pete Geither · #11 05-24-2006, 05:36 AM

Dashboard, steering column, exhaust, brake lines, probably fuel lines, probably pull engine, fix holes in cowl, make new ones, door interior panels, complete new wiring harness, seats ?, E brake assembly,,,,, going to the moon might be easier.

t walgamuth · #12 05-24-2006, 07:40 AM

thanks for the compliments on the usa. not many outside here are giving them out now.

it is still the land of opportunity though. i would think that australia has opportunities too. i picture it as being a little more wide open than the us, whatever that means, and maybe a little less ... complacent.

once here with your interesting aussie accent (you do sound exactly like paul hogan, right?) you will find a woman in no time.

good luck with your business.

and the conversion.

tom w

nhdoc · #13 05-24-2006, 07:42 AM

Your car may just pass the "25 year rule" which means you don't have to worry about meeting any federal requirements for anything. I'm not sure if the peoples republic of California has special laws which are more stringent than the feds, but I know once a car reaches 25 years from the date of manufacture you can legally import it without having to deal with any retrofits or upgrades for federal safety or emmissions standards, cars over 25 years old are exempt from having to be retrofit...I would look into that and if it's the case just leave it as RHD and drive it.

Like others have said, it is probably not cost effective to convert it since you could buy another 380 or 560SL here for what it would cost to convert yours, but if it were it would probably be cheaper to do over there than here...there are probably lots of LHD "kits" left over at conversion shops in Australia from people going RHD so you might just check with some shops and dealers there first...you might just get lucky.

G'day and Good luck!

denis gow · #14 05-24-2006, 09:09 AM

Thanks folks for all your input on this , it is appreciated , I think the 25 year age rule looks interesting which means I can drive right hand side.

My 500SL was produced in 1982 , so If I have to wait a short while to qualify then this will be ok.

Thanks again .

PS, if Paul Hogan can win an American girl in real life, there is hope for me, as I am a little bit better looking and I don't carry a big knife.

Den Downunder 1982 500SL Euro Red.

kbannister · #15 05-24-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denis gow

Thanks folks for all your input on this , it is appreciated , I think the 25 year age rule looks interesting which means I can drive right hand side.

My 500SL was produced in 1982 , so If I have to wait a short while to qualify then this will be ok.

Thanks again .

PS, if Paul Hogan can win an American girl in real life, there is hope for me, as I am a little bit better looking and I don't carry a big knife.

Den Downunder 1982 500SL Euro Red.

Yea but can you wrestle alligators???

I don't believe the 25 year rule will apply in CA. You might want to pose these questions to "107_amg", he lives in CA and might have some other answers for you. You know where to find him.