11 replies to this topic

[minidave1991-89]

Hi all,
First off really want a fibreglass bonnet but i dont know whether to go for single or double skin? Will the single skin crack easily say if its hit by a stone?
I've bought a single skin mk3 bootlid for £15 (bargain!). How do you guys keep the boot sealed shut so no water gets in and how would i attach the two lid holder cables onto the single skin?

Cheers, Dave

[scotty_18]

The bootlids in my opinion are a waste of money. From all the minis I've seen with them on they just don't fit properly. I looked into doing it then saw how bad they were.

[dave-88_123]

if its good quality it will fit i use standard hinges with locking type bonnet pins in the top corners and the later seal is requierd for a good fit cheaper panels dont fit so well

[tiger99]

Careful! I would check the Construction and Use Regulations and the MOT Testers Manual before using bonnet pins, as they do tend to present a hazard to pedestrians. Most would be an IVA failure, and the IVA is based vaguely around the current C&U Regs.

Your Mini strictly needs to comply only with the regulations which applied at its date of manufacture, or first registration, but for a long time now, protrusions like bonnet pins have not been seen on new cars, because they were not legal.

If you go to one of the kit car suppliers, they will be able to supply you with some IVA compliant hardware, and if stopped by plod, you would have a sound basis for arguing that they were safe and legal. You don't need an IVA test, but you certainly can take advantage of IVA-compliant hardware.

[minidave1991-89]

The lid is a bit flimsy so was having second thoughts about putting it on anyway, had no idea how I would lock it and don't really want pins on the back :/. Ye old metal one it is then.
Cheers tiger99 had no idea the rules were so stringent will definitely be getting IVA compliant pins, keep MOTman and rozzers happy.

[dave-88_123]

the locking pins are flush fit and small so look ok

[jaydee]

I havent seen a double skin bonnet...it doesnt crack easily, but so many GRP products, espescially bonnets, are..well..'soft' :)
for the bootlid, if you want single skin you'll need an adapter to fit the lock.
at the end of the day once fitted correctly they'll be fine.
If you're really onto weight saving, then go for carbon fibre, more solid, lighter, and more expensive.

[Sam Walters]

If you're really onto weight saving, then go for carbon fibre, more solid, lighter, and more expensive.

Not with the stuff thats currently available on the market for mini`s its not really any better then fg.

[adam_93rio]

How could bonnet pins on a boot lid get you done by the police or vosa?
You don't reverse everywhere, and even still, how many other sharp parts are there on a mini

[Ethel]

There are neater options to pins, such as Dzus.

For IVA, all edges 'n sticky out bits need a minimum of 2.5mm's radius. It'd be easy to bond extra grp to the inside of a panel to accommodate fittings, or adjust the fit.

[minidave1991-89]

I havent seen a double skin bonnet...it doesnt crack easily, but so many GRP products, espescially bonnets, are..well..'soft' :)
for the bootlid, if you want single skin you'll need an adapter to fit the lock.
at the end of the day once fitted correctly they'll be fine.
If you're really onto weight saving, then go for carbon fibre, more solid, lighter, and more expensive.

Theres a carbon fibre/kevlar bonnet i'm watching on ebay, can you spray them at all? Dont really want a black bonnet to be honest :/

[Sam Walters]

I havent seen a double skin bonnet...it doesnt crack easily, but so many GRP products, espescially bonnets, are..well..'soft' :)
for the bootlid, if you want single skin you'll need an adapter to fit the lock.
at the end of the day once fitted correctly they'll be fine.
If you're really onto weight saving, then go for carbon fibre, more solid, lighter, and more expensive.

Theres a carbon fibre/kevlar bonnet i'm watching on ebay, can you spray them at all? Dont really want a black bonnet to be honest :/

yes they can be sprayed.