Fibreglass Parts

[Iain_89_Peggy_64]

Hey there,
I'm looking to know if fibreglass bonnets exist.

I know JLH do whole flip-front kit's, which are cool, but not what I'm really looking for!

I've got fibreglass front wings and would like a bonnet to go with them.

I know JLH also do rear wings and allegedly bootlids, which I'll be buying from them in the near future!

Is it also possible to get an accurate, up to date, price list from JLH, as it is a year out of date!?

Cheers,
Iain

[nebogipfel]

I know JLH do whole flip-front kit's, which are cool,

Do you mean cool in the sense that they are a horrible abomination that no Minor should ever suffer?


Sorry, can't help with the 'glass bonnet ......... and even if I could I wouldn't tell you

John

[Welung666]

[jonathon]

Iain,

Good point, the web site has been neglected for a while as we are developing a new one, which should be ready near to the end of the year.
I cannot give out prices on the forum, but if you can PM me or call on 01926 817890 then I can give you the info you require, plus a list of new panels not mentioned on the site.
We have sold part flip fronts for people in your position. This is basically the bonnet incorporating just tops of the wings, You will need to cut to size and just add a return to the bonnet edge.The boot lids we do as standard or smooth.
John, bit strong that comment mate!!!.

[nebogipfel]

I like the can of worms

True Jonathon, No offence intended, I've just got this thing about modified cars. To be honest I don't even know what the front in question looks like

I have been around a long time (feels like it this morning) and am remembering the ghastly things which used to be fitted to (frankly dangerous) Minis in the 60's and 70's

I'm sure your panels are peachy

I still don't like them I'm a bit of a traditionalist and like to see cars tastefully restored and largely original. To each his own my friend.

By the way, being a Lotus owner I am not anti 'glass

John

[jonathon]

John, no offence taken, as you rightly say each to his own.
I too like standard cars, but as we modify a considerable number, this overshadows the fact that we can 'do' standard.
Normally the flips are only sold to folk racing who require less weight, but retain the standard look of the car. The weight saving is massive, the whole front only weighs the same as a standard steel wing and front panel.
Which Lotus have you got.

[nebogipfel]

"Can of Worms" a product NOT sold by Tesco ....... I knew I'd find one eventually



Yes, I understand, Motorsport is a whole different ballgame. Weight saving being of great importance.

As I said I've been in the trade for a long time and usually when I've encountered flip fronts on road cars it's been Minis and most shouldn't have been on the road.

I know cutom or modified cars can be done well but most just seem to be nasty and are built (if that's the right word) by the furry dice, car worth £200 sound system worth £2000 brigade!

It's a '69 Elan S4 and it is gorgeous

John

[nebogipfel]

Iain. Sorry to have hijacked your thread.

The answer was meant sincerely. If a road car I would always suggest steel panels for originality and strength and of course ultimate value of your investment.

If for competition use please feel free to ignore me ........ most people do

John

FWIW About the only place I might consider 'glass wings would be traveller rears

[rupert]

just out of interest, how much strength do steel wings add to the minor? as they are bolted on, I would have thaught not a lot.

Rupert

[jonathon]

I'd agree Rupert, infact glass fibre parts can offer greater strength and flexability in an accident. On the Minor the frontal strength is mainly provided by the chassis legs and bulkhead cross member.Front panel bonnet and wings do add a degree of rigidity , but in an accident they offer negligable protection.
John, I'd also agree with your comments on modified cars. We see a high level of modded Minors, and are horrified at what some folk believe to be either good welding/fabrication or considered brakes and handling. This however also applies to big buck mods, which can only be described as an accident waiting to happen. There are many excellent modified cars out there though, built to a very high standard and originality of thought.
Sorry to persue the Hijack

[moggyminor16]

well let me say i once had metal wing on my saloon i reversed and hit the garage wall ,end result rear metal wing writtern off new one needed , so i replaced the wing with a fiber glass one then my wife hit the same side on the garden fence well teh result of that one was about 5 deep scratches that was it so i will always have fiberglass wings , as for a flip front yer i would have one as to just save me losing chunks out of my head from the working under the bonett
but all to there own a frend of mine will never use fibergalss nor either p 40 filler

[motherofgod]

HI,
I have one of JLH part flips and I love it.


The carbonfibre was not added by Jonathon! If he could he would!!

James

[Innovator]

If you can lay up fibre glass you lay up carbon fibre. It is a little less stable to handle but wets out really easily. You can use the same resin, gel coat etc.

However getting it to look real nice and even under a clear gel coat is quite tricky.

John

[Iain_89_Peggy_64]

Thanks people for your help and opinions.

I'm really looking for fibreglass panels as they are, IMO, easy to work with. Each to there own.

I know they depreciate the value of the car to the 'traditionalist' market, but I'm not really intending on selling my car in the foreseeable future. Hope so anyway!


I can understand John's viewpoint on modified cars. The vauxhall nova/corsa with the daft bit of plastic stuck onto it, and the happy hardcore blaring out of it!

Myself being in the under 25 insurance bracket, would be happy to see all these scrapped! Although some cars, rarely, are modded to an excellent level of safety and performance.

I'm sure the traveller jonathon has modded is an excellent example of such a vehicle!

Iain