9 replies to this topic

[Metrodave2020]

I would really like to hear from anyone who has taken a metal cutter to their Mini to fit a folding sunroof or if you can refer me to another trail on here or any other Forum – I’ve searched but not found one.

 

I have the original instructions, look OK to follow, however before starting would be pleased to hear tips, cautions and hindsight based on practical experience whether by a professional or amateur, like me.  For example, I have read that it’s wise to make the opening ½” longer than the specified opening which, whilst slightly harder to close, apparently keeps the covering tighter – less wind noise and water ingress.  Is this true?

 

It’s Britax/Weathershield 'Sunway' sunroof, comprising 4 separate sections, probably known as a ‘split frame’; it's not the Webasto type with the wooden formers. Also have a pair of roof-strengthening bars to prevent corner cracking. 

 

I’ll post the results once the job is finished. 

 

Cheers

 

David

 

 

 

[sonscar]

I fitted a similar roof to my MGBGT,two metal shaped strengtheners and four aluminium sides.Make a template the size of the cover and tape it to the roof.Go upstairs and look at it a lot.When you are used to the appearance of it cut the hole.Make it the correct size,start tight and work up to it.I had no instructions so had to make it up on the fly.It was not difficult but was nerve wracking.It is very nice and not much noisier than the roof.Steve..

[Chris1275gt]

this should help although I don’t know if you have this type of webasto sunroof. Part 1 & part 2 are instructions.

http://www.tudorwebastosunroofs.com/

[mab01uk]

I fitted a few to my Minis in the 1970's.....we used to get the sunroofs out of Triumph Heralds in the scrapyards as many of them had sunroofs as standard. Not too difficult to fit as said with two roof strengthening bars. The worst bit is constantly checking you have measured correctly as you cut the hole in the roof. We used to measure the roof hole in the scrap car donor.

[Midas Mk1]

Going from having one on a factory fitted mpi.. I wouldn’t.

[stuart bowes]

this should help although I don’t know if you have this type of webasto sunroof. Part 1 & part 2 are instructions.

http://www.tudorwebastosunroofs.com/

 

for some reason I was a bit disappointed to find none of the pictures showed the guy with a fag hanging out of the corner of his mouth lol for that time period I think it would have added some realism

[roblightbody]

My mini has a britax weathershield roof which I was excited about when I got it. It's a clever and simple design : you can fully open or close it with just your left hand while driving once you get the hang of it. It's also never leaked under normal conditions.

However...

The sliding part needed recovered and refurbished (it was rusty) when I got it, which wasn't cheap and was difficult to find help ... But now I find that I never use it, even though I thought I liked sunroofs. In my driving position, the glare through the roof in front of me makes it hard to drive safely without a peaked cap on. The wind deflector has also cracked and broken due to old brittle plastic, and the headlining is ripping at the corners which is really annoying. All in all, I'd much prefer to not have the sliding roof at all...

Not being negative, just giving a review before you get your snips out!

[sonscar]

Mine too was pre owned and suffering from rust.It was a very easy task to recover it myself.I use it every time it is not raining.As three of my other cars are convertibles wearing a peaked cap(peak at the front)is second nature.Steve..

[Metrodave2020]

this should help although I don’t know if you have this type of webasto sunroof. Part 1 & part 2 are instructions.

http://www.tudorwebastosunroofs.com/

 

Thanks Chris, I think those instructions refer to the coach built Webasto Roofs that the Trimming Centre install which have a wooden former inside the roof.  Mine doesn't but I found these instructions on a US firm's website,  5 parts.  Cheers, David

 

http://site6745-1.we...rge.com/32.html

[Metrodave2020]

My mini has a britax weathershield roof which I was excited about when I got it. It's a clever and simple design : you can fully open or close it with just your left hand while driving once you get the hang of it. It's also never leaked under normal conditions.

However...

The sliding part needed recovered and refurbished (it was rusty) when I got it, which wasn't cheap and was difficult to find help ... But now I find that I never use it, even though I thought I liked sunroofs. In my driving position, the glare through the roof in front of me makes it hard to drive safely without a peaked cap on. The wind deflector has also cracked and broken due to old brittle plastic, and the headlining is ripping at the corners which is really annoying. All in all, I'd much prefer to not have the sliding roof at all...

Not being negative, just giving a review before you get your snips out!

Thank you Rob.  I paid what might be considered a premium price for my roof, on Ebay, but it was fully refurbished so hopefully a saving there in time and money.  My daily driver is an old Peugeot 306 cabriolet and I can't imagine ever going back to a tin top so having an open roof in the Mini really seals the deal.  Cheers