Right hand drive auctions – a walkthough
If you've ever wondered what the Japanese car auctions look like, check this out!
The Australian show 'Mighty Car Mods' went on a tour of one of the HUGE Japanese car auction houses. It's a really interesting video to watch. They do a walkthough of a 6-storey carpark full of vehicles up for auction. Since Australia is an RHD country they could choose more liberally than we could here in Canada.. but they were still eyeballing a lot of the same cars! RX-7s, Skylines and the like! They also do a little bit on Kei cars up for auction.
The bit about the actual auction floor is INCREDIBLE. The auctions usually take 20-30 seconds (take THAT ebay!) and 4 go on at the same time. It looks like a pretty intense environment... but really interesting at the same time. They basically set it up as a videogame, by the looks of it!
Advice: skip the first 8 minutes... it's all fluff. Otherwise... enjoy! Lots of good information and shots of really interesting cars in here!
Cheers,
rob
JDM Radio – Surprises after importing
Stock radio from a Nissan Figaro - Click for larger image
There's a number of strange little things about JDM right hand drives that some people might not expect when they're importing.
One of these things is that a lot of people that import their own JDM don't think about is that Japan runs on a different radio band. Turns out that's the case!
In most of the world the FM broadcast band, used for broadcasting FM radio stations, goes from 87.5 to 108.0 MHz. Japan's FM broadcast band is 76–90 MHz, the only country to use this span. (From Wikipedia)
So, as the first owner of a fresh JDM in Canada, you might be wondering why you can only get the first few FM channels.... this is why. The AM radio band is the same, and will work, and if your area is anything like mine you'll be listening to a lot of informational programming. I always say that owning a right hand drive has taught me a lot, and this is one of the reasons why!
JDM radio tuned to a North American impossibility.
It's actually also funny to see what kinds toys come with these radios. I've seen MiniDisc players, tape and some crazy Non-english undefinable peripherals.
So, when importing your own JDM right hand drive, or checking out one that's already landed... check out the radio - if you're really into FM radio it might cost you a bunch to swap out the radio. Speaking from experience... there might not be a simple way to hook up your new North American spec radio either.
You'll notice that I used the term 'JDM Radio' and 'JDM right hand drive'. This is because this particular problem is specific to vehicles from Japan... if you import a right hand drive from the UK or other right hand drive country you won't have this problem.
Big thanks to ST and friend for the images.
Rob
Citroen Racing in the UK & site news
Citroens line up to race! Image from bbc.co.uk
I'm glad that Canada/North America isn't the only place that reveres old vehicles. I just stumbled across a great race that happens in Wales. It's a 24 hour race, where the only vehicles allowed to race are Citroen 2CVs. Great idea!
Check out the article here, and a video here!
All that aside, there'll be some server downtime this coming weekend. The server will be under maintenance from Thursday or Friday night to Monday or Tuesday.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
rob
He’s got the Beat, he’s got the Beat….
91 Honda Beat
I recently met with Barry, who is the owner of a 91 Honda Beat, to take some beauty shots of the Beat and to ask him about his experiences. Photographs by Derek Martens, who did a fantastic job capturing the Beat. More photos can be seen in the gallery.
Righthanddrive.ca: Great ride! Did you import yourself, or buy it once it was in Canada?
Barry: I know some people who do importing and worked with them to get this car across. Shipping was very cheap, since the car takes up very little room. The shipping I used charged a rate per cubic foot, and the Beat isn't really very big at all.
Righthanddrive.ca: Any troubles getting it a safety and getting it on the road?
Barry: Not really. Japanese cars are usually in very good condition when they get to Canada. I had to add some extra lighting. Canada requires that signal lights are visible on the side of vehicles, while Japan does not. I bought some DOT markers with LEDs and a wired them in right before the door and right near the rear of the car. It wasn't too hard. There were a few other things, but nothing too major.
Righthanddrive.ca: What about parts for something as rare as this?
Overhead view of the Beat
Barry: Amazingly easy. Tie-rod ends, oil filter and many other mechanical parts are the same on the same aged civics. There's some things that are going to be more difficult to get, but there's a great Honda Beat club in the UK that parts out Beats for reasonable prices.
Righthanddrive.ca: What kind of modifications have you made?
Barry: The main thing I did was replace the radio. Since I brought it in myself it still had the stock Japanese radio. The Japanese FM band is different than here in Canada, so it would only get AM... which isn't great. Replacing the radio wasn't quite as simple as it should have been. I couldn't find a deck that had the same dimensions as the existing one, so I had to modify the dash and widen the hole for the deck. While I was in there I put a sub in the front (which I had to put into the spare tire) and some speakers behind the seats. It's kind of a big portable radio now.
I also had to make a custom tonneau cover for the convertible top and the speakers. It wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy.
Righthanddrive.ca: Well, since this is here on the prairies, how does it do on the highway?
Front end of the Beat
It does highway, yes.
It's revving pretty high... about 5000rpm. It's not too bad, and handles pretty well at 100. I guess the 3 cylinder doesn't have the power to push it that fast without revving it up a bit. I've had it up to about 140, where the speed limiter kicks in.
Righthanddrive.ca: Any problems driving it in Canada?
No... well.... I've been pulled over a couple of times. Each time the officers ask me what the car is and where I got it from. I guess it's so unique that they just feel that they have to check it out! Other than that there's just a lot of people who watch me drive. I'd say most people in Winnipeg or Canada haven't seen one before, and are surprised by the Honda badge.
Righthanddrive.ca: It has to be asked.... how much room is in there?
Well, I wouldn't want to be much taller! I can fit in fine, but I don't think too many people bigger than me could fit into this car.
Righthanddrive.ca: What does 'Midship Amusement' mean?
Midship Amusement?
Barry: Honestly... I don't really know. Functionally, it could mean the mid-engine... that is amusing. Or, it's Engrish... Which is more likely.
Righthanddrive.ca: Thanks for your time! You've been great. Hope to see you around!
Some Honda Beat facts and stats:
MR drivetrain: The 3 cylinder motor is mounted over the back axle, which makes the car very well balanced, much like 1st generation (and to a lesser extent, 2nd generation) MR-2s.
The Beat is a Kei car, following the same regulations as Kei trucks and microvans. the 660cc (that's about 40 cubic inches) does well in the beat, due to the very light weight of the car.
Since the car is light, well-balanced and rear-wheel drive Beats are often modified to be used in Autocross-style events.
The Beat was only made in a convertible model, much like the Mazda Miata (or Eunos Roadster.... since this is a right hand drive website) was only produced as a convertible.
Thanks again to Derek and Barry for their help!
rob
Winnipeg Meetup Review
660s At the meet
I give it a resounding ok. Not a huge turnout, but given the circumstances.... we'll call it a 'win'.
For those who don't know, meeting at the Pony Corral is a Winnipeg tradition, but it's better known for the 60s and 70s muscle cars. So, some rhd-ers where a little intimidated (though most of them have more horsepower).
Also, last weekend the VIU, or Vehicle Inspection Unit, was cracking down on non-compliant gear on cars, especially ones that are... unusual (heavily modded, or an RHD). So most RHD drivers were too afraid to leave the house!
I have a compliance post I'm working on... expect something along those lines in the future.
So, in hindsight, long weekend, not the best place and circumstances were all against me. The next one I'll plan will be somewhere else, and maybe on a Saturday!
Check out the gallery for some new snaps!
rob
How do people buy RHDs? Part 2
Here's part 2 detailing how people get their right hand drive cars in Canada. Last week was buying one locally, this week is a little more exciting.... importing!
Importing from Japan
This is a book on it's own. I'm going to try to scratch the surface. There's two major ways of importing your own RHD. Doing it yourself, or going though an importer.
Using an importer - Going through an importer is generally a good idea. There are people who specialize in just importing cars, others import whatever people want and things they think there will be a market for. Some importers import as a side business, or fun, and some importers import for a living. It's usually cheaper to go though an importer since you can save a bundle on shipping.
Basically, importers are packing a shipping container. They'll charge you either for the square footage it takes up in the container, or some import the car under their name and do a markup on the car when they 'sell it to you' (even though it's coming for you and only you). Importers generally know where to buy things, and people to pack the containers to send it out to wherever you are.
There's good and bad stories about using importers. I'm considering bringing in a new truck, and thinking about going this road.
Doin' it yourself - this can go millions of ways. Let's frame the problem. You want a car that's in Japan to get here. 99.999% of people use intermodal shipping containers to do this. So you need a contact in Japan to:
- Buy a car (your car)
- Get a container
- put car in container
- ship it
You need to trust this person. A lot. There's a lot of money you're putting into this.
How do we make it affordable? Put other stuff in the container. The guy I bought my truck from wanted a Hijet... so he brought in a whole container full, selling the other 9, and basically getting his truck for free. If you're enterprising, have a bunch of money kicking around and are a good salesperson this is a great way of getting something cool for cheap.
Don't know anyone in Japan? Check out Alibaba.com. It's a connecting site to put buyers in direct contact with manufacturers and salespeople abroad. It's kind of ebay-like in the ratings, which gives a lot of people piece of mind. Buyer beware, of course. Keep repeating to yourself "15 years". Also don't forget about all the other costs involved. Not everything on Alibaba is a deal. But... you sure can find some (minitrucks for $1000!).
Once it gets here, you need to do the proper import process, detailed on riv.ca - Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
It's a lot of work, but you can make it worth it if you're smart.
How do most people get their RHDs?
I'd say most people go through an importer directly or indirectly. Let them do the heavy lifting, and you get all the fun.
rob
The orgins of right-hand drive/left-hand drive
Once again, the cruising of the internet has made an interesting article crop up.
Check it out if you're interested in the origins of right and left hand drive traffic.
http://www.feras.co.uk/when-did-european-cars-change-to-left-hand-drive/
rob
Thoughts about the Toyota Hilux Surf
Toby's Hilux
In my cruising of the internet, I stumbled upon a Kijiji ad that was surprisingly informative about Hilux Surf detailing what kinds of gotchas they have. After reading it I immediately requested permission to post it here.
Some details about the Hilux Surf. The Hilux Surf is the RHD equivalent of the Toyota 4Runner. The Hilux Surf was offered in a Turbo Diesel 4 Cylinder model. This model has become very popular as a grey market import due to it's ruggedness, 4 wheel drive and very respectable fuel efficiency.
With no further adieu, here are Toby's very balanced thoughts about the Toyota Hilux Surf.
So what about these vehicles? here's the deal (read: my opinion)
They're absolutely fantastic, I've only ever taken it off road a few times down old logging roads but this truck is part billy goat I'm sure. They are dependable and rugged (not quick though) and will go forever. that being said there are things to watch out for in buying mine of any body else's.
And they are:
Make sure the Head has been done!!! The factory heads have a few issues one being the alloy content and two being the cooling veins are too close to the cylinder heads. It is not a matter of will the head crack but when. The BEST remedy for this is an OEM replacement, there are 3 litre fixes and others but the best best is going with the Toyota replacement hands down. Once the head has been fixed Properly these trucks will last forever!
Toby's Hilux
If it doesn't have an EGT gauge or the equivalent runnnnn!!! This is one of the best ways to monitor engine temp and care for the vehicle while driving. It stands for Exhaust Gauge Temperature and displays the temperature of the exhaust coming form the engine itself. Although the temperatures are bound to be different this is the best indicator that you can keep the hammer down or should gear down and back off a little.
Make sure to have a place to service them!!! I would recommend ATEB (http://www.ateb.ca/index.php) for all RHD diesel needs. They are some of the best mechanics around and have all the parts you need. When it came time to do my head they had one in stock!!! Oil Filter? Yep! There are other shops as well that I hear are great, but this is the only one I have used.
If you're buying a 1989 through 1993 2.4L Hilux make sure it's the 2LT as opposed to the 2LTE the difference is the electronic injection. Although it is not a faulty system by nature it can cost a small fortune to have replaced!! From my knowledge the 1KZ engine found in these trucks from '93 or '94 onward are bullet proof out of the factory but are certainly a little more money.
One last thing, I will never get the money I have put into this truck back in the sale of it. Nor will anyone. If you see some one selling a 2.4L Hilux for more then 10 or 11K they better have lifted it to the moon or have a secret Engine elf inside that makes the exhaust turn into cookies. They simply aren't worth that much as they are. Anywhere up to $9,000 though for a good truck is worth while. I have priced mine where it's at to hopefully encourage a quicker sale (really don't want to insure 2 vehicles longer then I have to) and to reflect the dents on the back and front left side. To fix the damage is about $1000 and then the truck would be just this side of mint...ish.
And finally be aware of any aftermarket change people have made such as lifting the truck (to ride higher) or engine mods (put a larger turbo on) these if not doen properly can cause you much pain in the future and even if done properly MAY raise your insurance a surprising amount.
The Hilux's have the surprising advantage of being identical to the Toyota 4runner that was sold here in Canada. Although the engine and some steering parts are different you can go to an auto wrecker and get an ashtray anytime.
Thanks for reading and good hunting, feel free to call or email and I hope to hear from ya soon!
Toby
ps from Rob. If the truck is still available, it's available here.
Right hand drive conversions
RHD conversion?
It's about time this topic comes up. I'll state, right off the hop, in general I think this is a large waste of money. There is a case for doing a right hand drive conversion in a few cases
- The front of your existing car is 'written off' and you need to redo the whole thing anyway
- You really really want a right hand drive and this is the only way to get one
- You have too much time and money and you're doing this to stay out of trouble.
But, let's get to the meat of it.
What is it?
It's taking a car that is a left hand drive and turning it into a right hand drive. Hence, conversion.
How is it done?
S2000 Front Clip
There are a few ways of doing this. The easy way (and as far as I'm concerned, the right way) and the hard way.
The easy way
Basically, buy the front end of the same car and merge them. The front end, or front clip, usually, has the engine, dash, steering wheel, suspension, and occasionally even wheels. Basically, it's a the front of a car. Usually it was a car, and the front was removed, so the motor has mileage on it. The history of these clips is usually super vague. Some of the cars could have been rear-ended... some just old and then chopped. If you can get a history, you should.
Civic with Integra front end
So, you have a car dashboard-forward from one car, and your existing car. Now... make one car. That's it. Cut off the front of your existing car and add the front of another. Some people do weird things like put the front of an Acura Integra onto a Honda Civic. Although it's cool and unique it looks like the bastard child of 90s Japanese cars. (Nabbed from Stance is Everything - no offense to the owner.)
At any rate, it's still a lot of work. Check out the video below (credit to Duc) to get a glimpse of how much work it is, and see the parts and tools you'd need.
The hard way
Do it yourself. This could go a thousand different directions, so I can't really get into it. Some people fab their own dashboard, steering everything... it's kind of crazy. There's some really neat stuff people do, but it's a lot of hard work. The difficulty depends on what kind of car you have. Look under your hood and see where the steering column is, and where you could put one. There's conversion parts available for various models online, again, check out what there is for your model.
Purchasing a Right Hand Drive that's a Conversion
This question comes up a lot. The main reason why, is that there is no good answer to this question. Every car that's been converted has it's own story and is done by someone with a different skill level. Some might be Joe Shmow in his garage, and it could be horrible. Some might be Joe Shmow in his garage and be perfect. There are some shops that specialize in conversions, even those could be hit or miss.
Overall, if you're interested in one, look it over in detail, especially at the welds. The welds will be by the A pillar and in front of the doors on the chassis. Look under the car, if you don't know what you're looking for, ask the dude that's selling it.
If a job is poorly done, the car will look like it's sagging. The extra force on the A pillar will put pressure on both the windshield and the top of the car doors. If the doors 'shut really tight on the bottom', that's a bad thing. If the glass is starting to unexplainably crack in weird places.... that's a really bad thing.
Is it Dangerous?
It sure as hell can be. Even if the car isn't sagging and is done pretty well, you're driving two cars that have been frankensteined together. If you get in an accident the welds might not hold up like the factory welds, because they're not as thoroughly tested as a regular car. Conversely, if the person knew what they were doing it could be better, and up to racing standards. Each one of these cars is so unique it's impossible to say.
rob
Why do people buy Right hand drive cars?
There's no one answer to this question. I'll toss out my opinion on the matter and feel free to agree or disagree with me.
1. It was never sold in Canada. There a bunch of vehicles that fall under this category, and I'd say a large part of the Canadian right hand drive community falls under this category. Kei trucks and Kei cars, Skylines were only RHD until this last batch and other sports cars from Japan were never made in LHD format. There are a bunch of hot hatches under this category too, like the Nissan Pulsar GTiR... which is really neat.
People who travel will sometimes see these vehicles and fall in love with them, and bring them back. Other see them on TV, movie or the fanstastical internet and fall in love. Whatever the case is, they don't come any other way and people want to have them.
There is also the case that a certain model of the vehicle was never released in Canada. Canada has the Toyota 4Runner, the RHD equivalent is the Hilux Surf. But, the Hilux Surf is available in diesel, which is super cool. Personally, I'm scoping out a turbo diesel Hilux Surf because I'd like an SUV, but I don't want crappy gas mileage, so it'd be a good fit for me!
2. Low Mileage. You don't get this with cars in Canada. We have too much highway. Vehicles imported from Japan have hilariously low mileage and are in great shape for their age. It's expensive to drive in Japan, and the public transportation is very good, so cars live good lives. Oh. And no salt on the roads.
A Daihatsu Midget II
3.To be different. I don't have to explain this one. Here's a Daihatsu Midget for your viewing pleasure, and my point and case. Image source.
4. Prestige. There are some cars that are available in both right hand drive and left hand drive, but people still want the right hand drive versions. Cars I've seen like this include MR-2s, Supras, Camrys, RX-7s, 240sx/180sx, and Land Rovers. People in the category can fall partially into 'wanted something different', and that's fine. Even others say that they're 'more legitimate', which is true for both British and Japanese cars if you want to look at it that way.
In the case of late model RX-7s, there's very few around and it can sometimes be easier to find them in RHDs, so you've got prestige and availability. So, why not right? This can even fall under the 'not available here' if you manage to find a 3 rotor, but good luck finding parts for a rotary motor, no less a 3 rotor! The uniqueness has it's ups and downs. Like I've said a thousand times, "Don't be stupid" and "Do your homework", and you'll love your RHD (even more)!
rob