F57 Turn an F57 into s "spyder?"
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3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
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Turn an F57 into s "spyder?"
Let's start by defining "Spyder:" It gets used many ways, but IMO the correct definition is a convertible that has no top at all. (Or maybe a removable hard top.)
OK then. So:
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An idea keeps running through my mind. Reasonable insane, and yet I'm seriously thinking about it:
My 2024 F57 JCW is definitely fun to drive (though I'm not a fan of the auto tranny, even with the paddles.) The steering response is excellent, the power is "OK" (and that of course can be improved) but you always know you're driving a 3200 lb car. Having driven ultra-light Triumphs and Lotuses in my youth, believe me there's a difference.
SO:
My F57 is a secondary, "fun" car.
You can save a little weight by removing the back seat, but not much.
There are a few CF body panels available from Japan, but insanely expensive and no data on how much weight that will save.
I'm guessing that a lot of the weight is in the metal-paneled top, plus the motor system to raise & lower it.
So why not just remove it?
You'd also gain better rear visibility, FWIW.
This could obviously be done, but you'd probably first want to figure out just how much weight that would save. (Along with pulling everything to do with the rear seats.)
And then finally, you'd have to somehow retrofit a system (snaps, or whatever) to be able to install a custom-made tonneu cover. (with a zip-open area for the driver.
Yeah, yeah I know, some other true sports cars have this option stock, and resale value would be killed, but I really love my Mini.
Whaddaya' think?
How would YOU do it?
OK then. So:
----------------------------------------------
An idea keeps running through my mind. Reasonable insane, and yet I'm seriously thinking about it:
My 2024 F57 JCW is definitely fun to drive (though I'm not a fan of the auto tranny, even with the paddles.) The steering response is excellent, the power is "OK" (and that of course can be improved) but you always know you're driving a 3200 lb car. Having driven ultra-light Triumphs and Lotuses in my youth, believe me there's a difference.
SO:
My F57 is a secondary, "fun" car.
You can save a little weight by removing the back seat, but not much.
There are a few CF body panels available from Japan, but insanely expensive and no data on how much weight that will save.
I'm guessing that a lot of the weight is in the metal-paneled top, plus the motor system to raise & lower it.
So why not just remove it?
You'd also gain better rear visibility, FWIW.
This could obviously be done, but you'd probably first want to figure out just how much weight that would save. (Along with pulling everything to do with the rear seats.)
And then finally, you'd have to somehow retrofit a system (snaps, or whatever) to be able to install a custom-made tonneu cover. (with a zip-open area for the driver.
Yeah, yeah I know, some other true sports cars have this option stock, and resale value would be killed, but I really love my Mini.
Whaddaya' think?
How would YOU do it?
Last edited by Cableaddict; Nov 3, 2023 at 01:47 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 7,543
Likes: 2,507
From: WNY
LOL, you complain about the cost of carbon fiber body panels, then you want to remove the top and fabricate a different enclosure 
If it was me, just drive it. The best part of a Mini is the handling. The best part of a Mini convertible is being out in the open air. If you wanted a light weight modern British roadster, there is only one real answer….
If it was me, just drive it. The best part of a Mini is the handling. The best part of a Mini convertible is being out in the open air. If you wanted a light weight modern British roadster, there is only one real answer….
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