6 replies to this topic

[Jordie]

Right, i am planning to remove my steel front end. and replace it with a fibreglass flipfront, hopefully in afew weeks time.

How do the A panels, wings, and front panel come off? and in what order is best?

When fitting new A panels where should they be welded etc?

I understand that the brace bars mount to front of subframe and bolt above shock absorber. Do i have to cut the inner wings away, i think i will anyway but it depends on time.

I want the mini to be done right, as its going for a respray when i can afford it and i dont want it to be ruined by a dodgy front.

[Guess-Works.com]

Jordie, have a look at the photo's of Petal ( link in footer ) shows how what I cut when taking the front off...

Also KYMA 3 did an article on flip front...

But to summarise... if you can, remove Wings and valance in one piece, but infront of the seam up the A panel to the scuttle, and then down the inner wing to a point a couple of inches infront of the suspension mounting, then straight down the inner wing, The whole of the front end is then free to be removed ( this obiously requires the removal of any electricals ).

The A Panels are welded to and bottom and crimped round the hinge support panel.

and that's is...

When you got the metal out of the way, you can neaten up the innerwings. I also plated the inner wing ( used the old A Panels to do this, waste not want not !! ) so that it is 3 layers where the brace bars and Top suspension bracket are fitted..

[Bluemini]

Have a look at this page of my website for a bit of info and pics... richspeed - front chop

[Purple Tom]

i think i will fit a flip front to mine as the wings and front panel need replacing. It will also be a good excuse to tackle the rot thats starting to form around the offside scuttle corner too.

[TimS]

my A pannels are still attached to the body, then used zuse fasteners from Demon Tweaks to fasten the front end down! iv sot some pics if u want em top send u then email me at [email protected]

[andyps]

I've never fitted a one piece fron but have replaced wings and a panels a few times. Best advice I can give would be to make sure you have all the parts before you start doing anything, so you can fit them all together and make sure they line up properly. Basically, before welding the a panels on, check they are in the right place both for the doors and the 'wings' from the new front.

A really nice way to do it must be to use new metal panels welded together but removeable from the car. I think you still need the bracing for this. Possibly cheaper for the panels this way that a one piece fibreglass one.

[Jordie]

not when the one piece fibreglass one is unused and £40

Yeah the steel fronts stll need bracing as far as i know.

Gunna replace the A panels while were at it, so shud be looking good.