20 replies to this topic

[lootuning1]

So, ok, ive done a few searches on here about making a METAL flip front. Ive seen a few images etc and i know that if i want a metal flip front, i will have to make my own. Im off the idea of the fibreglass one due to safety, so im hoping that if i crash, ill have more of a chance of surviving with a metal one lol

ANYWAYS...

Im quite handy with a grinder at the minute lol so cutting off the front end, shouldnt be a problem lol but what do i do then?

What bits do i need? Can i just buy the kit which is supplied to fit the fibreglass front ends and fix that to my metal one?

I hope everyone can understand what i am babbling here lol basically, all i want to know is....what do i need to make my own metal flip front???

Them Merlin catch things look ace, ill be using them

[minivanman]

Basically, you need the front panels - wings and centre one, brace bars and hinges. When you have cut the front off, remove the inner wings and bolt your brace bars on. Weld the panels together, hinge em at the front, make it lock down and the jobs a good un. Have a look at my van project for some piccys.

[lootuning1]

You star - thats exactly what i wanted to hear

Just one problem though. My motors already been deeseamed - is this going to be a problem when doing this or not???

[Retro_10s]

Steel flip front yummy!... anyway... yes de-seaming is a problem... as you have no A-panel line so you have to make sure you cut both sides off perfectly even. or wit will be on the *yellow human water* slightly lol.

Also the safety with ANY flip front is pretty much the same, if you crash, you crash, there will be little difference in the damage as the front is not part of the shell anymore..

[minivanman]

Look at my van - thats been deseamed as well. One thing I forgot is that you also need to solid mount your front subframe as well.

[lootuning1]

Yeah, ive printed a copy of your van off. Gonna go have a look at mine tomorrow and see whats what. Will it take any strength out? with it being deseemed like?
Ive taken that much strength out of me bloody mini that im affraid its just gonna fold like a pack or cards lmao

Steel flip front yummy!... anyway... yes de-seaming is a problem... as you have no A-panel line so you have to make sure you cut both sides off perfectly even. or wit will be on the *yellow human water* slightly lol.

Im hoping, that if i flat the paint back a little, ill be able to see where the join is - what are the odds of that lol ?

Edited by lootuning1, 05 January 2007 - 08:24 PM.

[Retro_10s]

If you've de-seamed it well it wont be any less strong than it was in the first place... thought about fitting a cage?

[lootuning1]

The shells going to be stiffened any strengthened - hopefully in a fornights time. Ive just got some tweeking.
Ive got a really good mate who makes race exhausts and cages so im dropping the shell off to him to work
his magic lol but ive got no strength in the bay, thats all...maybe if i give it him with the front off, he maybe
able to sort something in there. The rest ive planned for and done the drawings for but the front is a toughie lol

[DavesBluey]

Just one problem though. My motors already been deeseamed - is this going to be a problem when doing this or not???

My car is de-seamed and i have a removeable steel front (not flip though) this is how mine is mounted

[miniboo]

why not cut it off with the a panels attached? and have it removable from there?

[lootuning1]

WOW - them pics are wicked. Thanks for taking the time too do that.

Cheers all you guys for all your help. We had a look at it today and thought "sod it- lets go fot it" lol so definately going for the metal flip front too. Watch this space

[DavesBluey]

WOW - them pics are wicked. Thanks for taking the time too do that.

Cheers all you guys for all your help. We had a look at it today and thought "sod it- lets go fot it" lol so definately going for the metal flip front too. Watch this space

no problem, i sort of cheated someone else on here asked me about doing this a few months ago and i took the pictures then and still had them on the computer. I just need to sort out the headlight wiring on mine, whoever did the front before i bought it hasnt put removeable plugs on it so i cant completely remove it at the moment. Does anyobe know where to buy some waterproof multiplugs? (sorry to hijack but you will need them too)

[dirtsurfer2006]

Cheers guys thats evrything i wanted to hear too! Thats my mind made up. i couldnt decide whether to have a crack at a steel flip front or just replace the panels normally. One thing tho what do i need to do to make it a removable front rather than flip?What can i use instead of hinges?

cheers
chris

[lootuning1]

Yeah, im helping everyone lmoa cool eh

Cant you just cut the panels, use them strengthening bar things (the technical term lol) Heres a link:

http://www.customminis.co.uk/id48.html

Then just, i dunno, use them clips on the sides and then the same on the bottom maybe? Would that be sufficent?

Check these out, would these be any good (stole this idea off someone off here. Hope they dont mind lol

http://www.merlinmot...oduct_info.html

I think i can see 2 fixings either side of Davesbluey's number plate - see em? Maybe they help hold it on?

Edited by lootuning1, 06 January 2007 - 08:16 PM.

[DavesBluey]

I think i can see 2 fixings either side of Davesbluey's number plate - see em? Maybe they help hold it on?

The fixings at the front either side of the numberplate are no different to the ones you probably have on your mini now - includong the rubber mounts.
i have brace bars fitted and inner wings have been cut out. As for fixings, as i said the bottom ones at the front are normal, the ones inside the engine bay are easy to fabricate, 1 bolt to take out each side at the top, and the a panel fixings are just dzus fasteners - fixed to a piece of metal welded to the a panel, and tubular support brace welded between whats left of the inner wing and a panel to strengthen it.
If you want the removeable (not flip) front for shows i wouldnt bother as it takes a little while to remove, but for working on the engine at home etc its heaven.