1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Most liked posts in thread: Replacement Tops?

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.