Someone want's a RHD build. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rokcrln · 01-04-2009, 12:23 PM

Ok so I have someone who is thinking about having a Right Hand Drive vehicle built. All I am allow to say is it is a 67-72 Chevy of the Truck, Blazer or Burb style but per contract I can not go into detail until the project is done if I decide to do it for this person. Right now I am in the research stage until certain criteria are met. My question is does any one know of any legality's that will keep this from being a street legal vehicle for the US? It is currently a Ca registered vehicle but may get moved out of state at some point. Do we have any law enforcement out their that can help shed some light on this?

Thanks for any help.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Kracin · 01-04-2009, 11:59 PM

RHD vehicles are perfectly legal as long as all the proper safety specifications are met, and that only happens if a vehicle of brought from out of the country, there are quite a few things that are needed for a car to be made legal for the US, but if it was originally a US vehicle, changing to RHD shouldnt be an issue with any state for that matter, its just a vehicle modification and each state will have its own laws..

like california has strict smog laws, but hawaii has no smog, but does have safety checks and reconstruction checks, in which if this vehicle came to hawaii it would have to go through a recon check to become street legal.

check per state if its a US vehicle, if not, then check with the main DOT about what needs to be done to make this vehicle US legal

Ian

67ChevyRedneck · 01-05-2009, 12:47 AM

I actually saw an old school Mini Cooper (been a long time since I've seen one, they're way smaller than the new ones) just yesterday and it was right hand drive.

Oddly enough I saw a right hand drive 55 chevy early this year and started this thread about it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=hand+drive

Also, if US Government Mail Trucks can be RHD, why can't a personal vehicle?

...but you are in California, so it's probably illegal

68chevy68 · 01-05-2009, 12:50 AM

I had a friend build a truck at my house and he was going to do that but ran outa steam. It would be different, Not my cup of tea, But different.

brad2 · 01-05-2009, 01:36 AM

I have actually laid my hands on a factory RHD truck. It was pretty rusty and not worth what it was priced at. It was many years ago but the best I can recall I called Early Classic and they referred me to some guy and I think it was called the Truck Shop. Anyway he told me he had owned several and ended up parting them because he couldn't sell them. So if a person looked hard or got lucky it might not even require much fab work.

Rokcrln · 01-05-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=hand+drive

Also, if US Government Mail Trucks can be RHD, why can't a personal vehicle?

...but you are in California, so it's probably illegal

Thanks for the link. Yes the vehicle is currently a Ca registered Chevy ...... so that part is easy. The more I thought about it what is the difference in doing this verses say a 32 Ford coupe that you rip out all the stock front end and do an IFS, power rack and what not, so his measurements might be 32" or more off:Lil: Is that against the law

I will do a bit more looking into this with some Cop friends of mine and see what I can dig up. Keep the info and story's coming. Brad2 any pic's? I think your Blazer/Nomad could benefit from this

Kevin
LFD Inc.

hotrodhomi · 01-05-2009, 10:52 AM

I would imagine that the PO has RHD vehicles in every state. I know my family has had a few in Washington (mom used to deliver mail).

**nightmare** · 01-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Over the weekend, while driving to a few junk yards around DFW, we passed a RHD porsche. it had current inspection and tags for texas, so i know they aren't illegal. kinda weird to see the guy in the passenger seat though.

woodridge · 01-05-2009, 03:34 PM

A friend of mine brought a RHD 280Z back from Japan when his tour was up. No problems at all when he registered it.

Rokcrln · 01-05-2009, 04:36 PM

I called a few of the larger Ins. company's today and none of them had a problem with it. They just said it is a custom so they would have to do a value policy on it but coverage cost would not change for RHD over LHD.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

caja_larga · 01-05-2009, 05:07 PM

I also built air cooled VW's and right hand drive cars seem to be more or a thing to do and far as car people wanting to do it. There are lots of VWs in CA that are RHD that are factory and have been converted and registered.

98L150 · 01-05-2009, 06:02 PM

i havde pics of a friend of mines that he has made right hand drive. i will post some pics of it from my personal laptop tonight when i get back to the hotel.

jeff

Rokcrln · 01-05-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caja_larga

I also built air cooled VW's and right hand drive cars seem to be more or a thing to do and far as car people wanting to do it. There are lots of VWs in CA that are RHD that are factory and have been converted and registered.

A guy I grew up with built a 51 VW split window 3 fold rag years ago that was made RHD but never finished it. It is still sitting in his barn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98L150

i havde pics of a friend of mines that he has made right hand drive. i will post some pics of it from my personal laptop tonight when i get back to the hotel.

jeff

That would be great!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

caja_larga · 01-05-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

A guy I grew up with built a 51 VW split window 3 fold rag years ago that was made RHD but never finished it. It is still sitting in his barn.

for sale?

Rokcrln · 01-05-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caja_larga

for sale?

I don't even know if he remembers he still has it

But if it comes up for sale it will be in my barn

It has the correct W deck lid, Semi-fours (SP?) and is sitting on an IRS pan. He sent off a bunch of parts to the chrome shop and it burned to the ground with everything in side. The big loss were the RHD pedal assembly and it just kind of sat after that. This was back around 1988 or so.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**Palf70Step** · 01-05-2009, 10:07 PM

Kevin

I know when I imported from Japan, there is no federal restrictions for RHD vehicles, but I do know that some states do have restrictions and do not permit right hand drive to be licensed for regular street use (federal special use applications void this..ie Postal Jeep/vehicles). I think Rhode Island is one that has that restriction, and if I remember there were 3 others that did not permit it. There were also a couple that would let RHD be licensed, but only for limited use (like antiques/show type vehicles). Like everything thing else pertain to vehicle licensing, it varies by state.

If I remember right, all those that did not allow it, were in the northeast, or mid-east US. The first time I tried was 20 years ago, the last time was about 3-4 years ago. I have not looked deeply into it, but yoyu can not put out a blank statement that everyone permits it.

BTW, I believe the wording at the federal level states the RHD has to be a vehicle sold in the US as a LHD, and it has to be at least 25 years old to flow into the country freely. Newer ones might come in, but it could be a lot more tariffs and other hassles. The you have to deal with the states rules.

jugernot · 01-05-2009, 10:50 PM

Kevin,

I called the CHP and spoke to an Officer that specializes in vin varification and all that other special stuff regarding vehicle, hot rod, motorcycles. As far has he knew there was no regs or law prohibiting you from converting a vehicle to right hand drive.

I spoke to a few San Francisco Officers who said the same thing.

I also sent an email to CRUSIN NEWs and recieved a this reply, I have not call Bruce Brown yet, but can give him a call tomorrow.

I hope this helps.

Julius,

I am not sure about the laws you might contact DMV Bruce Brown 916-657-6560 he's a good friend and might be able to answer your questions ...
tell him I told you to call

send me pics and a short story on the truck .. would make a nice article ...

Sincerely,
John Sweeney
Publisher
Cruisin' News
P.O. Box 1096
Folsom CA 95763-1096

PH: 916-933-0949
Fax 916-933-4791

email CruisinNews@mac .com

http://www.cruisinnews.com/

98L150 · 01-05-2009, 11:09 PM

here are a few camera pics

toomanytoyz · 01-05-2009, 11:18 PM

This one was on the Evil a While Back, Was from Florida....................

Rick

big_al_71 · 01-05-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomanytoyz

This one was on the Evil a While Back, Was from Florida....................

Rick

Yeah it was for sale on ebay for like 6,500 buy it now.....

UGLY p.o.s. thou

Rokcrln · 01-06-2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98L150

here are a few camera pics

Looks good but they forgot to swap out the Cig lighter and Ing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomanytoyz

This one was on the Evil a While Back, Was from Florida....................

Rick

Boy I hope I can do better than that

And thanks to the rest of you for your info.

jugernot I will call him in the morning and I will see you Saturday.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

toomanytoyz · 01-06-2009, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

Yeah it was for sale on ebay for like 6,500 buy it now.....

UGLY p.o.s. thou

You Sure are Right about that, I think it was on there a Couple Times with no luck in selling.............

Rick

*project 67 sub* · 01-06-2009, 03:17 AM

yah look at that hideous brake booster bracket that sticks out like 5 feet from the firewall

68K20 x Drill · 01-06-2009, 05:35 AM

I got pulled over a few times in this, and they never once asked about RHD. the switch for a Midget or Sprite is pretty much flip the rack, an move the pedal box. done a few in CA with no issues ever. Sadly, Sprite awaits repairs after some tool in an SUV crushed it into another car while parked on the street..

oldtruck10 · 01-06-2009, 10:18 AM

Might as well put gauges and steering wheels on both sides and really mess with the mind.

01-04-2009, 12:23 PM	#1
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Someone want's a RHD build. Ok so I have someone who is thinking about having a Right Hand Drive vehicle built. All I am allow to say is it is a 67-72 Chevy of the Truck, Blazer or Burb style but per contract I can not go into detail until the project is done if I decide to do it for this person. Right now I am in the research stage until certain criteria are met. My question is does any one know of any legality's that will keep this from being a street legal vehicle for the US? It is currently a Ca registered vehicle but may get moved out of state at some point. Do we have any law enforcement out their that can help shed some light on this? Thanks for any help. Kevin LFD Inc.

01-04-2009, 11:59 PM	#2
Kracin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 82	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. RHD vehicles are perfectly legal as long as all the proper safety specifications are met, and that only happens if a vehicle of brought from out of the country, there are quite a few things that are needed for a car to be made legal for the US, but if it was originally a US vehicle, changing to RHD shouldnt be an issue with any state for that matter, its just a vehicle modification and each state will have its own laws.. like california has strict smog laws, but hawaii has no smog, but does have safety checks and reconstruction checks, in which if this vehicle came to hawaii it would have to go through a recon check to become street legal. check per state if its a US vehicle, if not, then check with the main DOT about what needs to be done to make this vehicle US legal Ian

01-05-2009, 12:47 AM	#3
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I actually saw an old school Mini Cooper (been a long time since I've seen one, they're way smaller than the new ones) just yesterday and it was right hand drive. Oddly enough I saw a right hand drive 55 chevy early this year and started this thread about it. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=hand+drive Also, if US Government Mail Trucks can be RHD, why can't a personal vehicle? ...but you are in California, so it's probably illegal __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 01-05-2009 at 12:47 AM.

01-05-2009, 12:50 AM	#4
68chevy68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: arkansas Posts: 524	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I had a friend build a truck at my house and he was going to do that but ran outa steam. It would be different, Not my cup of tea, But different. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=245203

01-05-2009, 01:36 AM	#5
brad2 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: edmond, ok Posts: 1,056	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I have actually laid my hands on a factory RHD truck. It was pretty rusty and not worth what it was priced at. It was many years ago but the best I can recall I called Early Classic and they referred me to some guy and I think it was called the Truck Shop. Anyway he told me he had owned several and ended up parting them because he couldn't sell them. So if a person looked hard or got lucky it might not even require much fab work. __________________ 74 swb 71 2wd Jimmy 82 2wd Blazer

01-05-2009, 10:52 AM	#7
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I would imagine that the PO has RHD vehicles in every state. I know my family has had a few in Washington (mom used to deliver mail). __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

01-05-2009, 03:34 PM	#9
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. A friend of mine brought a RHD 280Z back from Japan when his tour was up. No problems at all when he registered it. __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet

01-05-2009, 04:36 PM	#10
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I called a few of the larger Ins. company's today and none of them had a problem with it. They just said it is a custom so they would have to do a value policy on it but coverage cost would not change for RHD over LHD. Kevin LFD Inc.

01-05-2009, 05:07 PM	#11
caja_larga Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 172	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I also built air cooled VW's and right hand drive cars seem to be more or a thing to do and far as car people wanting to do it. There are lots of VWs in CA that are RHD that are factory and have been converted and registered.

01-05-2009, 06:02 PM	#12
98L150 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hockley, TX Posts: 657	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. i havde pics of a friend of mines that he has made right hand drive. i will post some pics of it from my personal laptop tonight when i get back to the hotel. jeff __________________ 72 Suburban 64 Chevy short fleet 04 Chevy Colorado Sport Reg Cab 2012 Chevy Avalanche 2003 Chevy S10 Blazer Xtreme http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/RA_Jeff 64 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295915

01-05-2009, 10:07 PM	#16
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,228	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. Kevin I know when I imported from Japan, there is no federal restrictions for RHD vehicles, but I do know that some states do have restrictions and do not permit right hand drive to be licensed for regular street use (federal special use applications void this..ie Postal Jeep/vehicles). I think Rhode Island is one that has that restriction, and if I remember there were 3 others that did not permit it. There were also a couple that would let RHD be licensed, but only for limited use (like antiques/show type vehicles). Like everything thing else pertain to vehicle licensing, it varies by state. If I remember right, all those that did not allow it, were in the northeast, or mid-east US. The first time I tried was 20 years ago, the last time was about 3-4 years ago. I have not looked deeply into it, but yoyu can not put out a blank statement that everyone permits it. BTW, I believe the wording at the federal level states the RHD has to be a vehicle sold in the US as a LHD, and it has to be at least 25 years old to flow into the country freely. Newer ones might come in, but it could be a lot more tariffs and other hassles. The you have to deal with the states rules. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 01-05-2009 at 10:18 PM.

01-05-2009, 10:50 PM	#17
jugernot Life, Be In It..... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Novato, California Posts: 1,498	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. Kevin, I called the CHP and spoke to an Officer that specializes in vin varification and all that other special stuff regarding vehicle, hot rod, motorcycles. As far has he knew there was no regs or law prohibiting you from converting a vehicle to right hand drive. I spoke to a few San Francisco Officers who said the same thing. I also sent an email to CRUSIN NEWs and recieved a this reply, I have not call Bruce Brown yet, but can give him a call tomorrow. I hope this helps. Julius, I am not sure about the laws you might contact DMV Bruce Brown 916-657-6560 he's a good friend and might be able to answer your questions ... tell him I told you to call send me pics and a short story on the truck .. would make a nice article ... Sincerely, John Sweeney Publisher Cruisin' News P.O. Box 1096 Folsom CA 95763-1096 PH: 916-933-0949 Fax 916-933-4791 email CruisinNews@mac .com http://www.cruisinnews.com/ __________________ Project Name: LEMON DROP. Reconstruction started "December 2000". Projected completion date "Who knows" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200082 Last edited by jugernot; 01-05-2009 at 10:50 PM.

01-05-2009, 11:09 PM	#18
98L150 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hockley, TX Posts: 657	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. here are a few camera pics Attached Images __________________ 72 Suburban 64 Chevy short fleet 04 Chevy Colorado Sport Reg Cab 2012 Chevy Avalanche 2003 Chevy S10 Blazer Xtreme http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/RA_Jeff 64 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295915

01-05-2009, 11:18 PM	#19
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. This one was on the Evil a While Back, Was from Florida.................... Rick Attached Images __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

01-06-2009, 03:17 AM	#23
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. yah look at that hideous brake booster bracket that sticks out like 5 feet from the firewall



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01-06-2009, 05:35 AM	#24
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. I got pulled over a few times in this, and they never once asked about RHD. the switch for a Midget or Sprite is pretty much flip the rack, an move the pedal box. done a few in CA with no issues ever. Sadly, Sprite awaits repairs after some tool in an SUV crushed it into another car while parked on the street.. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars Last edited by 68K20 x Drill; 01-06-2009 at 05:37 AM.

01-06-2009, 10:18 AM	#25
oldtruck10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: phoenix arizona Posts: 12	Re: Someone want's a RHD build. Might as well put gauges and steering wheels on both sides and really mess with the mind.

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