10 replies to this topic

[Brams96]

I need to replace my A-panels but can't make up my mind, Should I put on fiberglass A-panels or stick with proper metal ones?

Has anyone put fiberglass a-panels on before or had any experience with them. Are there any disadvantages with them?

Cheers

[Brams96]

Anyone?

[G-baby158]

If it was me i wouldn't even be thinking about FG, metal all the way.

[Bungle]

is this on a flip front ?

[Cooperman]

The A-panels are a load carrying structural part of he Mini body-shell. In fact all parts of the shell are load carrying, that's why it's called 'monocoque' construction.
It seems unlikely that a GRP A-panel would be capable of carrying the loads properly in a crash-case senario. In fact, the same probably applies to a flip-front unless there is substantial braing structure added.

[Brams96]

I am thinking of going for a 2 piece flip front but by the sounds of theings I will give the FG A-panels a miss. Ebay here I come . . .

[Bungle]

if you have a flip front with the correct braes bars then your A panels are not structural

(unless you have external hinges)

[Sam Walters]

A-panels are not structural, neither is the front end really. Ive smashed up the front end of one of my cars, A-panels were un affected.

However! due to the contruction of fiberglass panels, well most of them anyhow, they wont be a good fit.

Soooo i wouldent bother to be honest.

[The Matt]

I'm sorry, but stating that the front end of the mini isn't structural isn't really that sound advice. Of course the front end is structural. It's an integral part of the car's structure.

I would advise personally, that if you are going for a GRP flip-front, I'd keep steel A-panels. I seam welded mine to the flitch panel too, the flip-front attaches (via Dzus fasteners) to a sheet of steel that I joggled and then welded behind the A-panel. Hey-presto

If you are going to fit a flip-front, replace the structure that you are chopping out with proper bracing and ensure that the subframe is correctly solidly mounted.

[oli]

Nah, anything in front of the towers just hangs there. The only thing it does is triangulate the subframe at the front mounts and even these are rubber in a standard mini. If you cut off the front and inner wings, fit brace bars and remember to reinforce it where they bolt on. above the shock mount by welding on a plate at each side. The best way to do removable front is using the steel panels then you can retain the bonnet catch and hinged bonnet. I've done this twice, once with my Roundnose and now with my Clubby with good results.

[oli]

The A panels brace the door hinge area a little I'd defo have steel ones.