Restoring The Roof

When I first started to look for a Cooper, I tried very hard to find one without a sun roof. Fitting a sun roof to a Mini drastically reduces the car's rigidity, I wanted my Cooper to be a stiff as possible. I wasn't able to find my ideal a car, as always I had to compromise my many competing requirements. The Cooper that I finally purchased was fitted with a non-original sun roof, but otherwise appeared to be in reasonable condidtion - little did I know!
 

The Sun Roof

One of the first jobs to be carried out was to remove the non-original sun roof.

Andy advised me that it would be quicker and simpler to wheel and fit a new inset panel, than it would be to fit a new roof (this would have destroyed the roof gutters, panels that are no longer available).

The hole left by the sun roof is clearly visible in this photo.

Initial Fit

This photo shows the newly wheeled roof panel clamped into position prior to being welded.

Planishing

The roof panel has been welded into position and is being planished. The welds are also being ground prior to leading.

Finished!

Once planished and leaded, the roof was protected with a coat of primer.

As you can see from the photo, Andy has done an amazing job!