6 replies to this topic

[andyt]

i'm thinking of fitting a fibreglass front to my mini maybe one without a bonnet so I can just use my original bonnet, are there any guides to fitting one on the forum or does anyone have any advice. 

 

Andy.

[tiger99]

The best advice is don't. It is a modification to the monocoque, and will result in the car requiring an IVA test, which it will fail. It also requires properly engineered bracing bars to carry subframe loads, and loses almost all of your frontal impact protection. Also, your insurance comapny MUST be informed, and if they understand Minis, they will take a very dim view of it indeed.

[SA MINI]

Leave the inner wings in situe
Reinforce front subframe.
Fit solid mount subframe mounts
Get some strong brace bars fitted
Id suggest to fit some sort of slam bar behind the grille.

You won't need an Iva test if you leave the inner wings as they are.
Insurance is a bit of a grey area. Some like some don't.
I've got the above fitted to mine & I'm insured with a mini specialist company. They basically said my mods are acceptable. As long as I don't have a roll cadge , v tec engine or no inner wings.

As mentioned above this modified front end will not be as safe if you were to have an accident.

Ths original front end is designed to crumple under impact ( softening the blow basically )

A fibre front will shatter into oblivion & the brace bars will not act as your crumple zone .
& something like the roof & floor pan will take the impact

I have a fibre front end on mine. I don't really drive fast or far so I am happy to leave it how it is.

[min ritz ryan]

By all means, cut your inner wings off and use brace bars, but i would advise using original metal wings and front panel just make sure the panels are well covered in primer and underseal, to prevent rusting as quick. As i did a conversion like this before but used a one piece fibreglass version, but found it too flimsy and did not allign all that well, although my mistake being, it was a cheap front end, not a top end product, such as ABS sport, or arc angels.

[andyt]

I,m confused to how at castle combe yesterday so many cars have fibreglass or carbon fibre front ends if its legally such a grey area? If I do fit one does my MOT man dob me in to the ministry? 

 

I was looking at the arc angels two piece front end which looks to be very good quality, has anyone else used their products?

 

Andy.

[petey81]

Many people have FG or CF front ends. I do and also FG A panels no iva is needed and sailed through 3 mots at 3 different places. Everything is tight and I have used welded and bonded tabs and brackets. My insurance company have been informed and have been for all my mods and no increase! Its down to you what you do with your car. Just look at the magazines with feature cars that have FG or CF fronts. Good luck with what you decide, oh and I left on the inner wings on as I don't flip the front.

[Ethel]

Fibreglass can be at least as strong as steel, it's been used for crash helmets & bumpers. It dissipates energy by shattering, instead of bending like steel. The issue is getting a grp front to absorb an impact instead of being pushed aside or being so solid it transmits more force into the shell than the steel original. Pre IVA there was no restriction on fitting a flip front (any car converted beforehand will remain legal, but you may be asked for evidence it was), even now it depends on interpretation of the rule as to what constitutes the monocoque. Though it has been suggested it will include the inner wings, even though they can contribute little rigidity without the outer wings.

 

Being bounced for an IVA on a car that's already V5'd is unlikely, but it could be very messy in the most likely circumstances: in an investigation after a major accident. Speak to your insurers, at least, before firing up the angle grinder.