8 replies to this topic

[MrElliott]

Okay so I have seen these on Arc Angels website and I was wondering about the safety, MOT ability and fitment of these A Panels.

http://the-arc-angel...&product_id=130

I was going to get the carbon fibre ones because I think they are a bit stonger than the glass fibre ones and they wont rust like my current steel panels (this is why I need to replace them)

has anyone fitted these to there car and could I get any advise about them?

[clivemk1mini]

I have the carbon Kevlar ones from them on my car they are attached to the front end on my car though.

[MrElliott]

oh see im still gunna be using my steel front :/ do you think they are stronger than the origional steel a panels?

[clivemk1mini]

I wouldn't say they were stronger the only real benifit is that they're lighter and won't rust. But if your sticking with a metal front then I would buy steel a panels and give them a good coat of wax oil once there on.

[Tamworthbay]

oh see im still gunna be using my steel front :/ do you think they are stronger than the origional steel a panels?

Carbon can be stronger than steel, but the problem you would have is bonding them to the existing metal. You could use a structural adhesive such as 3m's DP410 but getting a decent bond would be tricky. The MOT man will not accept chemical bonding of any sort, only welding is sufficient, BUT there is some debate as to whether A panels count as structural on a mini but I will leave that can of worms for others to argue over!

[MrElliott]

Haha its just had an MOT and i cant be bothered with that again and the insurance is high enough I think I will stick with steel ones with lots of wax oil :)

[Bungle]

steel ones rust protected will last 20 years

[MrElliott]

sold!!

[tiger99]

Good. It is just not worth the hassle of what follows when the MOT tester has to fail it, if he notices, which is likely.

The idea of replacing stressed panels with carbon fibre is just non-viable in a road car anywhere in the EU now, and the UK is about the only place where significant modifications are still allowed, albeit requiring an IVA test, which a Mini has no hope of passing without a lot of work. Track use is another matter altogether, or course.

However, the idea of replacing the entire shell with a composite shell is very attractive, but in effect you are building a kit car and again need IVA, however the design of the kit would have taken account of that with suitable edge radii, relocated fuel tank, and much more. Domino Cars seems to be defunct, but I hope someone else will introduce a similar composite shell which is strong enough for road use. Just think, a fully deseamed, rust-free, strong shell for probably less than the cost of a standard Heritage shell.