I have looked at the possibility of removing the current panels on my 77 Layland Mini and replacing with a fibreglass flip front, has anyone done this in Brisbane?

I have seen this shell that is available at Minisports;

http://www.minisport.com.au/category25_7.htm

Although this is for the round nose I am hoping I can get them for a 77 Leyland, if you have done it what are the pros and cons for this mod and is there anyone in Brisbane who makes the them or at least closer than Adelaide.

Thanks

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1977 Leyland Mini Clubman 1275cc - In the process of supercharging! Any adice is welcome

i can helpo with a fibreglass clubman front nose

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

I think their may be an issue with QLD rego/legalities ....Check with the transport dept to make sure you're allowed, or Matt have you spoken to your engineer mate about flip fronts?

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

Assuming they are legal, I'd be worried about safety. In a head-on you're not going to get any crumple zone at all, instead its going to slide up the diagonally cut A panels and have a go at cutting your head off.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

I think a fiber glass panel will flex out of the way over the windscreen. But crash safty is the main reason it may be ilegial, more so if a pedstirian gets cut or scrached if they jump out in front of you where as with steel panels they'll just cop a solid hit and bounce out of the way .
Check with QLD transport and or an engineer before you make any plans just to be sure.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

When I showed an engineer up here photos of potential 'upgrades' he asked if I was thinking of a flip front. I said I thought glass fibre was illegal due to the shattering. He said there were different grades(?) of glass fibre. Some shatter, some flex. He also said he had neither read nor been told about flip fronts not being able to be certified and he certs the new NCOP regs. (Having said that if I was having a flip front I would make it from steel panels.)