Lazy Man's RHD Conversion

This page shows how my cousin converted his '89 Civic Si to right-hand-drive. His conversion is a little different than most in that he did it while he was unemployed (lots 'o free time!) using a $200 EF9 clip, a rented flux-core welder from Home Depot, but most importantly, seam welding the firewall in as opposed to cutting out and welding a million spot welds.

I don't have a whole lot of info beyond what you see in the pictures, since my cousin and brother did most of the work. I'll try and add some comments where I can, though.

Also, gotta give credit where credit is due. This is where the seam-welding idea originally came from: Click!

Starting out. Gotta pull the engine, steering crossmember, and dashboard (obviously).

Marking the firewall for cutting. Notice how the cut goes around the firewall VIN. It is very important to leave the US VINs intact!

The donor clip. This clip was from an ex-race car EF9 hatchback in Japan that was missing the climate control and various other parts under the dash (which is the reason why it was only $200).

Removing the steering column brackets. Since these aren't part of the firewall, they will have to be cut out and welded to the car separately.

Firewall out of the car:

Original VIN still intact. Remember, don't mess with these!

RHD firewall ready to go:

Test fitting. Probably the hardest part. Lots of trimming will have to be done here.

Test fitting and welding the steering column brackets:

Welding the firewall in:

Once the firewall was in, we applied 3M Seam Sealer all around the edge of the firewall to keep moisture out. You can get 3M Seam Sealer from automotive refinishing suppliers, or you can sometimes find it at Pep Boys, Autozone, et cetera.

Putting everything back together:

All done!

A few things to note:

• Since the fuel lines need to come out to R&R the firewall, you will need to be extra careful around the resulting gasoline vapors. Removing the gas tank is a very good idea.
• The carpet (among other things) caught fire many, many times while welding in the firewall. Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy, or at least a bucket of water.
• On 88-91 Civics and CRXs, using an SiR clip (particularly the SiR steering crossmember) introduces a whole new set of problems. You will not be able to bolt in a US-style rear engine mount, and you will be forced to use SiR steering knuckles. If you have a choice of a non-SiR clip over an SiR, by all means choose the non-SiR.
• You're on your own with the wiring. In my opinion, it is easier to use the main under-dash harness that came with your clip, but there are so many circuits that you have to intergrate to the rest of the car, it's not even funny. Like I said, you are on your own there.
• Yeah, it's probably not the prettiest thing ever, but my cousin got it all done for under $500 while he was out of work. Haters, where's your RHD? :P