L et’s get this straight and right to the point: converted cars are usually more trouble than they are worth (this is why how to tell a vehicle has been converted is so important).
Rerouting the driver’s side of a vehicle to the opposite of the configuration it originally came in from the factory isn’t for the faint of heart, if it’s to make any sense.
That said, there may be some reason why a vehicle may need to be converted, either from left-hand drive to right-hand drive or vice versa.
However, since such conversions are usually done shoddily and vehicles placed for sale when the aftermath of the conversion begins to haunt the owner, it’s smart to avoid them like the plague.
After all, you didn’t take part in turning a great vehicle into a ‘contraption’.
So, what are the telltale signs that a vehicle has been converted from its original factory state?
Here are seven (7) secret (but not so secret) clues.
Table of Contents
9 Not-So-Secret Clues That the Used Vehicle You’re in Love With Has Been Through a Conversion
Please, kindly note that these points are clues – and simply remain what they are: clues.
Some conversions may be done by professionals, in a professional manner that it will be a challenge, even for the trained eye, to know that a conversion even took place.
That said, if a conversion is that great, then you’re likely buying something worth the time expended on it via the conversion.
In my opinion, if this is the case, then you’re good to go and need not worry too much about whether the vehicle was converted or not.
Remember too that some vehicles lend themselves more easily to ‘conversion discovery’ than others.
1. The Orientation of the Wiper Blades
The wiper blades of most passenger vehicles point to the passenger side; these wipers have their motor on the driver’s side but ultimately rest on the passenger side.
For original left-hand vehicles (countries driving on the right), the wiper blades point to the right of the driver, the passenger’s side.
For original right-hand vehicles (countries driving on the left), the wiper blades point to the left of the driver, the passenger’s side.
The first sign that a vehicle has been through a conversion is when the wiper blades point in the wrong orientation (as shared above).
2. The Hanger Position
The hanger protrusion, on the handgrip, is traditionally positioned on the passenger side of a vehicle.
If, for any reason, you get into a vehicle and don’t see the hanger protrusion on the passenger side but instead on the driver’s side, the vehicle is clearly a model that has been through a conversion prior.
That said, some models don’t have this feature altogether. Instead, what they come with is a shopping bag holder, which is also traditionally on the passenger side of the vehicle.
So, whether a vehicle comes with the hanger option or is powered by the shopping bag protrusion, you should expect to see these on the passenger side of the vehicle.
If for any reason, you find these on the driver’s side, you’re dealing with a converted unit.
3. The Battery Position
The position of a starter battery, in most makes and models, tells an interesting story of whether or not a vehicle has been through a conversion
For most Japanese models (read: Toyota), the starter battery is located on the driver’s side, in the engine bay.
If for any reason you come across a model, say the Corolla, and while the steering is on the left, the starter battery is on the right of the vehicle, there’s only one explanation…a conversion from right- to left-hand drive has taken place.
However, to truly master and understand this point, you must be familiar with where the battery is positioned in the drive orientation that you’re looking to buy.
If you don’t get these basics first, you won’t get this point to serve you.
4. The Exhaust Outlet Orientation
The exhaust outlet of a vehicle tells an interesting story – one that will also tell you straight away if the vehicle has been through a conversion from its factory status or not.
This is how it works:
Vehicles, traditionally, have an exhaust orientation from the factory – all you need to do is to know this beforehand and watch out for ‘deviations’ arising from the factory norm you know and understand.
For example, the Japanese automaker, Toyota, famously positions the exhaust on the rear passenger side of the vehicle for units that come with the single exhaust design (when designing for the US/international markets).
Suppose you have a single-exhaust Toyota unit before you with the exhaust outlet on the driver’s side…
…in that case, the vehicle has been converted from its original factory position, no doubt.
This logic holds true for other automakers but isn’t very effective for models sporting dual or quad exhaust systems.
5. The Sun Visor Details
The sun visor is a very practical part of a vehicle’s offering: once it’s taken down, the sun instantly mellows, and the glare vanishes, improving safety instantly.
But that is only a part of the equation: for most makes and models, the sun visor also serves much more than keeping the sun out; it sports a mirror and, importantly, a strap for where the license and registration can safely be tucked in.
However, this isn’t usually distributed evenly on the driver and passenger sides: the driver side usually has the strap for the license and registration holder, while the passenger side traditionally sports a mirror instead.
If, for some strange reason, the sun visor for the passenger side somehow has the hold-in strap for the license and registration while the driver’s side of the vehicle has nothing (or worse, has a mirror there), you’re clearly dealing with a converted vehicle, no more, no less.
6. The Fuel Cap Position
Like the two points above, the fuel cap position is also an indicator of whether or not a vehicle has been converted before you see it.
The Japanese (yes, we’ll use them again) famously always position their fuel tank outlet on the driver’s side of their vehicles – irrespective of the number of exhaust outlets.
The Germans, on the other hand, do the exact opposite: their vehicles are designed in such a manner that the fuel cap position is, by default, is always on the passenger side.
If you’re looking to see if a vehicle has been converted prior to it coming to you, you don’t need to look very far…
…if, it’s Japanese, check to see that the fuel cap position is on the same side as the driver’s seat…if it’s German, the opposite should hold true.
If there’s a deviation, then, without question, you’re dealing with a converted vehicle, hands down.
7. VIN and Market Offering
Sometimes, getting to know for certain if the vehicle you’re looking at has been converted could be a challenge and pain in the butt…this is where the VIN and market offering comes in.
The fifth-generation Camry is a perfect example of this. The North American/international model had a unique offering, different from the Taiwanese/Asian model – even when the vehicles were (almost) the same, externally.
As the example above goes, a unit meant for a market that deploys the right-hand drive setting, upon sighting such a vehicle sporting the left-hand setting, is conclusive that the vehicle in question has undergone some conversion.
That said, the VIN also tells an interesting story of where a vehicle comes from and importantly, where it was first registered, used/or driven.
To figure out if the vehicle is either originally right or left-hand drive, all you need to do is pull out this information from its history via the VIN, and the rest is as simple as ABC.
8. VIN Plate Placement (Door Jam Sticker)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), color codes, and tire inflation information, by default, are usually written on a sticker and pasted on the driver’s door jamb.
Further, in addition to the above, the VIN is usually also inscribed on the lower windshield (firewall, actually), driver’s side.
These are usually non-negotiable positions. They are also positions a regular conversion finds it extremely difficult to get right.
If, for instance, the driver’s door jamb does not feature the stickers mentioned above by the door and instead has them by the passenger side, you’re dealing with a converted vehicle.
If the stickers look moved, misaligned, or not properly glued to the frame, the vehicle may also be a converted one (the converter tried their best) since factory glue is usually good for the life of the vehicle.
The same logic goes for the VIN sticker on the lower part of the windshield, by the driver’s side. Find it on the passenger side? You know the story.
9. Footwell (Footrest) Anomaly
Most modern vehicles are designed with a footrest by the driver’s side of the firewall. This is usually in the form of a dead pedal and is meant, as the name rightly indicates, for the driver to rest their left foot when not engaged (with the clutch – for manual trannies) or throughout, during auto driving.
In converted vehicles, this dead pedal is either left in the passenger footwell, or covered with a silly cut-and-patch rug affair where the footrest used to be. This clearly gives the fact away.
As for the driver’s side? Nothing exists there at all. It’s as if the manufacturers don’t care what becomes of the driver’s left foot, especially during long drives (or whether they’re comfortable at all).
It’s something you can’t miss. Honestly.
Not So Fast! 3 Good Reasons for Conversion
If you’ve taken the pain to read through this article, you may be tempted to believe that conversion is evil and is something to be avoided: this is far from the truth.
To balance up the narrative, here are three (3) good reasons for conversion:
- If you’re relocating to a country that drives on the opposite side of your current residence and don’t wish to leave your vehicle behind (or buy another on getting there), converting to your new reality is encouraged.
- If you’re emotionally attached to a vehicle and don’t wish to leave it behind when you’re relocating internationally, converting it to the drive orientation of the country you’re moving to is justified.
- Finally, if you’re very interested in models that aren’t offered in your region (for instance, the 70 series LC famously reintroduced in Japan but unavailable to the US and the rest of the world), it makes perfect sense to buy and then convert.
So, should you consider a conversion?
Summary: Should You Consider a Conversion?
Yes – if it makes sense and you’re pretty sure you’ll be able to handle it professionally without compromising on safety and functionality; parts and availability of manpower being major determinants.
If you can’t reasonably answer in the affirmative, your best bet is to buy and drive a vehicle that came stock from the factory in the drive orientation you’ll be needing.
P.S. How To Tell a Vehicle Has Been Converted: 3 Things to Note
With the article concluded, it’s important to note the following:
- A badly converted vehicle is a risk and a waste of resources. If you’re not sure you can do it to standard, better to leave things as they are.
- No matter how good a conversion is, it won’t be 100% the same as the factory offer. 99.9%, maybe…but NEVER 100% Take note of this.
- Finally, consult and figure out what local laws say regarding running a vehicle conversion: this is very important.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer