5 replies to this topic

[bob_e70]

The front of my mini is showing signs of rust (shock!)

I am considering replacing it with a fibreglass front end but have to questions....

Can you still mount all of the usual bits to a f/g front? i.e. lights, grill, bumper....

How have people fixed the f/g to the car, whilst still allowing east engine access?

Anything else I would have to consider?

[captain kirk]

The front of my mini is showing signs of rust (shock!)

I am considering replacing it with a fibreglass front end but have to questions....

Can you still mount all of the usual bits to a f/g front? i.e. lights, grill, bumper....

How have people fixed the f/g to the car, whilst still allowing east engine access?

Anything else I would have to consider?

i have just brought a fibreglass front end of ebay its a ian curley one and i paid 56.00 pounds for it if you look under frequently asked qestions their is a guide on how to fit one

[bob_e70]

I am looking at getting the front end that includes the A pillars, but I still want to try and keep that 'standard' mini look.

[captain kirk]

I am looking at getting the front end that includes the A pillars, but I still want to try and keep that 'standard' mini look.

i looked at them they look quite smart, i think i remember reading some were they are harder to fit

[panelbeaterpeter]

It wouldn't look standard if it's the type with A panels, as there is no seam line. Check out my TINY thread (link in sig) to see what I did with my FG front.

[mike.]

FB fronts tend to come without a lip for the front bumper. However it shouldn't be too hard to bond/fix some small mounting tabs along the front panel for a bumper. Apart from that all other parts can be fitted.

The only thing i think you'll have a problem with is hiding the fixings if you want it to look standard. Your best bet i reckon would be to use small, flat fixing like a dzuz fastener and have them sprayed the same colour as the car.

As for engine bay access i'm not entirley sure. It depends if your going for a 1 piece or 2 piece front. If its a 1 piece then to me they look like they flip into the way, although plenty of people use them and don't complain - so maybe its not such an issue. If its a 2 piece front then you can keep the front down and still open the bonnet like normal. Ofcourse you could always do it the fancy way and get some USA style flip front brackets and have the whole front lifdt up like a bonnet. (you can see how these work in jetblicks project thread: http://www.theminifo...x...t=0&start=0 )

I'm not sure if you want a permanent FB front or a flip style front, but i cant really think of any more discreet yet pretty strong fixings.