1498 replies to this topic

[buddylove]

I thought the original plan was the front flip? that on the back burner now?

[dezshearer]

flip front?

don't do it!! it's not worth the hassle unless you're putting in an engine that isn't an A series! I'm really glad i decided to stick with my solid steel front at the last minute!

spend the money or nice brakes or something!

[analogue_radio]

Stage 1 kit!!

Probably get raped by insurance? I'll have to ring them up and find out what the extra cost would be.

I thought the original plan was the front flip? that on the back burner now?

Yeah it was.. might still do it! It's just the cost was scary & I need to source a pair of American style hinges.

flip front?

don't do it!! it's not worth the hassle unless you're putting in an engine that isn't an A series! I'm really glad i decided to stick with my solid steel front at the last minute!

spend the money or nice brakes or something!

Wouldn't rust, it's lightweight & makes things so much easier when tinkering with the engine.. I'm still undecided.

[dezshearer]

flip front?

don't do it!! it's not worth the hassle unless you're putting in an engine that isn't an A series! I'm really glad i decided to stick with my solid steel front at the last minute!

spend the money or nice brakes or something!

Wouldn't rust, it's lightweight & makes things so much easier when tinkering with the engine.. I'm still undecided.

Honestly mate, I gave it some serious thought too.

I even bought the american hinges. they're sitting in a box beside the car. Great piece of kit, but really for show cars.

I'm putting a 1330, in mine, and i figured, "wow, i'll have loads of space to work around the engine", but it was going to be so much hassle to get those brackets welded onto my steel flip front, and i didn't think it would give me that much extra space.

And getting it to line up perfect when its down...

If you've really got your heart set on a Fibreglass or CF front end, get a two piece, and just have them lift off, carry a nice piece of carpet in the boot to set it on if you need to take it off.

The thought of having to undo all the small catches etc, just to do a small job in the engine bay put me off aswell, that way with a 2 piece, just lift off the bonnet, and it won't be floating above you to smack your head on, and if its a massive job, being able to lift off the entire front and put it out of the way gives you all the space you'd want.

And yes, the steel front will rust, eventually, but spend 5 to 10 mins a week cleaning out the arches, it should last much longer, and seam seal the front end as much as possible before paint.

Look at my project, you'll see what i've done.

Fibreglass can perish too when water gets into it, goes all soggy. And sure, the rest of the car can rust too

In short, my advice would be, a solid steel front (with a lift off bonnet or standard), or a 2 piece CF/FG removeable.

With care and attention to detail, it'll stand the test of time for a while, but nothing is rustproof

EDIT: Speeellingz

Edited by dezshearer, 08 December 2008 - 01:46 PM.

[analogue_radio]

I'm at college mate so I'll have to give that a proper reply later, are the hinges you mentioned for sale?

[dezshearer]

Of course! but don't do what i did and buy them and then realise,

"oops, didn't really need them!"

lol. well, i lol'ed but my credit card didn't.

[buddylove]

I say, go for what you want most. If the Mini is quick enough for you right now then I wouldn't go for that especially if insurance wants to rape you.

[analogue_radio]

Of course! but don't do what i did and buy them and then realise,

"oops, didn't really need them!"

lol. well, i lol'ed but my credit card didn't.

How much would you part with them for? There is a bloke on here who made a custom set for his mini & was going to make another out of stainless steel or something so the first set would be made redundant, so he was going to sell to me for £40 but I think he's been major busy with moving house.

I say, go for what you want most. If the Mini is quick enough for you right now then I wouldn't go for that especially if insurance wants to rape you.

I'd say my mini is fast enough for me at the minute, definitely not fussed about speed.. It's just I fancied something a little more pokier and nicer sounding, but like my Dad keeps reminding me, bodywork is priority. So I think it's go ahead with the front flip time!

[analogue_radio]

Little bit of an update, front flip is definitely happening

FG front flip,

+ Front end 1 piece from ABS (£98) (+£30 for delivery)
+ Brace bars from Minispares (£27.01) Link.
+ American style upward hinges from a bloke on here, new and unused (£90) (+ delivery)

Brightwork for front flip.

+ MK1 grille bundle from Minispares (£120.75) Link.
+ Early indicator units x2 (£11.75) Link.
+ Side indicator units.
+ Headlamp quadoptic kit (£31.62) Link.
+ Stick on numberplate from Craigsplates (£16.99)
+ Stainless bumper (£10-£15)
+ Austin Cooper badge from Minispares (£9.58)
+ Windscreen rubber seal from Minispares (£10.28) Link.
+ Windscreen chrome fillet strip from Minispares (£3.45) Link.
+ Windscreen fillet tool from Minispares (£8.96) Link.

Panels for front flip.

Edited by theIMAGE, 11 December 2008 - 09:25 AM.

[AndrewJ530]

I'm sure you ould get some of that stuff on ebay for a lot cheaper than the from minispares bud. Would be second hand but i'm sure it wouldn't be in bad nick if ya got a decent one.

I'd have a try at making some brace bars out of square steel tube before buying them ones bud.

Just a couple of thoughts

[buddylove]

Sounds good. When you planning on having the flip done by?

[analogue_radio]

I haven't got a clue, really not feeling happy at all at the moment. I broke up with my girlfriend, sounds pretty silly but I feel lost without her.. I'd say February maybe, I don't know.

[buddylove]

You'll be fine Just give it some time.

[analogue_radio]

You'll be fine Just give it some time.

Turns out in the same day she broke up with me she kissed another lad who she's liked for a while, so that helped me get over her so much faster. Although I only pushed him around when I drove into town to find him, I'm going to break his nose next time. They both lied to my face and said nothing had happened, it was her best friend who had to tell me what had happened. So yeah I've had a brilliant past couple of weeks, but chin up hey? I haven't done anything wrong and I'm still the same lad, I've got my family, mates, mini, college & Uni coming up next year.

Anyway!

I ordered a black & white stick on plate from Craigs Plates so that'll kick off the front flip I know it isn't legal.. but as far as I know there haven't been any problems in the MOT with the current Square stick on plate. & I'll need side repeaters right?

[Adcuz]

If your car has side repeaters, yes you will still need them. Some people have put them on the A panels which is pretty cool.