Carmad124
New member
Hi all just wondered if anyone has converted one of these to RHD and how it could be done
124 Spider (Classic) RHD conversion
- Thread starter Carmad124
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124 Spider (Classic) RHD conversion
There have been some converted in the past - check out some of the past projects @ www.dtrsports.com this company imported and specialised in the 124 Spider for many years.
Iirc, you would need a right hand drive steering box and idler box from usually a 124 Sport Coupe, but I've heard there are other options/work-arounds? e.g. afaik, the last of the 124 Spiders (possibly the Pininfarina/DS models?) had a steering rack instead of steering and idler boxes.
(lots of 124 Sport Coupes were scrapped having donated their st. and idler boxes
).
Some other minor parts are also needed e.g. longer (rhd) clutch and accelerator cables, longer servo vacuum hose etc.
Some small modifications are also needed to the engine bulkhead (firewall) and to the sheetmetal behind the dashboard plus a replacement dashboard would need to be fabricated.
Iirc, you would need a right hand drive steering box and idler box from usually a 124 Sport Coupe, but I've heard there are other options/work-arounds? e.g. afaik, the last of the 124 Spiders (possibly the Pininfarina/DS models?) had a steering rack instead of steering and idler boxes.
(lots of 124 Sport Coupes were scrapped having donated their st. and idler boxes
).Some other minor parts are also needed e.g. longer (rhd) clutch and accelerator cables, longer servo vacuum hose etc.
Some small modifications are also needed to the engine bulkhead (firewall) and to the sheetmetal behind the dashboard plus a replacement dashboard would need to be fabricated.
gengis
Member
Yes…I have converted both my Spiders to RHD. The first one in 2002 using Lada Riva steering gear, and more latterly in 2022 my Abarth tribute using Fiat Coupe parts (which is for sale at Maple House Classic cars)
All things mentioned by 124BC1 will have to be overcome, plus some of the wiring to be flipped. On the plus side…both of my Spiders came from San Diego a dry climate and when converted, the ex-passenger door becomes the Drivers door which is always less worn.
All things mentioned by 124BC1 will have to be overcome, plus some of the wiring to be flipped. On the plus side…both of my Spiders came from San Diego a dry climate and when converted, the ex-passenger door becomes the Drivers door which is always less worn.
Carmad124
New member
Thanks for your reply, picture looks great
How did you recreate the glove box and recover the dash
gengis
Member
The glovebox and the instrument aperture are symmetrical, so just flip by 180. The dash is a new LHD solid plastic item from Spiderpoint, which I cut a lower section out of both sides to facilitate the steering column bump.
I have a RHD steering box as I was going to convert mine, its a relatively straightforward mod.There have been some converted in the past - check out some of the past projects @ www.dtrsports.com this company imported and specialised in the 124 Spider for many years.
Iirc, you would need a right hand drive steering box and idler box from usually a 124 Sport Coupe, but I've heard there are other options/work-arounds? e.g. afaik, the last of the 124 Spiders (possibly the Pininfarina/DS models?) had a steering rack instead of steering and idler boxes.
(lots of 124 Sport Coupes were scrapped having donated their st. and idler boxes
Some other minor parts are also needed e.g. longer (rhd) clutch and accelerator cables, longer servo vacuum hose etc.
Some small modifications are also needed to the engine bulkhead (firewall) and to the sheetmetal behind the dashboard plus a replacement dashboard would need to be fabricated.
Hi Twink80, I also have a Fiat Spider, and want to convert it to RHD. Can you help me source a RHD steering box?
Yes! I have a right hand drive steering box, I will get some photos of it and post them
Wow fantastic, will definitely take this off your hands. Really appreciate it. You can email me directly if you like.
What an excellant job on the conversion!
