R107 converting lhd to rhd

[joeycessna]

Hi, has anyone experience in converting a r107 from lhd to rhd? The car is a 1974 and rust free. I have a rhd 1979 donor car rotten as a pair but good mechanically, only done 48k miles. I realize popular opinion will be I should go to "the big house for the confused*, but bear with with. I am a retired mechanical engineer and have all the facilities to do such a task. Just hoping someone out there may have done a conversion and knows what's involved. Thanks, joe

 

[grober]

These models tend to rot at the bulkhead meaning your LHD DONOR model may be good but parts may not directly transferable to RHD likewise with the front subframe - check part nos here

Mercedes Benz EPC Type R107 107 SL SLC Information Everything Benz

 

[joeycessna]

Hi, has anyone experience in converting a r107 from lhd to rhd? The car is a 1974 and rust free. I have a rhd 1979 donor car rotten as a pair but good mechanically, only done 48k miles. I realize popular opinion will be I should go to "the big house for the confused*, but bear with with. I am a retired mechanical engineer and have all the facilities to do such a task. Just hoping someone out there may have done a conversion and knows what's involved. Thanks, joe

P. S. Should have read "pear"

 

[joeycessna]

These models tend to rot at the bulkhead meaning your LHD DONOR model may be good but parts may not directly transferable to RHD likewise with the front subframe - check part nos here

Mercedes Benz EPC Type R107 107 SL SLC Information Everything Benz

I should have mentioned the rhd donor car is a SL280. The lhd car I wish to convert to rhd had a 350 eng. Both are automatic box.

 

[oldguy57]

I should have mentioned the rhd donor car is a SL280. The lhd car I wish to convert to rhd had a 350 eng. Both are automatic box.

I'll ask the question. Why do you want to convert to RHD? I find driving lhd just as easy as rhd. Is it a question of parts availability, insurance etc?

 

[joeycessna]

I'll ask the question. Why do you want to convert to RHD? I find driving lhd just as easy as rhd. Is it a question of parts availability, insurance etc?

 

[joeycessna]

The lhd one I have is virtually a shell that is rust free (originally from Spain). The rhd donor car is complete and mechanically in very good condition. The body shell, what's left of it, is beyond restoration. I know the bulkheads are different as is the cross-member that the steering column and brake pedal assy attaches to, but I can retrofit with rhd ones. Not sure what else is different as regards the shell. Engine/gearbox mounts are the same.

 

[91dm]

I can't remember ever seeing anyone complete the conversion on a 107 but I'm sure it can be done, especially when you have the full donor to compare and take bits from. How rotten is the RHD car?

 

[joeycessna]

Very rotten. I reckon if I sprayed it with rust remover, all that would remain is the tyres

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

If you can manage the changes to the bulkhead then the rest will be simple. However the changes needed to the bulkhead are substantial and beyond most. Luckily you are not alone, there is a guy doing this on YouTube at the moment. He is putting a C63 into a LHD car and converting it to RHD. Look up xf Motorsport on YouTube to see his progress.

 

[grober]

The true value of these classic R107 Mercedes derives partly from their provenance. If you regard this as an engineering project fine. But don't expect to realise any increased value by modifying an original six cylinder lhd model to right-hand drive and giving it V8. As a restoration project you would be better employed putting a good/refurbished six cylinder engine in the left hand drive model and selling the right hand drive car mechanicals for parts. In these classic Mercedes originality is everything in the marketplace.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Doubt if that is the goal, there is not enough value in 107s to make restorations a profitable project.

I restored mine for they enjoyment, not a monetary goal.

 

[joeycessna]

Thanks RD, I watched your Labour of love, hats off to you, and thanks for the lead. I agree, originality is key if you are trying to make dosh on restorations. Thankfully I'm just doing it as I love engineering. I spent over three thousand hours building a model live steam locomotive. I doubt I would get a euro/hour if I sold it. If I were stuck for money, I'd sell the misses before the loco

 

[Petrol Pete]

You spent 3000 hours building a model train AND you still have a wife !!??. She must really love you.....or sometimes forget that you are there at all .

Give her my love .

 

[91dm]

I would go for it Joe, there's lots of help on the forums and the parts diagrams are great.

 

[joeycessna]

I would go for it Joe, there's lots of help on the forums and the parts diagrams are great.

Yes thank god the wife is very understanding. I bought her an impact gun for her birthday. She doesn't mind lending it to me, great girl.

91dm, where could I see the parts diagram? I opened the link that Grober mentioned to check part numbers, but couldn't find the info. (not too familiar with these computers, only use CAD, the rest is bewildering).

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

He was probably refering to "epc" an electronic parts catalog. It is available as a knock off on ebay that runs under a virtual machine, Mercedes no longer support it.

It gives views like this.

There is also an online version that may be discontinued at any time, thats why I prefer the PC based "epc".

Mercedes-Benz Teilekatalog (Ersatzteile online)

mb-teilekatalog.info

FYI, there are not many 107 owners or discussion here, much more over at the US Benzworld in the 107 section if you get stuck.

 

[joeycessna]

He was probably refering to "epc" an electronic parts catalog. It is available as a knock off on ebay that runs under a virtual machine, Mercedes no longer support it.

It gives views like this.

There is also an online version that may be discontinued at any time, thats why I prefer the PC based "epc".

Mercedes-Benz Teilekatalog (Ersatzteile online)

mb-teilekatalog.info

FYI, there are not many 107 owners or discussion here, much more over at the US Benzworld in the 107 section if you get stuck.

Thanks RC

 

[Peterds]

Any progress with the conversion plan...

 

[joeycessna]

Just stripping everything out of both cars at moment. Main things to change over will be the bulkhead and cross-member where the steering column attaches. Also move the steering box over. Some models have the three bolt holes for the steering box on both sides of the chassis. Unfortunately my lhd 74 model doesn't. I will have to make a template to transfer the hole positions over to the left side chassis rail. I will drill the holes with a magdrill, turn long support collars and mig weld them in. Walk in the park