Hi guys!

This might seem like an odd question, but does any of you guys know whether it is actually possible to change a roof?

The reason is the fact that I have a sunroof right now which drives me completely nuts! It doesn't open, leaks etc... So I went to realoem and found the actual hardtop roof without sunroof in it! By being able to order a roof, I would think these are interchangeable but how is it attached????

Does this involve welding? Or is it a matter of torx screws???

I really hope so, the sooner I can start transforming the car to the challenge specs!!

 

It involves welding so they are not easily interchangeable.

 

I know the skeleton is solid, but the actual white part shows up as roof skin...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/b/v/250.png

Looking at the drawings it seems to be connected thru 12 torx screws... But if it is welded to the actual body I guess there is no hope converting it to a normal roof in a decent way :(

 

you could have some beams and a panel welded in, smoothed over, and painted.... worth it?... probably not

 

Just put lexan tinted windows in where the sunroof is and seal it. It would be lighter then a sunroof and it would be lighter then a full hardtop. Or just go have it fixed.

 

A lexan sheet would be completely flat and not match the curve of the roof. It may look odd or not fit well.

 

I'll probably end up fixing the sunroof... But my goodness what a complete pain in the *** that thing is!

The nicest option would be to change the complete roof, although it involves welding it might even be the best option as I hate the leaking etc... Maybe I can weld in a complete rolcage at the same time

I'll def. let you guys know what it'll be... up until then I'm always open for suggestions!

(anyone know how to create a carbon insert perhaps??????? )

 

theyve make carbon inserts. there was a thread on it somewhere once.... though i do not think itll ever be produced. Some guy made one lol

Ill have to see if i can find it again

 

CF inserts would be cool. I've thought about that too.

 

Watch out with the insert. Would be sweet but very expensive and thats something you would have to be psycho with the maintance or it will go to crap and fast. Though it would be freaking sweet. Oh how about take the old roof off and make a new one in carbon fiber. Once again would be sweet but would be mad expensive then again it would UNLEASH THE AWESOME!!

 

I actually found a company in Japan that makes those... Duell it's called I believe, but I can't figure out whether it is just a scale putover the roof, of whether it is just a completely new roof... If it's the last it would save soooo much weight! And I thought it was around 1500 bucks...

http://translate.google.com/translat...jp&sl=ja&tl=en

That's the site!

 

Since your looking for all options available, I thought I would throw this your way.

Replace the sunroof with a sliding fabric roof...maybe?




(quoting MotoringFile)

"As usual we’ve got some quality MINI DIY action lined up for you today. The folding roof is an official R50/R53 accessory that has been around for years but rarely seen. And it makes sense with MINI’s exceptional all glass sunroof being a fairly inexpesive (all things considered) factory option. However for the folks who have been pining over one of MINI’s most exlusive accessories, here’s the official retrofit guide.

[ Folding Roof Retro-fit ] Official MINI Retrofit PDF"

 

From what I can gather from the crappy google translation is that it is just a cap and not a replacement roof. But I might be wrong.

 

Great idea, the only thing is I'm planning on taking the car to the track quite often (eventually the car is getting a FIA approved rollcage in it, just like the actual challenge car, so), so say if I got in a little trouble one day and roll it (I hope not) I don't know if I would be to happy with some fabric over my head, protecting me from all the gravel

And yea I already thought it was just a cap, I guess that's more for a showcar kinda aplication! I found a carbon fiber insert on NAM, but it's in the 1st generation forums so that's not really working out either...

As I live in Florida and we get rain quite often in these upcomming months I fixed my sunroof leak for now with some $3,99 transparent duct tape... At least she stays dry on the inside now!

 

Oh ya defianetly want to get the leak fixed before the rain comes. I live in Jax and it rains quite often here too. It would probably be in your best interest to fix the sunroof completely and then wait a little while when 07s really start droping in price and get one without a sunroof and almost no options and track that car. Kinda like my car it has no sunroof and has no options. Great track for sure.







And no I am not selling it.