23 replies to this topic

[JustSteve]

Hey guys and girls!

We've all seen the 'flip front' debates- is it safe blah blah blah, and I kind of agrea with most people, that a FG front is not very safe, but I'm wondering if there's any evidence out there how composite shells and panels really act in a collision?


So that's front ends, roof skins, boot lids, door skins, or a complete shell.

Edited by JustSteve, 12 January 2013 - 07:32 PM.

[Noah]

Lotus Elan, Fibreglass/Plastic body.



Cobra Replica



Fibre glass is not a strong enough design without it having some sort of tubular build around it, like a monster truck.

[Artstu]

No idea about Mini fronts. This is the GRP Midas after the 30 mph Mira crash test



Rolled

Edited by Artstu, 12 January 2013 - 07:48 PM.

[JustSteve]

Jus spen the last half hour looking at video's on youube. Can't find anyhing on youtube or google involving Composite minis though!

[creakyjaws5533]

Carbon fibre has really poor impact resistance similar to to fibreglass but they do have good strength uses . My bike forks are carbon fibre and at 30mph crash snapped in half and at other points which are quite thick :L not good.

[Alex_B]

there was a z-car on here with a grp front end, in the usa hit a tree and the driver broke both his legs i think accident happened at 30 i think

I crashed into the back of another car in november after aquaplaning at 30 and walked away with a slight bruise on my chest where the seatbelt was and a sore knee where I kicked the dash,

make up your own mind :)

[Noah]

I'll rephrase my first answer.



I would rather be in a crash in a Mini made of Metal, than a fibreglass one.

[Noah]

Look at this view on the Mini's safety, and you wan't to add fibre glass. Well more fool you!

[JustSteve]

Look at this view on the Mini's safety, and you wan't to add fibre glass. Well more fool you!

Oh I don't want to add Fibreglass, no on my road car anyway! I'm really just curious as there are so many minis with FG and CF fronts and stuff!

[giner88]

I'll rephrase my first answer.



I would rather be in a crash in a Mini made of Metal, than a fibreglass one.

what about filler and rust? because thats what mines made from

[JustSteve]

I'll rephrase my first answer.



I would rather be in a crash in a Mini made of Metal, than a fibreglass one.

what about filler and rust? because thats what mines made from

As long as there's some duct tape in there, holding it together, you'll be 'reet

Edited by JustSteve, 12 January 2013 - 07:57 PM.

[Globule]

This is a semi loaded question as there are so many variables involved in a crash to gain a conclusive answer. Artstu found the image from Mira which would be the best place to check as the tests are performed with strict guidelines and so comparisons would be as accurate as can be.

I've seen a fibreglass shell that hit a lamppost and cracked the body in half but left the inside relatively untouched, i've also seen a metal shell hit a lamppost and cannot see how the passenger would have got away alive, there is not direct comparison on severity.

Most CF found on mini's is made for weight saving or appearance rather than strength application due to the sheer cost, so personally I would stick with metal where possible! I've never seen a CF roof skin on a mini without a roll cage either.

[Noah]

I'll rephrase my first answer.



I would rather be in a crash in a Mini made of Metal, than a fibreglass one.

what about filler and rust? because thats what mines made from

As long as there's some duct tape in there, holding it together, you'll be 'reet

Pretty sure the original structure was filler, so you should be fine. Well known that filler and duct tape gives an instant 5-Star Euro N-Cap rating.

Mate you're all good.

[JustSteve]

This is a semi loaded question as there are so many variables involved in a crash to gain a conclusive answer. Artstu found the image from Mira which would be the best place to check as the tests are performed with strict guidelines and so comparisons would be as accurate as can be.

I've seen a fibreglass shell that hit a lamppost and cracked the body in half but left the inside relatively untouched, i've also seen a metal shell hit a lamppost and cannot see how the passenger would have got away alive, there is not direct comparison on severity.

Most CF found on mini's is made for weight saving or appearance rather than strength application due to the sheer cost, so personally I would stick with metal where possible! I've never seen a CF roof skin on a mini without a roll cage either.

I completely agree. No two accidents are the same, and neither are two minis, but I thought it would be ineresting, not to compare as such, but just to see how the different materials reacted.

[Alex_B]

Also brace bars arnt enough to replace the front ends rigidity and strength, they dont load the shell in the way it was designed and also are made of flimsy thin bars that arnt much thicker than a bonnet prop,