1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Replacement Tops?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by patchelect, Oct 27, 2013.

  1. patchelect

    patchelect New Member

    Oct 25, 2013
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    I'm in the process of purchasing an '05 Mini vert. The top is showing signs of wear in two places. In my years on Miata ownership I had experiences with replacing the top myself. What is the general consensus among Mini owners? DIY? Farm it out? The Miata top was a manual top and was relatively simple to do with minimal assistance but the Mini top looks to be a bit more difficult. I did check the Robbins website and they called for 7 hours I believe. The Miata was calling for 6.5 so it seems like the amount of labor involved is similar. The top won't need replacement right now, but I'm just planning for the future.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I don't know but you could try getting a quote from the dealership which will cost an Arm and BOTH legs just to get a worse case cost.

    Next I would google local auto upholstery shops and see if they have done any a MINI vert top and visit them and see what they say and how the shop looks. Most good shops will be more that happy to show you the work they have done or are doing so you can see the quality and craftsmanship they produce.
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    I've seen a post somewhere about someone who had an aftermarket recover done a while back. And there have been a number of threads about top repairs that have been somewhat hairy. Dealer replacement is crazy expensive. I'm just taking really good care of mine, watching my wear points, and hoping to get another 10 years outta it... By then the asteroid will hit.
     
  4. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

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    It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has done their own ragtop replacement. Mine is getting a bit ratty and I know I'm going to have to replace it at some point. I'm also dealing with a weird rattle issue coming from the roof frame when closed. It's coming from right above the back of my head on the driver and passenger side. Sometimes opening and closing the top will quiet it down but it eventually comes back. Annoying as heck.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    My wife has a Gen2 it does not look easy to change
     
  6. BlwnAway

    BlwnAway Well-Known Member

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    Make it last as long as you can.
    Last I heard, gen 1 tops are no longer available, unless you get lucky and find one that is N.O.S.,
    As far as I know, a custom made top is the only real option.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    What about aftermarket?
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Any good auto upholstery shop that is worth a dime will be able to make a top better than the OEM one. Will it cost more then a OEM top yes. But it will be well installed and made with quality material not a mass produced roof that was made at the least cost possible.

    They will use the old OEM roof for making a pattern only.
     
  9. BlwnAway

    BlwnAway Well-Known Member

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    Uncertain, I'm thinking the EU market may be an option, I really don't think there was much call for them in the aftermarket, at least not yet, most of them are still holding up pretty well.
    Hopefully waking this thread up will help.
     
  10. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

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    I see a few replacement options through online shops like topsonline and Robbins. Prices start around mid-$500 USD on up. I'm in Canada so need to factor in the exchange rate, duties, shipping...

    Shops selling these aftermarket tops include instructions but I don't think this will be an easy retrofit unless you know what you're doing.

    Buddy of mine wanted to buy one of these tops and was told by the repair shop they would only install the products they sell. I think it's understandable given the liability.

    Need to do more research into this...
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Most places will only install what they sell not only for profit but also knotgrass the quality of the vert roof, warranty the part and labor.

    I understand that.
     
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