Hi, im exploring the idea or taking out the sunroof out of my mini and welding a piece in, to be more original.
I read previous posts about replacing the whole roof, but would prefer a welded section if this is possible.
has anyone had any experience with this? or heard of this?
cheers
ryan

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1971 mk2 police cooper s
1988 rover mayfair modified!!

It is virtually impossible to weld a section in without distortion. Far easier to replace the entire turret and achieve a perfect result

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Ive seen it done before where he cut the roof out and then spot welded a new roof in around the whole way. Looked really good in the end, but he braced the shell to make sure it didnt twist.

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Simplify and add lightness

Perhaps replace your sunroof with a steel panel instead of glass: best of both worlds.

I like this idea.

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You're so square
Baby I don't care

I agree, It may sound cheaper to just replace the one section, but it would be a nightmare trying to find a piece of metal to match the curve, then welding it in, even with the best of welders would be near impossible.

Replace the whole roof if you really want to do it.

what im worried about, is it wont look original if i replace the whole roof.
the sunroof (webasto) isnt a major problem, rattles a bit and i thought it would have a better resale without it.
any ideas on price to obtain a roof and have it fitted professionally
ball park
thanks ryan

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1971 mk2 police cooper s
1988 rover mayfair modified!!

I reckon you'd be wrong there - if I was in the market for a mini and I had the choice, I'd go for the one with the webasto, rattles and all

The original turrets were resistance welded on with a roll seam welder. I doubt these are common in the repair industry now.

The usual way to replace a Mini roof these days is cut through the A, B & C pillars and replace the lot with a donor one. Done properly, you will not find the joins.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

If ya doing that you mose well put on a marcos style roof check with TheMiniMan he has the mould . That will increase the resale value.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

You'll need a donor roof - complete - but I would suggest not trying to replace the entire roof, from that cut out the section to patch your - about 25 mm bigger on all sides.

Hold it in place from the inside then mark through the top with a felt tip pen the exact size.

You then would be best to roll the edge to off set joggle it by the thickness of the steel itself. Trial fit, adjust etc until you happy with the fit.

Spot weld it in place (to avoid distortion). Lead wipe the gap to fill it and make water proof (fingers crossed!) It maybe possible to weld it, however you'd need to planish it every couple of inches as you are welding it to reduce the distortion. I doubt, as other here have said, that you'd do it without distortion, however because of the size and shape of the roof, you maybe able to work the distortion around until it is least visible.

I will still be doing the same with the same type of sunroof.

Good luck with yours.

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I'd be concerned if the welding isn't perfect and the roof needs a skim of bog it could crack from the roof flexing.

Maybe cut the roof off altogether: roadster!

So by the sounds of it we'll have 2 webasto sunroofs for sale soon .

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

That's why we lead wipe, no bog here!

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I seen a bloke replace the canvass section in a 1936 Ford Coupe with a section out of a Morris Minor. Which is a very similar operation you are thinking about, except the curves are much more pronounced (easier?) He was very successful and got a top ten for his rod at Summer Nats years ago.
But I just can't imagine going to that much trouble would increase the sale value of a car....particularly once the potential buyer found out what was done. If a buyer was looking for an original car...no matter how well it was done I'm sure he would walk away. But....if it is just for your own personal satisfaction...It really does not matter.