11 replies to this topic

[Slinky1313]

Hey all, basically my front end is screwed, the scuttle corners and underneath the windshield, the front panel, and bits and pieces from the wing, are all rusting to pieces, im worried that before long it will spread to the hinge panel if it hasnt already!. So what i had planned was to just cut the whole mess off and stick on a fiberglass front. However everyone ive spoken to has told me its much better to just replace all the steel panels. Now ive been learning to weld but i dont know if id be up to replacing the whole front so its more than likely id get it done for me. So what is everyones opinion on steel over fiber, or vise versa. Just want to know what im getting myself in for whichever decision i make. Thanks very much

Will

[Jayme 1275]

well the obvious advantage of the fiberglass is its lighter and dosent rust the disadvantages are they are a b@*"h to fit most of them dont fit right so you have to trim and reshape the ends also they are not as strong as steel meaning in the unfrotunate event of a crash or someone backs into you it will more or less crumble.
ive never welded the front on on a mini so cant coment on how hard it is to fit but they stronger and look better than the fibreglass panels

[Slinky1313]

yeah, ive heared about alot of the fronts being warped or misshaped, supposedly someone was saying its down to the quality of the manufacturer, guy linked me to these guys http://www.the-arc-a...lt.asp?PageNo=1 said that they were sposed to be good for it. as for a crash, i figure if i crash at any sort of speed in the mini im pretty much dead anyway, seeing as the crumple zone is where i sit lol.

[Wil_h]

For an everyday road car I would stick with steel.

[Slinky1313]

yeah, im abit worried about how much the whole things gonna cost, to sort all the front end rust my local place quoted me about 1500, now seeing as i bought the car for 1300, i want overly pleased at the idea. only thing im thinking is i can fit a fiberglass front, a steel front i dont think i could do. if i were to cut the nose off and fit a fiberglass one i could then take it to them and get the scuttle done for hopefully a fraction of the price they quoted. i mean for 1500 i could buy a refurbed shell and just move everything over lol

[Tupers]

Don't go on your first quote, call a few other Mini garages/restoration firms and see if you can get the quote knocked down a bit.

Fibreglass fronts are great if you want to loose some weight from a fast Mini but can be an arse to get to fit properly. A well fitted steel front should last at lest 15 years and wont lower the value of your car.

[mini=love]

You will regret fitting a fiberglass front.

The fitting part is easy, but on a road car they just dont last. Iv gone through 3 fiberglass/carbon fiber front in the last few year and all of them have failed where the gel coat has come away from the fiberglass causing cracks all over the panel.

Iv got a steel flip front now and its sooo much better.

[Cian 'the pain' MPI]

Ive got a fibreglass flip front on mine, absolut $£%^er! to fit, but working on the engine is a joy now! havnt had any paint problems as yet

[Slinky1313]

baaaa, i was worried about this. Looks like im gonna have to bite the bullet and just get a steel front. Why couldnt you have just told me FG fronts are brilliant?

[Slinky1313]

well while i think about it does anyone know any places theyd recommend to do the job near Birmingham?

[jaydee]

..to sort all the front end rust my local place quoted me about 1500..

Well, i've got a similar quote for fitting a GRP front..then decided to spend that money anywhere else

[Andyagl]

well while i think about it does anyone know any places theyd recommend to do the job near Birmingham?

I do mobile welding repairs to minis and classics. Ive restored a few minis in the past. cant help on your paint, but i could at least save you some money. I would change the two wings and front panel for 100 labour. If you need any more welding done, ill be happy do that too. I live in Northamptonshire, so not far away from brum.

Edited by Andyagl, 31 May 2011 - 06:32 PM.