Hey All,

I thought it might be worth having a thread for the aussies and RHD Thirdgens to keep track of what parts we can use locally for replacements, upgrades, mods etc.
I've been at my project for a good 15-20 years now (i've lost count) and always find it difficult to source local parts or know what is compatible with our cars so this might be a good spot for everyone to put in their 2 cents for the newcomers and old alike, as well as see who the other aussie thirdgen'ers are.

At current I'm trying to find possible compatible brake upgrades for our cars using holden parts, but haven't bene able to find any info on it.

I've got an 85 TransAm with stock front calipers and a 94 LT1 rear end with the stock rear discs for that.
The next problem is I'm still runnign stock 15" rims, as the only Australian cars witht he same 120.65mm stud pattern with the 70.3mm centre bore are the WB/HQ Holdens and a few Toranas, and most of them never went over 15" so we only have aftermarket to pick from, and going to any bigger brakes needs 16"+ rims for clearance.

In terms of electrics and motors, most of my car's electrical system is now from a VY commodore including BCM, body harness, and for a while I had a VY dash and cluster installed as well.
LS1 swaps aren't as hard for RHD once you've tried and failed at all the possible options. Our only issue is headers and steering column clearance, but these can be overcome with a 2 different headers ($300 for both pair needed) and a either bash the headers a little for the steering clearance, or get a commodore steering column and modify it with a collapsible shaft, uni-joint and support to move it awya from the headers.
LX_SS has basically rebuilt/redesigned a few firebirds and has some great ideas for mods in OZ, which is where I got the steering idea from, as well as the VY dash.

My car is Knight Rider KITT version, not a replica, but as close as I can get with the parts I have access to, and decided to upgrade the dash a bit from the 80s to a bit more of a Tesla on steroids style.

Any way, if anyone has any right hand drive specific info that would help everyone out or just want to shout out to everyone, maybe we can build a knowledge base here.

 

I can envision a database for RHD specific parts being useful. Unfortunately, I have no content to add to it. About the only RHD vehicles seen in the U.S. are postal delivery vehicles and the dual-drive trucks used for trash collection. There are some conversions for very specific purposes, but those are even more rare.

 

No worries.
On the right hand drive conversions here in Australia, either do the chain conversion, whoch I personally have never seen, but my understanding is everything stays where it is in terms of the steering box etc, and they set up something behind the dash to put the steering wheel on the right hand side. I'm assuming something along the way of a bike chain and gears.
The normal way for a mirror conversion is to use a Holden HQ or WB power steering box and mount it on the right hand chassis rail after reinforcing it.

Everything else for the RHD coversion is just cutting up the dash and HVAC box and plastic welding it back together in the RHD formation.

The anoying thing for us is the steering column and clearance from the headers because the motor is offset, so you guys have plenty of room on the left, but the right gets cramped quick with a brake booster, steering column etc.

The Holden 2003-2004 VY Commodore dash fits with a little bit of modifications, and the centre console as well. Again some cutting and welding a few mounting brackets to get it all to fit.