Carbon fibre body panels

[ChubiPanda]

Hello all,

I've recently changed circumstances for the better and it appears than I might be able to get back in the drivers seat of a mini 8 years after selling my 50% rust Mini Mayfair 998cc.

I've started looking around for cars and advice on all the usual problems and found out that carbon fibre panels seem plentiful these days. Are they a solution to rust prone mini panels? The doors seem particularly interesting, but I suspect working windows aren't possible and you'd need those cat flap things?

Does anyone have any experience with carbon fibre panels or even any other composite panels ad how practical they are?

[DanGT]

Good ones fit well bad onse can take some time to get on right. There will be a lot of metal left to rust so do not solve the rust problems. You could build a kit car based mini that would mean most of the metel is replaced. There are a lot of options to help prevent rust on a mini.

[Cooperman]

Not a good idea.
The Mini body-shell is a complete monocoque structure and you have no way of doing the necessary stress analysis if fitting panels made from a different material and with bolts/nuts to attaché those panels rather than the seam/spot-welding of the original steel panels.
A vehicle with basic structure made from a different material or fitted by a different method will require an IVA test as well.

[rufusruffcutt]

One of the mini magazines (in the last 18 months) mentioned a full CF mini shell was being manufactured, sadly I can't remember the company name but it was ferociously expensive, well into 5 digit territory.

[OneDs]

http://absmotorsport.co.uk/index.php/classicmini/b...

for racing with a full cage, not a 100% accurate copy of a steel mini (mini sprintish) and it would require an IVA for the road.

Edited by OneDs on Thursday 25th July 12:49

[Hoopsuk]

If you're ambitious and have time/ patience on your hands, you could buy an old mini then replicate all the CF parts yourself using the old steel panels you replace as a mould.

It would certainly be a unique project, a bit of research, a lot of fettling.

http://www.carbonmods.co.uk/products/carbon-fibre-...

[Vx1275]

Have recently purchased some Carbon Fibre panels for my mini and am less than impressed with the finish, especially as they were meant to be 'made to order'! Pics on request if anyone interested.

[FWDRacer]

Who supplied them?

[Vx1275]

FWDRacer said:

Who supplied them?

Am I allowed to mention names? I can post pictures if you wanted.

[FWDRacer]

Just a pic of the invoice will do...

[Vx1275]

I'd rather not name the company involved as they have admitted that the goods are of a poor standard and a full refund pending. In a catch22 to go elsewhere now, as I paid half the price for the boot lid and bonnet in comparison to rival firms. Some feedback would be appreciated.

[DougieMc]

The reality is Mini carbon product quality is shocking
Ive seen a few and purchased some
But the work involved in making them any where near good considering the price that is charged is shocking.
I was spoiled having a mate that was able to make bespoke stuff and also make good what I had also purchased.
But I also agree with the above I refuse to promote some of the products that I purchased as it was shocking