16 replies to this topic

[pcalahane]

Is it possible to cut the metal front off in one chunk so that it can be reused as a removable front end?
I was planning to go flip front, but without the flipping option. I want to be able to get full engine access but still retain the original metal front end. I know people create flip fronts all the time and people cut out old panels all the time to replace sections. But the question I have is, where can I cut so that I keep full looks/function of the original front in one piece.
I am thinking that means I have to run the plasma cutter down the a-pillar seams, across the inner fender seams and along the front scuttle panel. Is this correct? Then grind the scuttle panel smooth once detached?

[nicklouse]

Anything is possible.

But is sounds like you are making work for no real reason.

You can acces the engine for any job as is. Anything more would need the engine out any way.

But yes split A panel of the wing/fender drill out some spot welds on the wing/fender inner wing/fender join before the cross member. Then cut down the inner wing/fender. Any more depends on how the last owner did any work.

You will then have issues with any part attached to the removable parts.

Go watch project Binky on YouTube.

[pcalahane]

Well the car is out of action at the moment getting a full restore/rebuild. I live where it's always sunny so I'm getting rid of any rust before it goes back on the road for the long haul. The removable front also helps access the hard to reach places. Am I being dumb?

[nicklouse]

what hard to reach parts?

 

anything you need to access during normal use is easy through the bonnet. anything else is an engine out job.

 

to me your reasoning is flawed.

[Northernpower]

Well the car is out of action at the moment getting a full restore/rebuild. I live where it's always sunny so I'm getting rid of any rust before it goes back on the road for the long haul. The removable front also helps access the hard to reach places. Am I being dumb?

I think you're looking for a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Removing the front won't give you any better accessibility to the front of the engine components than you can get through the existing openings. So, yes, you are being dumb.

[CobraV8]

The hard to reach bits are at the back of the motor, designed to remove skin from knuckles. The guards and bonnet don't make any difference.

[sonikk4]

If you want more access to the engine bay then fit some articulated bonnet hinges from Minivation. No removing the bonnet, no more banging your head.

[pete l]

I think he is thinking about removing the inner wings as well as the outer ones.

[Northernpower]

I think he is thinking about removing the inner wings as well as the outer ones.

Why would you want to and you still won't achieve much better access and you'll have ruined the car in the process?

[pete l]

And don't forget the crash protection if all that is removed, or just clipped in place.

[Northernpower]

And don't forget the crash protection if all that is removed, or just clipped in place.

Yes good call. I can't see the point of removing a metal front end.

[Cooperman]

That sounds completely unsafe. The body-shell is a monocoque construction and needs to stay as designed to maintain its structural integrity.

[tiger99]

Precisely!

[Cooperman]

And think of all the work to put it back to original when it is realised how little it is worth after it has been 'butchered' in this way.

[Aridgerunner]

The guy we bought our second Mini from used to race them here in the states and made decent part time job out of repairing and rebuilding them. I asked him about removing the entire front end along with the inner fenders. He said based on personal experience when that is done the handling goes to hell. And, as others have said, the safety is gone.

Don't do it.