26 replies to this topic

[TomSober]

i was interested to know peoples opinions on fiberglass options compared to replacing panels, has anyone got fiberglass front ends on there road legal minis and how would i go about doing it if i wanted to, its not currently in my plans but its something I'm interested in and would like to know more, thanks

[Ethel]

Fibreglass can be plenty strong enough, weight for weight it's about twice as strong as steel, the issue is how you attach it.

[waddle]

iv got fiberglass doors, front and boot there so much lighter than standard and dont rust ,  although i probably wouldnt go for the doors without a cage 

[Alex_B]

Fibreglass can be plenty strong enough, weight for weight it's about twice as strong as steel, the issue is how you attach it.

Yes and no, I would argue the main issue is how it would deform in an accident rather than merely how its fixed. It is important that the front end deforms slightly to reduce the impact felt on the inhabitants of the vehicle, this isnt possible with GRP as it will shatter on impact. Subframe triangulation is another consideration, a lot of people use "brace bars" to triangulate the front of the subframe with the body shell around the top mounts, this however needs careful consideration as the location most people use is fine for bracing the subframe but useless at transmitting any impact force around the shell, resulting in the possibility of the front subframe folding up and the engine being forced through the firewall. 

I personally wouldn't entertain the thought of using a GRP front end on a road car, they are designed as cheap throw away parts for motorsport vehicles. They also dont really look "right" either, the dimensions and fit is often a bit dubious. 

[Baldspeed Racing]

If you buy a decent fg front end and spend the time on the fitting they can look as well as a standard steel front. its each to their own on if you want to fit on. Ive ran one for years and think its one of the best decisions Ive made to be honest.

[Bungle]

then you have to look at if you change the construction of a mini is it still a mini ?

 

the DVLA are quite strict on what you can do to a vehicle before it no longer is the car on the V5

 

you will then need to test and register the car much like building a kit car

[waddle]

iv never known of anyone having a problem with loosing the v5, you can slap a v5 on whatever you want and it will be fine only time it will be questioned is if you crash or get pulled by vosa ,  even then it will probably be fine 

[Ethel]

Being twice as strong means it will take twice as much energy to shatter it as it would to crumple the equivalent panel using the same weight of steel, GRP has been used for bumpers, helmets & canoes for a reason.

 

Alex is right to point out it behaves differently though - it's more springy and it could transmit more force back into the shell before it breaks. Once it does shatter you're left with less protection than a crumpled steel front end would give.

[69k1100]

I like how the only consideration is for the person in the car. There are many reasons why plastic panels aren't approved for road use, but mainly it's due to the lack of compliance due to the application of the panel, race vs road for instance.

Plastic cars that are certified are done so at great expense, and the designs modified as needed to ensure the safety of the occupant and pedestrians. I doubt any steel/plastic mini has ever been complied in this configuration (glass front, steel body) happy to be proven wrong.

[Bungle]

iv never known of anyone having a problem with loosing the v5, you can slap a v5 on whatever you want and it will be fine only time it will be questioned is if you crash or get pulled by vosa ,  even then it will probably be fine 

 

we have a couple of members on here whos modified cars got them in trouble with the DVLA

[waddle]

and got the reg taken off them  ? or more importantly the car seized  ?

[Cooperman]

The Mini bodyshell was designed as a monocoque structure with all the steel panels taking static & dynamic loads.

To change the front to a different material from the original is dangerous. The 'cowboys' doing GRP fronts have done little or, one might suspect; no structural analysis or crash testing.

Alex_B above is absolutely correct, unless someone can produce the detailed stress analysis for a full GRP front.

[Ben_O]

I would never fit a fibreglass front to any Mini i owned. nor would i buy one with an FG front fitted unless it was cheap enough to warrant swapping for steel.

 

I couldn't deal with the poor fit, fake seams and lack of crispness and accuracy or the edges.

 

Steel all the way for me. If you do it right, you will keep the rust away for years and years providing you look after it too.

 

Plus, properly welded steel front isn't going to fall off in an accident like i suspect a diy fitted FG one might.

 

Just my 2 pennies worth...

 

Ben 

[Cooperman]

And, of course, it spoils a true classic car and reduces its value to a very low level.

It's the same with all classic cars, but where genuine steel panels are no longer available it is understandable. I mean, who would fit a GRP front to an E-Type, a Ferrari or a Lotus-Cortina. The Mini is no less a true classic.

[TomSober]

The plan is to stay steel but it's very interesting to hear what everyone has to say, thanks for the replies !