15 replies to this topic

[blackandblue]

Hi all, just after some thoughts and opinions on the above.

 

Thinking about getting one, but not sure what the pros and cons are. Do they rattle and shake, or pretty solid if fitted properly? Must make it easier for working on the engine. Also, no more rust...

 

Clearly there must be bad points too.

 

Thanks.

[blackbelt1990]

Are you planning on a flip front or a fixed one?

My front end was fixed just like a normal metal front. Tamed the rust but always felt it was missing something. Mine did crack in places and the stone chips were always white lol

[blackandblue]

I was thinking of a flip front.

 

If it is fixed like a metal front end, does it mean just the bonnet is removable?

 

Also, how is the main section fixed in place?

 

Thanks again.

[frosty90]

I think you will get a lot of negative answers to this questions and there is a lot of cons.... being removing something solid and replacing it with something not as structural. You also look originality among other things.  

 

I have personally just ordered a fibreglass front end for mine as I am fed up of rust and its already far from original.

[jon_barnes77]

I've got one, had it for 4 years.  I got mine from http://www.the-arc-angels.co.uk/ it's been great.  They do a heavy duty one, that i got, and it's fine. you get a slight rumble rattle at very low revs. But no movement.

 

I'm not a fan of the Dzus fasteners, they're a bit worn down now.

 

I think i'd prefer to have had it hinged from the bulk head with some gas struts, as mine's hinged from the front, and it can make it a bit tricky to work on the engine, if i had the choice again.

 

 flip.jpg   82.58K   14 downloads

 

 

 

 

[Alex_B]

It's one of those modifications that divides opinion. I did consider one but replacing the front with steel won it for me for a few reasons; Fitment, Steel will always look right, fit right and wont crack like GRP will. The composite front ends are made for motorsport, where light weight out weighs other factors and thus they aren't really all that well made with regards to shape. However the main reason that swayed me away from them is the consequences in the event of a front end impact. Minis don't have the inherent safety of a modern car, they dont have a crash structure its just solid. That works ok in standard form to a point. The front will deflect with enough force and that will dissipate the energy protecting the people in the car. Now remove the only part of the car that will deflect and replace it with a lump of brittle composite that wont bend it will just shatter and you run a much higher risk of being hurt or worse in an accident. I had a fairly fast front end crash a few years back (30-40mph estimated) and the front crumpled to the point of moving the bulkhead slightly. If I had a GRP front I dont think I would be walking now if im honest.

If you do go for a composite front expect your insurance to be a lot more due to it being an unpopular modification to them. The resale value of the car will also be lower.

[frosty90]

It's one of those modifications that divides opinion. I did consider one but replacing the front with steel won it for me for a few reasons; Fitment, Steel will always look right, fit right and wont crack like GRP will. The composite front ends are made for motorsport, where light weight out weighs other factors and thus they aren't really all that well made with regards to shape. However the main reason that swayed me away from them is the consequences in the event of a front end impact. Minis don't have the inherent safety of a modern car, they dont have a crash structure its just solid. That works ok in standard form to a point. The front will deflect with enough force and that will dissipate the energy protecting the people in the car. Now remove the only part of the car that will deflect and replace it with a lump of brittle composite that wont bend it will just shatter and you run a much higher risk of being hurt or worse in an accident. I had a fairly fast front end crash a few years back (30-40mph estimated) and the front crumpled to the point of moving the bulkhead slightly. If I had a GRP front I dont think I would be walking now if im honest.

If you do go for a composite front expect your insurance to be a lot more due to it being an unpopular modification to them. The resale value of the car will also be lower.

 

 Disagree about the insurance, I called and checked and there was no difference in insurance by adding a fibreglass front end.

[Ben_O]

Alex about sums it up as far as i'm concerned.

 

But it always comes back to personal choice. There have been so many heated debates on here arguing the pros and cons of them and a conclusion is never reached.

 

All i can say is take on board all of the pro's and cons and make a decision based on how you feel about it.

 

I am always a firm believer that a well maintained Mini won't give enough problems to make a removable front worthwhile and i think that access is adequate for general maintenance with a fixed steel front end.

 

Ben 

[Alex_B]

 

It's one of those modifications that divides opinion. I did consider one but replacing the front with steel won it for me for a few reasons; Fitment, Steel will always look right, fit right and wont crack like GRP will. The composite front ends are made for motorsport, where light weight out weighs other factors and thus they aren't really all that well made with regards to shape. However the main reason that swayed me away from them is the consequences in the event of a front end impact. Minis don't have the inherent safety of a modern car, they dont have a crash structure its just solid. That works ok in standard form to a point. The front will deflect with enough force and that will dissipate the energy protecting the people in the car. Now remove the only part of the car that will deflect and replace it with a lump of brittle composite that wont bend it will just shatter and you run a much higher risk of being hurt or worse in an accident. I had a fairly fast front end crash a few years back (30-40mph estimated) and the front crumpled to the point of moving the bulkhead slightly. If I had a GRP front I dont think I would be walking now if im honest.

If you do go for a composite front expect your insurance to be a lot more due to it being an unpopular modification to them. The resale value of the car will also be lower.

 

 Disagree about the insurance, I called and checked and there was no difference in insurance by adding a fibreglass front end.

 

That will depend on the insurer... each company will have different views, I am speaking from my own experience where they would have added quite a lot to my quote if I had done it

[blackandblue]

It's an interesting one and thanks for all your thoughts. Interesting what you say about the room restriction Jon. I had assumed that the flip front would make life much easier working on the engine, but maybe not.

[frosty90]

It's an interesting one and thanks for all your thoughts. Interesting what you say about the room restriction Jon. I had assumed that the flip front would make life much easier working on the engine, but maybe not.

 

All depends on what way you make it flip I assume, I want mine to flip uptowards the windscreen as Jon said he would do if he did it again.

[blackandblue]

 

It's an interesting one and thanks for all your thoughts. Interesting what you say about the room restriction Jon. I had assumed that the flip front would make life much easier working on the engine, but maybe not.

 

All depends on what way you make it flip I assume, I want mine to flip uptowards the windscreen as Jon said he would do if he did it again.

 

 

To be honest, I have quite bad back problems and was hoping to find a way to allow maximum access to the engine. Can you have a removable fibreglass bonnet on a steel front?

[frosty90]

Yep, I currently have that but I am just swapping to a whole front end fibreglass. But will be a lot of to fit im expecting to be honest but will be worth it in the end

[Ellie]

I'm sure I saw hinges that move the flip front up high out of the way.
Can't find it now. That would give great clearance.
I'll see if I can find it still.

[Cooperman]

Personal view, but they ruin a good classic car. They are basically unsafe and greatly diminish the value.

The Mini has a monocoque body-shell and cutting the wings off removes the structural integrity.