Big Right Hand Drive meetup – Winnipeg!
Hey all.
If you're in Winnipeg, near Winnipeg or really motivated to get to Winnipeg.... there's a big Right Hand Drive meetup I'm arranging.
Who: Right hand drivers and their cars (and the usuals who usually go)
What: A big RHD meetup in Winnipeg!
Where: Pony Corral on Grant
When: 8:00 pm, August 1st
Why: There's a ton of RHDs in Winnipeg, get to know the other people who have the same interests
I talked to the owner, and he said two interesting things.
- Special Interest Cars only - Well. If a RHD ain't 'special interest' I don't know what is. All our cars are in good shape, so... bring em out!
- Headlining! - So, there's always some REALLLY nice cars close to the entrance of the Pony. We CAN get those spots. Your car has to be super shiny and interesting. My minitruck is out. If someone wants to headline, get in touch with me and I'm willing to help you get your car there on time.
The Pony Corral is a 'Come and Go' event. Let's aim to all be there between 8:00 and 8:30. Some people might want to aim to be there at 7 or 7:30 and leave at 8:30, some people might only want to be there at 8 and stay till 10. It's up to you, but it'd be a great photo-op if we all were there between 8 and 8:30.
Tell all your friends. Let's have a HUGE turn-out.
You don't _have_ to RSVP, but toss a comment below if you're coming so we know a rough number.
Addendum:
I've posted this all over the internet... with replies all over the place, check 'em out if you want to!
- http://www.canadagtir.com/
- http://www.minitrucktalk.com/
- http://forum.ivoac.ca/
- http://forums.skylineforums.com/
- http://forums.gtrcanada.com/
- http://www.delica.ca/
- http://forum.ih8mud.com/
- http://www.rx7club.com/
- http://www.toyotalexusforum.com/
- http://forums.jdmvip.com
- http://forums.skylineforums.com
- http://supraforums.com/forum
- http://www.4x4wire.com
What would you do?
What would you do?
We know that police officers tend to target right hand drives. Sometimes though, they don't know they just pulled over a right hand drive.... and go to the wrong side of the car.
One day I was thinking about what I would do if I was the cop on the wrong side of the car. I then realized that I have no pride. I'd make a joke saying, "Oh, it's one of those."
Turns out that most police officers have more pride than me though. I've heard from some people that some officers will not only go to the wrong window the first time, but if they go to their car and come back they'll STILL go to the wrong window. My message to these officers: Two wrongs do not make a right.
The police, unfortunately, do have a good case to pull over RHDs. Occasionally officers will pull over RHDs just to check out the car (had the same problem in my '74 Baja Bug), sometimes because the driver is being a moron (if your car has 300+ HP, it's hard not to... it's cool). Those points aside, compliance is a big thing. Even though your car is 15+ years old, it has to meet certain standards to be on the road. Safety checks (or your province's equivalent) will not always catch everything.
I don't want to launch into a big talk about compliance right now. Headlights, tail lights, side markers and seatbelts seem to be the hot-button topics. The Imported Vehicle Owners Association of Canada has a FANTASTIC forum that discusses issues such as this. If you're in doubt about it, and don't want to ask a cop about it... ask there. There is lots and lots of people that really know their stuff there.
Cheers!
rob
Image via http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/General_News/Carrera-GT-killing-M600-ready-20090623
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
How do people buy RHDs? Part 1
Although this question seems funny at first glance, it's not as simple as some people think.
There are two obvious ways to get buy a right hand drive vehicle if you're in Canada: Buy local, or import.
Buying an already imported RHD
So, say you're looking at buying a right hand drive and the car is already in Canada. This could be either privately, or through a forward-thinking dealer. Interestingly enough, as long as the car is safetied (or your province's equivalent).... it's just like buying a used car. If the car has a safety certificate..... you're done!
You might want to be proactive and make sure the car is 15 years old, and not skirting the law in any way (yes, there are ways this is done). Also, make sure you know if you're buying a RHD conversion, or a car that's always been a RHD (JDM spec).
The truck I bought had been registered in Manitoba before I bought it, so it was 'in the system'. I'm not sure what magic is all needed for the first time it is registered... but given it was imported properly and you have the documentation it shouldn't be a hassle (or, more of a hassle than usual). The 'first time insurance' will also vary province to province.
So... if it's here and has been registered in the past, it's just buying another used car. Best place to look? Kijiji.ca. Ebay is more miss than hit. Autotrader is also a good option, but kijiji is making it irrelevant.
Hang on for next week for more!
rob
After one year of Right hand driving
My Kei
I've had my truck for about a year now. Here's my experiences driving a Daihatsu Hijet in Winnipeg for a year as a daily driver.
I've been lucky, and have had no issues with 'the fuzz'. I often get looks, but my truck isn't exceedingly fast or sporty-looking so they usually just keep on going.
I've gone through one Manitoba winter with my Hijet now. The truck came with 12" rims and tires the truck came with did manage to get me through, but I wanted to upgrade. First issue - 1990-199something Hijets have a 4x110 bolt pattern. A guy who sells tires and rims for a living told me that there is no such thing as 4x110 bolt patterns. Solution - I managed to find 4x110 13" rims from a 86ish Mazda RX-7. Looks pretty cool now. Second issue - except there is a hub on the front axle that the rim wouldn't fit over, so I had to bore out the hub on the rim to get it to fit over. Not especially fun.
Having 4x4 on such a light vehicle was a boon on ice-covered roads. My acceleration was outstanding. I but on 175/80R13s so I have a lot more meat on the tires than before, which has given the truck absurdly good handling.
What about on the highway? Heh. I have the 4 speed model. It can go 100km/h, but it's revving pretty high. If you want to do a lot of highway, you should aim for the 5 speed. I've probably put on about 10-12 hours on the highway.... and it's ok.... but it's not 'good'.
How powerful is the 660cc motor? Surprisingly not bad. The truck weighs nothing, which helps. I put a pallet of sod on the back and it... uh... moved. Which was good. I think the truck doubled in weight and it still was pretty ok. I was quite impressed. The Hijet is truly an truck and can really hold it's own. I saw a F150 pick up approximately the same load with only a little less troubles.
Would I buy another one? Yes. I actually want a Hilux Surf now... but I love my little truck.
Any other issues so far? No? The parking brake light is staying on right now... I just need to tighten a spring and that'll go away. I need to change the oil filter, but just got the part number for that (Mastercraft 17-1747).
Overall, I'm super impressed. I wish they would sell something like this here in Canada new so we're not limited to 'old' vehicles.
rob
PEI – Reading the News Brief
I've been re-reading the News Brief and it seems that RHDs are not outright banned.
Once legislation is passed, right-hand-drive vehicles will have to meet Canadian Motor Vehicles Safety Standards in order to be registered. Vehicles that have already been registered in the province can continue to be used.
By the sounds of this, the legislation has not passed (but likely will) and existing RHDs are ok. By the sounds if it there will not be an all-out ban.
I know that my 1990 Daihatsu Hijet does not have a catalytic converter, so might not pass emissions test. My friend's 92 Hijet does, and likely would pass.
I don't know how private insurance works, since I live in a province with public insurance. I'll keep doing some research to find out more about the proposed legislation.
rob
Right hand drives banned from PEI
Another province has fallen. PEI has banned right hand drive vehicles.
All 30 of them in the province. Here is the release from the Government of PEI.
No word what will happen with the RHDs that have been banned. Quebec allowed the RHDs that were on the road to stay on the road... I don't know if PEI will follow suit. I'll try to find out.
rob
UPDATE: check out the newer post.
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.
What’s it like driving a right hand drive?
This is a common question. Usually followed up by, "Is it safe to drive a right hand drive?"
Clearly these questions can be translated to, "Is is safe to drive a right hand drive in a left hand drive country?"
The answer really lies with the person behind the wheel. That being said, driving an RHD in a LHD country does have it's gotchas, but they're not as bad as you might expect.
In a straight line, it's the same. It feels strangely not unusual to be 'driving from the passenger seat'. If you think about it, you've sat in the passenger seat of a car quite a few times in your life... now there just happens to be a steering wheel there. But, you know where the car should be sitting on the road and it doesn't feel awkward. Shifting with the left hand (given you have a manual transmission) is also surprisingly natural. And, consider this. The majority of the population is right-handed. Should your dominant hand be doing what's keeping your alive (steering) or not (shifting). So, it actually makes some sense!
In a straight line, it's the exact same dangerousness (let's make up some words!) as driving in the far left lane in a multi-lane one-way. Really, not that hard.
Where you will get a little hung up is turning. Left turns across large intersections can be a little tricky. Usually, in a LHD, you can nose in and try to look past the vehicle across the intersection that's also trying to make a left turn.... even this is often hard in a LHD. In a RHD you're further right in the car and have to nose even further in to see past obstructions. It's not often that it's an issue, but it can be.
The blind spots in RHD are similar to LHDs, but the mirror image. One thing that keeps catching me is this: when doing a right-on-red I nose into the intersection and turn a little to the right. This shifts my passenger up a bit and no they're in my line of sight. Easy to fix. Either lean forward, ask them if there is traffic, or don't have a passenger. After a bit you don't do that any more. There are the same problems when you're driving a LHD, but you don't think about them anymore. The same thing happens in an RHD. You just adjust and forget about it.
There are some publications saying how dangerous RHDs are in LHD traffic. SAAQ (Quebec's public insurance) has published a document detailing their statistics in attempts to show that RHDs are a menace on the roads. I feel that this document is flawed, but won't get into that right now. They make some good point, and is overall a good read. I don't think that it's sufficient evidence to stop insuring RHDs.
ICBC (BC's public insurance) has published a document in the same vein as SAAQ. ICBC has acknowledged that the findings are difficult to interpret since there are no sure-shot ways of discovering whether or not a car that is insured is right hand drive or not.
Both of these documents have their valid points. There is major points for skew though. They, again, are worth the read.
Overall, it's the same, just different. It's no more dangerous than any other vehicle if you're paying attention and not driving like a moron. Some (maybe even most) of these cars that are brought in are high power cars that are difficult to not drive like a moron. This might be the problem, but it's a problem with the drivers, not the cars.
rob