[DML] Re: RIGHT HAND DRIVE

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

Hi Lance - I'm guessing you're related to Rick who I've been in contact with
before about your car. I have inserted replies below.

Lance Haslewood wrote:

> In response to a question from an Australian on right-hand drive
> conversions and factory right hand drive DeLoreans in the 'Letters To The
> Editor' section of the latest edition of DeLorean Word (Fall 1999), the
> editor David Knudson, responded by stating that DMC did not produce any
> right-hand drive vehicles.

There are conflicting reports of this, but THERE ARE NO CARS ORIGINALLY
PRODUCED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL ON THE RIGHT. All are conversions, but it's
here that stories start to differ. Story 1) There are 12 right-hand drive cars
converted on behalf of DMC by Wooler Hodec (sp?) in Andover. They did the
relocation of the steering wheel and the pedal box.(the brakes are tricky),
and the rebuilding of the dash. The Wipers and light clusters were done at the
factory after this, IIRC. Story 2) THREE cars (one an auto) were converted AT
THE FACTORY, the rest at Wooler Hodec. Interestingly, these are supposedly
identified by the side indicators, and lack of running lights. As I say on my
website, the stainless panels DO NOT have holes cut for the running lights and
therefore they are NOT conversions, but original, which adds weight to this
argument. However, Mike Loasby disputes this second story.

> I find this statement to be somewhat
> contradictory to general opinion, and confusing, because as far as I am
> aware, DMC manufactured 12 right-hand drive models; two with auto
> transmission and 10 with manual.

These are indeed the correct statistics - all Black Manuals with two
exceptions in each case - a grey manual which was converted for John Taylor,
and a grey auto - the one supposedly done at the factory. BOTH auto's and two
original RHD manual's are owned by Chris Parnham.

> Furthermore, I own a right hand drive
> DeLorean, which the paperwork tells me, is original. The vehicle is also
> Eurofit configured.

In my conversations with Rick, he told me the wipers aren't converted, and
your rear running lights are red - check also the front indicators and the
rear light cluster. These are all telltale signs of the prototypes. See my
website for more details.

> I have thoroughly checked my car for any tell-tale
> hints that it may be a converted model, but there are none. A well-done
> conversion perhaps?

Definitely. Te reiterate from above: ALL RHD CARS ARE CONVERSIONS. The
body-tub was never designed to take a RHD version. Check for the hole from the
steering column on the left, for eg.

>
>
> Mr Knudson goes on to say that he had seen several DeLoreans that had been
> converted, and were extremely well done, but most had been rather poor
> jobs.

Hmmmm. the factory conversions were done VERY well, however, the cars
themselves were used at the factory for testing and the Hooper's car has body
damage due to experimentation with stainless repair.

> I'm somewhat confused by this statement. Agreed that there are
> probably a few sharks out there who have the attitude that 'near enough is
> good enough' when carrying out vehicle conversions, however, I have seen
> some converted DeLoreans in Australia which were all very professionally
> done.

If I had to convert one, I'd want it done in Oz - there are numerous companies
who specialise in this because of your laws on LHD cars. Here in the UK it's
not mandators, but the one car I've seen that's a post conversion cost
5000pounds excluding tax and ISN'T as well done as the factory ones, though
it's pretty close!

Any more questions, please contact me,

Best Wishes,

Martin
DeLorean Owners Club UK
http://www.delorean.co.uk