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Hey guys,
I posted this in General MINI talk as well - but figured the detailing crowd would be the experts to ask:
I work in the film/video industry. Long story short, I "need" to drive my MINI through a wall of cardboard boxes. I'm worried about what this will do to my '09 DS/B MCS (although I am excited about what it might look like).
I guess I'm worried some real damage might happen if I catch the corner of a box. I'm also worried about abrasions to the car - are my worries just?
If the answer is that it would end up being something a thorough detailing can fix then it's no problem.
I figure I need to hit the boxes around 30-50 miles an hour (does that seem too fast?)
Before the naysayers chime in - this is all happening on a closed course under the supervision of film professionals. I'm just trying to decide if I need to find a decidedly less cool car for our little shoot.
I've got calls into my special effects contacts - but wanted to hear what the NAM community thought as well.
I would make sure you wear protection such as a clear bra to the entire front of the car. Even with empty boxes you would probably get some scuff marks at the least. Make sure we get to see pictures now once this is complete!
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PW/B #11 2006 PW/B MC Premium, Cold Weather, Sport, Anth., arm rest, bra, toughguard, clearbra, and window tint, Union Jack Mirror Covers
My crystal ball is seeing scratches galore. I'd make room in the budget to get clear vinyl on the front, hood, A-pillars, mirrors and roof. Actually, I wouldn't do it at all, but I suggest you do at least that much. Maybe you'll "only" get scratches in the clearcoat and be able to polish them away, but it is quite a risk.
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A car is safe in a garage, but that is not what cars are for.
Yeah honestly...if the boxes are empty, I can't really see you getting any *serious* damage...nothing that couldn't be polished out, anyway. I mean would I personally do it?...no. But if you're going to do it, just be prepared to pay for a good detail after to get any scratches or scuffs out.
scuffs come out with a nice polish/wax.. spa treatment for the mini after a hard day smashing through boxes on the set.
Plastic peices - the only real damage i see is plastic being cracking/being ripped off the car.. the front end/bumper is pretty soft, at the most you might loose some of the fender/a pillar trim.. totally worth it!
GO box smashing mini GO! (please post your final work)
Wouldnt worry about the hood or bumper, in 3 years they will be covered in rock chips anyway, not to mention the bumper can flex so it can absorb the impact pretty well. You could mess up an A-pillar, but those are like $40 or so (at least on the first gen) so having to replace one there is no big deal.
Honestly though, I would worry about dents. At 30mph you are talking quite a bit of energy if you get a corner of a box (which you most likely will). I would suggest that you use the smallest amount of tape possible to hold the boxes together that way the boxes will tend to flatten if you hit them hard. I do not know if that will effect the shot in a way you dont want so that may not be an option.
If you wanted to you could pick up a car door at a junk yard, get it to a reasonably clean condition and then throw some boxes at it at various angles. You could use what happens there as a way to gauge what would happen to your MINI. If you decide to do this though the make sure the door is new enough that it has both a base and a clear coat as that is what the MINI has.
I am on the fence about this. If it were me I would want to see the setup first.
__________________ '05 HB/B MCS.
With: LED lit scoop - DIY AUX cable - Angel Eye running lights - M7 STB - Air horn - Rally Lights -SVT Focus LSD - Poly Control arm bushings - IE fixed plates
UCONN FSAE Engine Systems Head '10-present
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Don't worry everyone - I'll definitely post the results - maybe even a before and after photo to see the damage. I'm thinking of cutting the corners off of the boxes (or bashing them in) so that there are no pointy bits to scratch or dent the car.
I'm also thinking bigger boxes as opposed to smaller boxes - bigger boxes will give more yes?
Someone suggested wetting down the boxes - any merit to that?
Is it possible for you to just rent a Mini? I know Zip rental have them in their fleet depending on your location. I believe a few other companies have them too.
Wetting the boxes would make them more pliable but would also add mass if too much water was used. Personaly Renting the Mini (make sure to get the insurance) would be the way to go as I would never do that to my baby!!
+1 on the GO Box Smashing MINI GO!!
Since you will be on a closed course might do a few shots of the ever popular GO Box containing tv Avoiding MINI GO!!!!
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Life moves pretty fast...Driving a MINI..slows everything down but you!
I would only seal the flaps on the top boxes, using tape not staples. I would fold the flaps normally, no over under. This way when the boxes are hit they will give easily. I would also make sure to use the thinnest material for the box as possible.
The effect you are looking for should dictate the size of boxes used.
I would think that PDR and good detail could fix anything encountered.
I wonder if I can find a Mini for rent in SE Wisconsin. That, of course, would be ideal - (though there is something appealing about using my own - will make me feel more bad@ss).
I'd get a rental car. Or something the 'studio' pays for.
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www.usminiclub.com Obie: my '05 MINI Cooper - Jet Black, Premium and Sport packages, chrome side vents with white/clear repeaters, M7 STPs, K&N 57i intake, Megan Racing MINI Cooper cat-back exhaust, TSW engine damper, Alta 19mm anti-sway bar, Ian Cull anti-nanny circuit.
'05 HB/B MCS. 
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Laser Blue/White MCS delivered 3/8/07. Off lease 5/17/09.
