7 replies to this topic

[kcchan]

Has anyone tried using the pneumatic rams from modern car boots and attached them to the flip front of a mini? I dont see why it wouldn't work. It would control the front when flipping it and if installed properly, would prevent the front from hitting the ground. Call me stupid but I dont see whyit wouldn't work. Its abit more of a showy type thing rather than for pure function.





PS. I know nothing about minis but should be getting one for my birthday soon. Its just an idea.

[Dan]

Yes, lots of people. The only real probelm with having a spring opening the flip front is that it can then open itself, like if you go over a pot hole and the front bounces about. If the bonnet clips aren't proper tight, it will open itself in front of you and most people don't bother fitting a saftey catch to a flip front (which I think should be an MOT fail thinking about it). Also the front is a bit flimsy, not rigid like a double skin bootlid. If you are closing it against the force of the gas spring it could easily bend or buckle so you have to be careful where they are mounted and reinforce certain areas. There's lots of different ways that people have hinged their flip fronts. The most impressive is the Mini Tec version from America, which does have gas springs fitted.

Mini Tec

[insamoufonyx]

do u know if u can buy thouse kits in the uk?

Cheers

[Tomf]

Where can you get them from in the Uk???

[miniboo]

you can order the minitec kit from america.

i live here and could buy them and ship them to you but it may cost more than going direct to minitec

[mark clark]

i've also seen a flip front that uses actuators from a convertible car with a power roof. i think it was a Ford Escort cabrio - much more sturdy than the bootlid gas struts

[syholl]

Yep, i used hydraulic struts on our van and woody estate. Much better than gas rams, as boot/bonnet rams are designed to hold things up. You would really struggle to close a flip front with the weight of the front, plus the full force of the ram to push against. Unless you go for the flip up type as mentioned above, but i've heard of a few of these that have broken...

[Retro_10s]

i have gas struts and they're not ideal in any way or form. i've taken them off. ... i'm half kind of looking at getting some sort of motor or actuator, but to be honest... I can lift my steel front with all the trim on with one hand.. so i don't even think they're needed.

agreed they look pretty bling though