5 replies to this topic

[spam242]

Would it work out cheeper (or better) if i just got a carbon fibre front end for my mini instead of removing all the rust?

also how much roughly would it cost to remove rust on a mini front end??

help much appreciated

sam

[Burnard]

I dont know the answer.

but im pretty sure nobody could give an accurate answer to this question with out pictures.

[Prawn]

Generally speaking, you can't 'remove' rust from your existing front end. the only way to cure rust is to totally cut it out and replace it with fresh metal. Mini fronts tend to rust to badly, that the only solution is a whole new front end anyway.

Personally, I have a carbon fibre removable front on mine, and I love it. I wouldn't want to have a mini with a solid front again.
Access when doing work on the car is SO much better, and you can save a lot of weight too.

That said, the fit is never quite as perfect as a steel front, although with enough time and effort, they can look pretty good.

Cost wise I wouldn't like to say, a fibreglass front may be cheaper than a steel one, but carbon is probably a similar price.

[newdawn1st]

Just to give you an idea I looked into this recently and my local mini guy said I was looking at about £1500 to get it done + plus cost for the final spray. Curley carbon does front ends both in GRP and Carbon, worth a look there for parts costs

Hope this helps

PS to back up Prawn here, you cant get rid of rust but once you swapped it for a non steel part it wont rust again but consider effects on your insurance and cost of replacing anything if it gets dinged in the future

[spam242]

thanks everyone im swinging towards the carbon fibre option now

sam.

[jjojjas]

but...........
They inevitably look like....plastic.......
Sorry, they have a use, and they fit it well, but they look inferior to my (rather poor) eyesight.
I have fitted a few (fiber glass) , but I can't think of a decent reason why I would fit plastic over steel on my minis.
For the hassle and cost of replacement every ...what 7 - 15 years???? I can't see the argument. But if you prefer a non-steel front, then go for it. It's your car. Be boring if we were all the same.
Jas

Edited by jjojjas, 04 May 2009 - 10:24 PM.