Mustang has the right stuff

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Ford Australia turned to its performance artner Tickford to convert the Mustang Cobra to right-hand drive.

The latest version of the famous American two-door is now available in New Zealand as a $95,000 coupe or $99,500 convertible.

Left-hand-drive Mustangs arrive in Australia with minor modifications, mostly to tail-lights, headlights and bumpers.

The conversion process takes 55 hours and begins with the removal of the engine, gearbox and tailshaft. The seats, instruments, carpets and sound-deadening material are removed to allow modifications to the firewall for pedals and steering column.

The gaps in the left-hand side of the firewall are covered by panels which are bolted and riveted and then bonded for further strength.

The repositioning of the steering column and pedals creates a domino effect under the bonnet of the Mustang.

The air-conditioning and heating system has to be moved to the left-hand side of the car. Hoses and wiring that serve the system are re-routed.

The instrument panel is taken apart and reassembled. The passenger-side airbag is moved and tested. Power window switches, side mirror controls and even the sunvisors are modified.

The instrument panel was designed by Tickford to be a mirror image of the American standard.

Said Tickford managing director David Flint: "The process has been complex and challenging, but we believe that the final product sets a new standard in terms of low-volume right-hand-drive conversions."