11 replies to this topic

[nickhead]

Hi Guys, i know this is a big one on here, i've done some reading but can only find snippets of peoples opinions on the implications of removing the rear seat/bulkhead.

im planning to run a sealed fuel cell, i will be running a custom cage that will be mounted to rear turrets for coilovers, then across between turrets, so i dont think strength will be lost or an issue,

i also plan to remove/replace the boot floor with carbon or fibreglass.

i'd appreciate anyones opinions and experience with the removal, issues with strength, issues with mot etc etc..

many thanks,

Nick

[Bungle]

have you read the rules on modifying a monocoque and loosing the cars identity

http://www.the-ace.o...dification.html

there is also the MOT problem with modifying the construction with in 30cm of the subframe mounts

[nickhead]

surely a mini isnt monocoque!

ill be fitting a carbon front end, amongst other bits anyway so its not going to make it any worse.

also ill be running a beam so no subframe as such.

[Bungle]

yes a mini is a monocoque, 2 subframes don't make a chassis

what you want to do is still all do able, you just need to test and register the car afterwards

[Dan]

also ill be running a beam so no subframe as such.

Well the exact type of what's mounted isn't really the issue, it's still a mounting. This isn't actually a problem at the MOT though, the MOT looks for corrosion damage and weakness. If whatever is modified is at least as strong as the original it will pass. Panels that have been removed are not tested for or a reason for failure, only corrosion.

[nickhead]

okey dokey, has anyone removed theirs before?

any pictures? any issues they have noticed?

[GraemeC]

Yes, I've done it. It can make the top half of the shell prone to moving as you will remove all the cross bracing - nothing on the cage will replace that unless you tie it into the B and C pillars.
The car will also be very noisy as the sound will bounce around the cabin and you will have less crash protection.

Having been there and done it, to a competition car, I wouldn't do it to a road car.

[roofless]

I've just gone through the process of putting all this back in again ( bought an abandoned Z car project ) - without it the shell flexed hell of a lot - putting it back in made a lot of difference

[nickhead]

hmmmm

thanks guys, ill give it some big thinking before i make my mind up.

any pics of them?

[Tupers]

We removed the rear seat back along with all of the rear floor from the heel bard back on the Alan Carruthers Mini. Clicky

[GraemeC]

Tupers - you took ever so slightly more out than me, but you replaced the floor with stiffened, welded steel so that would've put some rigidity back in - mine was a rivetted alloy panel!

For pictures of mine see my green build thread link in my sig.

[nickhead]

how did you find it for loss of strength Tupers?