30 replies to this topic

[Sparkysteveb]

I am creating a matte black mini with shaved doors (no handles) with electrically opening doors. I wanted to know if this was something that had been done before and also how legal it was to have a car with no door handles. Any help would grately appreciated before i get too far along with my dream.

[Skortchio]

It's probably fair to say that at this stage, anything you could think of has been done before. But that's no reason not to do it!
Smoothed doors with poppers are pretty common, there's a couple of threads on here using them.

No idea about legality, but as it's not part of the workings of the car I can't think you'd have any problems. Technically, I'd guess it's more secure

[Spud_133]

As long as you can open it from both the outside and inside, it'll pass it's MOT. I can't see that matte black is the right colour though.

[Sparkysteveb]

I saw a thread on a vw site all about door poppers and shaved doors etc and someone had said as long as you leave the boot on a key and have a release switch its legal. But i dont see what purpose that serves. Ill have a look at the threads on here about door poppers see whats said. As for my car being a one off. I will build it how i want it weather it is or isnt. But i was deep down hoping it would be. Either way it will look the business. I hope.

[Skortchio]

There may be another out there similar, but odd of another identical and near you are slim.
I'm sure there's one like mine floating about but it's not mine

[Bagpuss127]

Only thing I would personally add to the question of handles, what happens if you're in a smash and you're unconcious? how do people get into your pride and joy without causing more damage if the doors are locked ?
Just a thought.....................

[Shifty]

Chances are its already been done!! I really wouldn't let that stop you though, if you like it then do it. The mini scene has been around that long its very tricky to find some thing thats really unique.

I remember a bloke at Himley hall a few years ago making a big deal of the fact that he had the first set of 12" rosepetals that had been fitted to an automatic mini!! Thats how desperate people have become to try and be the first!!

[Daviewonder]

Matte black to me says "I've spent hundreds/thousands on this project and now I can't afford a proper paint job so I painted it in the drive with cans"

It just lets the car down. I look at Matte black cars and just can't help but thinking how much better that car would look with a shine.

It just looks cheap.


Try not to get on your high horses, it's just my personal opinion

Edited by Daviewonder, 07 September 2012 - 08:24 PM.

[Skortchio]

Rose petals huh, I have an auto! I could be the second

As for matt black, personally I love the look. I remember the first one I saw up close was about 15 years ago at the Nats hotrod meet in Luton, called the lead sled.

Matt colours look 'heavier' solid, somehow. I was going to paint Ogy in matt / satin but the upkeep is apparently horrible so not ideal on a daily drive. I went gloss.

[Daviewonder]

I look at that and think it would look so much better in a gloss red

[Skortchio]

Gloss red (deep red) brightwork, now that would look cool!

[stuey-t]

i personally wouldnt go matt black, my mini clubman is matt black and various other shades of neon green and purple (brought like that as a project) and i have found that matt colours normally suit a "rat" looking car, but its all down to personal preference really

[sledgehammer]

How about satin black ???

on a warm day you could fry your dinner on it

[leroy26]

cant you put the door release switch under the door mirrors tvr stylie ? im sure thats not been done on a mini

[oltonlad]

Chances are its already been done!! I really wouldn't let that stop you though, if you like it then do it. The mini scene has been around that long its very tricky to find some thing thats really unique.

I remember a bloke at Himley hall a few years ago making a big deal of the fact that he had the first set of 12" rosepetals that had been fitted to an automatic mini!! Thats how desperate people have become to try and be the first!!

I remember a bloke at Himley hall a few years ago making a big deal of the fact that he had the first set of 12" rosepetals that had been fitted to an automatic mini!! Thats how desperate people have become to try and be the first!!

what a prat....... .................