9 replies to this topic

[Mini118118]

Chaps season greatings
I'm pondering on a Flip Front next year..
Do these upset any MOT inspectors, has anyone experienced any issues when trying to get an MOT..
Also does it effect your insurance much
Thanks again..

[Bungle]

as long as brace bars are used, the front is secure and the whole job looks strong MOT shouldn't be a problem

insurance is likely to go up as a flip front is classed as a modification

crash protection is likely to be worse

resale value is likely to be lower

if you remove the inner wings for the conversion you are likely to need to re register the car and go through a BIVA test to get the car back on the road

[tiger99]

For all of the above reasons, and particularly the safety aspect, I would not drive a Mini with a flip front. Losing much of the meagre crash protection that you have, on roads populated by morons in SUVs, does not seem to me to be sensible.

What advantage do you think a flop front gives? It is not necessary for maintenance access on any standard car. On the other hand, a totally non-controversial, and non-structural mod to fit a pair of quick release grille buttons, does give somewhat easier access without any of the disadvantages, and costs very little

[racingbob]

Why don't you fit a nice carbon fibre front but not a flip one, but separate bonnet
I have one on mine
I think flip ones look awful

[petey81]

i have a removable front ( not flip)with just a few bolts and tabs and brace bars also i have a steel bonnet. mot was ok no probs.
i ride a motorbike all day every day for work so not bothered about crash protection as i dont take passengers any way!!!!

[The Matt]

Flip or removable fronts will not fail an MOT. There is obviously going to be a hike in insurance premium as it's a modification. You will need braces bars on there too. In terms of costs of insurance, only your insurers will really be able to tell you that.

[petey81]

my insurance stayed the same with lancaster i delcared everything even the fibreglass rear valence. will be different for eveybody!! guess i was lucky.

[SA MINI]

I notified my insurance after I fitted my fibre glass (solid/removable) front. The agreed valuation suffered slightly but the cost of insurance did not rise. They basically said they wasn't fussed about any mods unless I have a roll cadge or a V-tec engine

Also mine has solid subframe mounts all round. , brace bars. Metal bonnet & inner wings. I did not fit any tear drop mounts. Instead I just have a towing eye either side. With a front bumper too,
The front end is bolted to the inner wings & hidden brackets behind the a panels.
I've also made a slam panel bar from half inch square tubing. To sit Behind the bonnet catch section across to each inner wing.
I've not had any issues with mot as the outer wings are not classed as structure.

It has been very useful for me having a removable front. Makes working on the bay. & arches much Easyer.

Edited by SA MINI, 26 December 2012 - 12:34 PM.

[Cooperman]

Actually the outer wings are a very significant part of the monocoque structure and provide a great deal of the crash-resistance of the front of the car.
Like 'Tiger', I've never seen the advantage of these 'flip fronts' on road cars as they devalue the car and the Mini is becoming a more & more desirable classic every year, with the original structure being required to keep its value. So a flip front just devalues the car for no actual advantage.
However, it's all personal choice in the end.

[SA MINI]

My comment about the outer wings not being structural is only what I have read a number of times on this site.
I also hate flip fronts as the ones I've seen look very flimsy & tacky,

I decided to fit a a very neat removable solid front,
Though I will be going back to the original welded wings in the future.
When I rebuilt my mini I had to work around my disability as I have no use of my left shoulder. So
I decided to fit a solid removable front to make things Easyer to keep my mini maintained. It was also a life saver when I had troubles with my auto box & needed to remove the engine again.

Also Most people don't even notice I have a fibreglass front end. The mot man only noticed when he saw the un painted fibreglass underneith

You should work out the pros & cons of habi g one of these & see what works for you

Edited by SA MINI, 28 December 2012 - 05:20 PM.