22 replies to this topic

[h_edgrrr]

What about if the whole shell is fibreglass? How safe is that?

[dave21478]

Thats a completely different scenario, as the entire shell has been designed as a one-piece unit, so the dissipation of forces throughout the shell is unchanged, although the level of dissipation will be different. The problem arises when you start mixing and matching parts which were never designed to be fitted togther.

[h_edgrrr]

Ah ok thanku

[skaterava]

Minis are pretty dangerous anyway, i rear ended someone at about 25mph (freezing cold morning, brakes just locked up). Their Vauxhall Vectra Estate had a TINY scratch on the bumper, my Mini needed new indicators, the lip holding the bumper had to be straightened, new grille was needed, and an A panel needed pulling out. Luckily, the damage to theirs was so minimal they didn't bother claiming

[Ethel]

One issue with Minis is that the bumpers are mismatched with other cars usually resulting in your Min taking one in the face

I've also done a crash test in a flipped fronted Mini - a pre 76 car without brace bars. I made a bigger mess of the back of the Fiesta I hit but I also wrote off my shell by pushing the bulkhead back with the engine. I wouldn't have been surprised to see similar damage with the original steel front.

I can't remember whose was the recent flip front report but from the pictures it looked to me like the flip front had pushed the windscreen scuttle back possibly more than the brace bars. It could be that the problem was the new front was too strong compared to the steel original.


Skaterava, you might have caused more damage to that Vectra than the owner realised, ABS bumpers can deflect a lot and spring back into shape without revealing bent steel underneath.

I think there's definitely an opportunity for someone to develop a brace bar with some deformation designed in to it.

[Sherlock]

Fibreglass fronts are not dangerous, Minis are not dangerous, roads are not dangerous----People who cannot drive are dangerous!

[cookie4343]

Fibreglass fronts are not dangerous, Minis are not dangerous, roads are not dangerous----People who cannot drive are dangerous!

I agree with this, it makes sense.

[l_jonez]

i fitted a f/g front to mini a few years ago and wasnt really happy with the fit etc and i saw some pics of crashed minis where the front end had just disintegrated so when i started my rebuild earlier in the year the f/g front was binned and a new steel removable front welded together.

as mentioned if the worst where to happen then yes the brace bars will cause more damage to the bulkhead etc but im hopeing with a steel front it will absorb abit of energy aswell and not just shatter, lets hope i never find out