3 replies to this topic

[Black998]

Hi everyone,

My everyday drive mini (1991 Rover Mini 998) has recently been reversed into and damaged (I guess they couldn't see it!) and I need to have the bonnet replaced. I am considering purchasing a carbon fibre bonnet for its added strength and reduced weight (without the weave so I can have it painted to look normal). I have been told that the bonnet (http://www.minisport...nfo_CUR005.html) is a 'lift-off' bonnet and needs custom fitting. What does this involve? Is this practical for an everyday drive mini?

Also, are there any extra steps to fit my chrome grille onto this bonnet (it appears to have the lip, do I need any other attachment besides the grille surround)?

Any advice would be very helpful. Thankyou.

[Sam Walters]

Hi everyone,

My everyday drive mini (1991 Rover Mini 998) has recently been reversed into and damaged (I guess they couldn\'t see it!) and I need to have the bonnet replaced. I am considering purchasing a carbon fibre bonnet for its added strength and reduced weight (without the weave so I can have it painted to look normal). I have been told that the bonnet (http://www.minisport...nfo_CUR005.html) is a \'lift-off\' bonnet and needs custom fitting. What does this involve? Is this practical for an everyday drive mini?

Also, are there any extra steps to fit my chrome grille onto this bonnet (it appears to have the lip, do I need any other attachment besides the grille surround)?

Any advice would be very helpful. Thankyou.

95% of \"carbon fiber\" panels in the mini scean are fiberglass with carbon layed over the top. Also its done in a process called wetlay as opposed to pre preg as you would see on an f1 car. No extra strength really. Plus the bonnet of a mini is not load bearing really. If your going down this route, just buy a fiberglass bonnet from the likes of say tdk racing.

Now the fitting. this is normally done by the use of triangles welded into the corners under the bonnet. Then the bonnet is sort of bolted on.



Sort of like that, personally i like this style.



much neater dzus fastners

Edited by Sam Walters, 11 June 2011 - 01:02 AM.

[Black998]

Thanks very much Sam! That's solved my problem. I will go with the regular bonnet now, considering there is no real added strength. Thanks for the great photos too! Very helpful.

[chappy]

it depends where you buy from, Carbon Wheezel does 100% CF parts for minis.

as to fitment, you could always get the hinges off the old bonnet and bond them to the CF there are many other ways than just crappy old bonnet pins.