opinion on carbon fibre / GRP rear valance.

[vrooom]

im going to restore my mini.

I would likre to use carbon fibre or GRP rear valance.

Is this good idea? i got feeling i shouldnt put any material but steel on rear valance.

jay

[Cooperman]

I suppose it depends on the way the composite panel is fixed on. Remember, all the bodyshell on a Mini is part of the structure, although the rear valence probably does little, even in the event of a rear-end shunt, the main crash loads being taken by the sub-frame. With my red car currently having to have its rear valence replaced - that's being done today - the advantages of a composite one are clear, even though I am using a steel replacement.
When fitting a composite one, make sure the rivets used are not aluminium, or you'll create corrosion between the rivets and the steel flanges you are fixing to.