28 replies to this topic

[williamsfw14]

I would love a classic mini as a first car, but obviously the crash protection in one isn't up to the same level as modern cars. Is there anyway it can be improved, would rollcage help? full race harnesses? etc.
Thanks alot

[jameswhiles]

Generally they are quite safe. By fitting a roll cage and bracing the shell up in the event of a crash there will be nothing to slowly absord the energy. You could end up doing more damage with 1! Just make sure that it is in tip top condition, Ie the sills are not bodged and are not rotting away etc!

[xBR4DLEY]

You could fit door bars if your worried about side crashes
IF you are going to fit a rollcage you need to get bucket seats and harnesses otherwise you could cause more damage in normal seats because you could hit your head on the cage in a crash

[shorty]

could always just bubblewrap it and hope no one doesnt crash into it or you go into anything

but seriously theres things you could do which sound like its making it safer but in effect could make it worse
i.e the example of the rollcage.

you could opt for a later mini such as mpi which has airbags and door braces i think.

other than that, keep your eyes open when driving

[crizd]

Clean pants and grow some hairy knackers! Job done.

Edited by crizd, 04 February 2010 - 09:54 PM.

[lewis]

Clean pants and grow some hairy knackers! Job done.

quote of the day

minis hold up well in a crash, but if you are a little dubious then making sure the bodys tip top condition (rusty seams means less strength in a crash) and as suggested get a later steering wheel with assisted airbag and sort wiring loom to suit

jobs a goodun

[williamsfw14]

Haha, sounds promising so far , wont the pedals crush your legs?

[jameswhiles]

why will the pedals crush your legs?

[AustinAsh]

make sure the seats are fastened down! lol
honestly went to view one not too long back and it had no brackets at all holdign seats down ... good thing to keep an eye out for!
Roll cages do help obviously if you decide to become an acrobat whilst testing corners , i also found that most bucket seat and 4way harness with hold you solid in position hehe


minis = win

[Dan]

and as suggested get a later steering wheel with assisted airbag and sort wiring loom to suit

You can't retro-fit the airbag system. Even if you did, all the airbags in Minis are out of date now anyway.

wont the pedals crush your legs?

It's not a Vauxhall.

[leepol83]

Roll cage 6 point with rear diagonal (Safety devices) fitted properly
3 point harness FIA approved
Cobra monico bucket seats FIA approved
FIA approved lagging for the cage above youre head
Good solid shell
Well this is what ime relying on anyway hope it works

[MonkeyHugger]

The pedals WILL move towards you in a frontal impact.

Believe me I found out the hard way.

[xBR4DLEY]

Yeah they will , because there is no crumple zone the bulkhead can be pushed back and the pedals with it
What happened to you? Broken leg?

[williamsfw14]

Thats what i meant by the pedals crushing legs :/

[xBR4DLEY]

When your gonna crash just jump in the back